Othello Questions – Act IV

Act IV, Scene 1


1) What are Othello and Iago discussing at the beginning of the scene? What physical reaction does Othello have to Iago’s information?



2) Whom do Iago and Cassio discuss while Othello is hiding? What does Cassio say about her? Whom does Othello think they are discussing and why?



3) Who enters at the end of Iago’s and Cassio’s conversation? What does she say to Cassio and what does she give him?



4) How does Othello plan to kill Desdemona? How does Iago suggest he do it? What is Othello’s response to Iago’s suggestion?



5) Who is Lodovico? How does Othello treat Desdemona in Lodovico’s presence, and what does Lodovico say about Othello’s behavior? What does Iago tell Lodovico about Othello’s behaviour?

Desdemona and Emilia in Othello.

Watch the video, then answer the following questions. Post responses to your blog.

1. What differences are there between Desdemona and Emilia?
2. Why do you think Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to Desdemona? Use what you hear in the video, as well as your own ideas. Consider the relationship between Iago and Emilia, as well as the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia.

Thinking question:

“Desdemona is presented in the play as a sexual subject who hears and desires, and that desire is punished because the non-specular or non-phallic sexuality it displays is frightening and dangerous.”

Karen Newman: Femininity and the monstrous in Othello.

To what extent do you agree with this view? Discuss and write down your ideas - post to your blog. Be ready to feedback.

HINT: Non-specular = not reflective; different.  (Consider, not reflective of what?  Different to what?)