Act 4 Othello
Scene 1
1. What physical reactions does Othello have to the news about Desdemona and Cassio?
How might the audience interpret this response?
Othello faints from a seizure. The audience can interpret this fainting as symbolic of Othello’s
fall from greatness.
3. How does Othello misinterpret the dialogue between Cassio and Iago? How might an
observant person realize that Cassio is speaking of Bianca rather than Desdemona?
Throughout the play, when Cassio has spoken to or about Desdemona, he has done so with a
great deal of respect. He has not made jokes about Desdemona or women, and in fact has shown
himself to be a gentle and respecting man. When Iago speaks negatively about Desdemona,
Cassio refuses to enter in the conversation. In Cassio’s conversation with Iago, Cassio speaks
crudely about Bianca and their relationship. If one were to overhear the conversation, he or she
would not believe that the conversation was about Desdemona.
Othello believes that Cassio is speaking about his relationship with Desdemona, when really,
Iago is asking questions about Bianca.
4. With what does Othello charge Iago? How does Iago further influence Othello as they discuss
Cassio’s and Desdemona’s murders?
Othello charges Iago with killing Cassio. Iago continues to influence Othello by determining
the way Othello should murder Desdemona. Before, Iago’s persuasion was limited to innuendo
and lies, but now his influence is direct.
How has Desdemona and Othello’s relationship changed since the beginning of the play?
At the beginning of the play, Desdemona and Othello act as one. They stand up to Desdemona’s
father when he discovers their marriage. Othello is protective and kind, and Desdemona responds
by being the dutiful and loving wife. As the play progresses, Desdemona’s role in the relationship
does not change, but Othello’s behavior does Therefore, the relationship disintegrates into mistrust.
Othello does not even discuss the situation with Desdemona but instead relies on Iago to control
their relationship.
Explain the events as they transpire when Lodovico arrives. What do the events illustrate
about Othello’s transformation? Cite a textual example that supports this recognized change
in Othello’s behavior. How does this contribute to Othello’s ultimate demise?
When Lodovico arrives, Othello and Desdemona greet him. Lodovico inquires about Cassio, and
when Desdemona replies, Othello is angered and strikes her. When Desdemona departs, Lodovico
asks, “Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate call all in all sufficient?” (Act IV, Scene I, lines
283 – 284) Not only is Iago responsible for Othello’s loss of love, but he is also responsible for his
political downfall.
8. Explain the irony in the following speech. How does Shakespeare continue to highlight
the theme of appearance versus reality?
IAGO: Alas, alas!
It is not honesty in me to speak
What I have seen and known. You shall observe him,
And his own courses will denote him so
That I may save my speech: do but go after,
And mark how he continues.
LODOVICO: I am sorry that I am deceived in him. (Act IV, Scene I, lines 299 – 305)
Again, Iago references his own dishonesty, and for the audience, this confession serves as
dramatic irony. The audience recognizes that Iago is responsible for Othello’s behavior, so while
Iago may be able to ask that Lodovico base his conclusions on Othello’s present behavior, he
hides his responsibility in promoting that behavior.
