What is the theme of Act 4 in Othello?
Jealousy and the fear that he has been cuckolded have robbed him of his honor, and he now acts recklessly, angrily, and without self-control. Lodovico can’t believe that Othello, renowned for his unshakable self-control, would act this way. He asks Iago if Othello has gone mad.
What is the purpose of Act 4 Scene 2 in Othello?
In Act IV, scene ii, Othello interrogates Emilia as if she were a witness to a crime. Her testimony would be strong evidence of Desdemona’s innocence, except that Othello dismisses it all as lies, because it does not accord with what he already believes.
Why does Othello faint Act 4?
In a conversation with Othello, Iago says that Cassio has confessed to sex with Desdemona. This revelation is too much for Othello, who becomes incoherent and faints.
What is Othello’s tragic flaw quotes?
I swear to God I’ll get revenge.” (This quote shows his flaws and fall because he is so gullible and angry because of Iago and leads to his mistake of killing her.) “Oh, what a fool I am!” (Admits to being a fool and shows that he is a tragic hero due to his gullible attributes and blinded sight cause of anger.)
How does the handkerchief function in Act 4?
In Act IV, the handkerchief falls to the ground and Iago picks it up; this is showing that love is lost and that now Iago is in control of manipulating Othello’s feelings. Why is the handkerchief so important to Othello? The handkerchief represents Othello’s love for Desdemona.
What happened in Act 4 Scene 3 of Othello?
After the supper, Othello orders Desdemona to go to bed and to dismiss her attendant. Desdemona and Emilia discuss the situation; Emilia sees the marriage with Othello as a mistake, but Desdemona regrets nothing.
How does Iago manipulate Roderigo Act 4?
Iago agrees to help Roderigo to find an approach to Desdemona. However, he never fulfills his promises, betraying him instead. Iago uses Roderigo to destroy Cassio’s reputation and career.
How is Othello changing in Act 4 What is the effect of his public humiliation of Desdemona by slapping her?
What is the effect on his public humiliation of Desdemona by slapping her? This act of rage shows that Othello has almost completely lost it. Iago’s infectiousness ideas have poisoned Othello’s mind. He is so angered.
What is Othello’s last line?
‘Soft you, a word or two before you go’: so begins Othello’s last major speech before he stabs himself. His last words, famously, are ‘I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee’.
What do Othello’s last words mean?
Othello’s final words indicate how he wishes to be remembered. In saying ‘When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of me as I am’ (5.2. 3709) Othello is aware that the events of the day shall be relayed far and wide. He knows that Lodovico and Gratiano will need to report what has happened here.
How does Iago manipulate Desdemona in Act 4?
Iago reminds Othello of Desdemona’s handkerchief, and Iago tells him what would he do if he had given a handkerchief to a woman he’d let her give it to whomever she wanted. Also Iago makes Othello picture Cassio and Desdemona in bed together which drives him insane.
What do handkerchiefs symbolize?
At its most sensual, the handkerchief was a symbol of either marital fidelity – handkerchiefs are still given at weddings for luck – or courtship, with embroidered messages and imagery being added to handkerchiefs between men and women in a sort of antediluvian form of sexting.
What does the handkerchief symbolism in Othello?
The handkerchief initially is a gift given to Desdemona by Othello as a love token. It is subsequently symbolically transformed into Desdemona’s bedsheets, which she uses to reveal her true innocence and fidelity to Othello; and finally, Desdemona requests that the bedsheets be used to cover her as a death shroud.
What is the significance of the Willow Song Desdemona sings in Act 4 Scene 3?
The willow song expresses the meaning of Desdemona’s name (ill-starred) and foreshadows her terrible fate. Desdemona’s mother had a maid, Barbary, who died singing the willow song which ‘expressed her fortune’ (line 27). There are clear parallels here with Desdemona.
Did Othello slept with Emilia?
One of the reasons Iago gives for his hatred of Othello is the rumor that “’twixt my sheets he has done my office,” I surprisingly polite way for Iago to say that Othello slept with his (Iago’s) wife, Emilia.
How does the handkerchief function in Act 4 Why is the handkerchief so important to Othello?
Why is the handkerchief so important to Othello? In Act IV the handkerchief is used by Iago to almost represent Desdemona. Because this handkerchief is so important to Othello, it is the perfect thing to use to symbolize Desdemona’s love.