Act 3 scene 4

Act 3 scene 4

1. Desdemona sees Cassio

   • Sudden shift from jealousy Othello at end of last scene to Desdemona emphasises just how innocent and virtuous she is.

2. Emilia lies saying she hasn't seen handkerchief

   • Desdemona tells Othello that she hasn't lost it, it's simply not on her
     • She lies
     • Changes subject to Cassio
       • Othello becomes enraged and leaves
         • Emilia understands he's jealous
           • Tells Desdemona one needs not do anything for a husband to become jealous
             • Emilia understands jealousy can warp a person's vision, so that they see what isn't there.

3. Iago looks into Othello's anger

4. Prostitute Bianca enters, claiming he's not visiting her enough

   • Cassio asks her to make a copy of handkerchief
     • She jealous
       • Cassio assures no need of jealousy

5. Contrasts Othello's jealousy

   • Proves that not only husbands are jealous like Emilia believes
   • Bianca is a whore who cares, whilst Desdemona is a virtuous wife who cares