Act 4, scene 1

Act 4, scene 1

1. Iago says Cassio told him he slept with Desdemona

   • Othello goes into a fit
     • Can't speak
       • Animalistic trait
         • He has become the animal they all thought him to be

2. Othello hides to watch Iago and Cassio's conversation, supposedly about the affair

   • He actually talks about Bianca not Desdemona
     • Cassio laughs, Othello raging
       • Bianca enters accusing him of having a mistress, throws handkerchief at him then storms off
         • Cassio runs after her
         • Her act of jealousy aids Iago's plan, although unplanned

3. Iago promises to kill Cassio

   • Othello will strangle Desdemona
     • Lists her irresistible qualities
       • Iago assures him they are traits of unfaithful women

4. Lodovico arrives

   • Desdemona wants to solve problem between Othello and Cassio
     • Othello slaps Desdemona out of anger
       • "Devil"
       • Desdemona's drastically changed from the start till now
   • serendipitous addition to Iago’s plan

5. Lodovico shocked, asks Iago if Othello's gone mad

   • Iago merely hints at it, refusing to answer
     • Makes him seem loyal