Discussing Act 3 Scene 3 of Othello by William Shakespeare

Summary and Analysis of Act 3: Scene 3 of Othello

Iago's lies are the poison that lead Othello to madness. In Shakespeare's Othello the reader bears witness to Othello's descent into madness through the deceptions of lago. In the beginning of Act Three, Scene Three lago first plants the seed of doubt in Othello's mind. Later in scene three Othello's character is completely altered when he makes a "sacred vow" to exact his revenge.

Through a seemingly minor exchange lago is able to first able to sow seeds of doubt in the mind of Othello. On the castle grounds as Cassio is seen leaving Desdemona's side, lago exclaims, "Ha! I like not that. (Othello 3.3.34)" lago seems to frame this remark as a slip of the tongue. When Othello asks him what it is he had said, Iago simply replies, "Nothing, my lord; or if - I know not what (3.3.36)." Playing off the remark as a slip of the tongue is important to how Iago manipulates Othello. Iago avoids being forthright with Othello in order to make it appear that his intentions are genuine.

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Following the introduction of this false slip of the tongue Othello questions whether it was Cassio he saw leaving Desdemona's side. Iago then takes this opportunity to reply with false incredulity that surely it was not Cassio as he would not "steal away so guilty-like, [upon] seeing your [Othello] coming (3.3.38-39)." Iago is fully aware that the man Othello saw was indeed Cassio and he knowingly takes the opportunity to indirectly place guilt upon Cassio's character. This is the second piece of Iago's deception. First Iago must make Othello question Desdemona's fidelity, then he must convince Othello that Cassio is the man with whom Desdemona is being unfaithful. Othello and Desdemona have a brief conversation regarding Cassio's dismissal as lieutenant wherein Desdemona pleads on Cassio's behalf.

Following the brief exchange between Desdemona and Othello, Iago resumes his manipulation of Othello. Iago asks Othello if Cassio knew of Othello's love for Desdemona when they first met. This is a curious question to Othello who nevertheless answers that indeed Cassio did know of his love for Desdemona. Othello inquires as to why lago would ask such a thing to which lago replies that it was merely "for a satisfaction of [his] thought (3.3.97)." Iago does this in an effort to have Othello press him for more information. Iago's aim is to convince Othello that he knows something but does not wish to outright say so. In all of lago's deceit he must be seen as well-intentioned in order to not break his trust with Othello. Following his questioning of Cassio's intent, through his coy interaction with Othello, Iago plays dumb to Othello's further questioning.

Iago mimics Othello's speech further convincing Othello that he is hiding something from him. Othello pleads that Iago reveal his "thinkings" and that lago give to him "thy worst of thoughts (3.3.132)." Iago finally reveals his thoughts to Othello. Iago ambiguously cautions Othello to be wary of jealousy and adds that Othello should keep a keen eye on Cassio and Desdemona, lago is ambiguous enough as to not make any direct accusations. Rather than be forthright with Othello, Iago chooses to generalize on the character of Venetian women and the "nature" of Othello and Desdemona's relationship. Othello is tortured by Iago's simple manipulations and is left questioning Desdemona's fidelity.

Next and perhaps most importantly comes the theft of Desdemona's handkerchief at the hand of Emilia. Emilia steals the handkerchief and turns it over to lago. Iago does not make clear his intentions to Emilia. Iago reveals his intentions in soliloquy. Iago says that he intends to plant the handkerchief in Cassio's quarters which will be proof enough to Othello of Desdemona's supposed infidelity. Iago's plan comes to fruition in his next encounter with Othello. Othello 3

angrily confronts Iago and demands proof of Desdemona's infidelity. Iago introduces a lie wherein he says that Cassio had been calling out for Desdemona in his sleep. Iago then tells Othello that he had seen Desdemona's handkerchief in Cassio's possession (3.3.330-440). This enrages Othello and is the point at which his character irrevocably changes. Othello makes a "sacred vow" in which he dismisses his love for Desdemona and pledges his revenge.

Othello is very much a man of passions. Othello's romance with Desdemona and their clandestine marriage serve to prove this point. The conflict that Iago creates between Othello's trust and respect for lago as an "honest man" and his love for Desdemona drives him to the less savory, though equally passionate aspects of his character. His love for Desdemona and the apparent infidelity on her behalf enrages him to the point that he is unable to think clearly and makes a "sacred vow" to avenge any such wrongdoing. This vow is the proverbial cliff from which Othello is unable to turn back. Once Othello utters the words of the vow he truly and fully commits his character to the actions he intends to commit. It is in this instant that the weight of Iago's lies bear remittance to the sum of Othello's madness.

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