OTHELLO ACT 4

Othello demands to know more about Desdemona’s infidelity from Iago Othello works himself into a state and collapses in a fit. Cassio appears. Iago tells him to go away.

Othello wakens. “Do you mock me?” Insecurity. Wants confession from Cassio Iago tells Othello to stand aside. He will quiz Cassio for all the details of his relationship with Desdemona Othello hides. Cassio appears and Iago quizzes him about Bianca. Othello thinks they are talking about Desdemona

Bianca storms in with the handkerchief and accuses Cassio of giving her some “minx’s token” Bianca storms off. Cassio follows to placate her Othello is filled with rage. He swears to chop Desdemona into pieces. Iago tells Othello to strangle Desdemona. He will kill Cassio.

Lodovico comes from Venice with letters to recall Othello Desdemona tells him about the falling out of Cassio and Othello. This upsets the already upset Othello. He hits Desdemona

Desdemona leaves. Lodovico is horrified and confused. Iago and Lodovico are alone on the stage. Iago “suggests” there is something wrong with Othello.

Othello questions Emelia about whether she has seen anything suspicious Emelia swears Desdemona has been faithful. Othello tells her to fetch Desdemona. Othello accuses Desdemona of being a whore. She tries to defend herself.

Othello cries that he could have borne any affliction, but to have to bear the loss of that to which he gave his heart, he cannot do. He calls Desdemona a whore and flings a purse at Emelia. This interaction is filled with images of heaven and hell.

Othello leaves and Desdemona is in shock She tells Emelia to put her wedding sheets on her bed and call Iago. Iago feigns ignorance of Othello’s accusations.

Desdemona kneels and swears she love Othello and nothing will ever taint her love. The bells for supper ring and Desdemona and Emelia leave..

Iago and Roderigo meet. Roderigo feels he has been dealt with unjustly. Roderigo threatens to reveal everything to Desdemona and ask for his jewels back. This would not suit Iago for a number of reasons.

Iago tries to persuade Roderigo to stay in Cyprus. Iago’s argument: Othello has been called to Mauritania Desdemona will go with him. Cassio is in charge of Cyprus. If Cassio is killed, Othello will not be able to leave. Roderigo can then claim Desdemona..

Iago then tells Roderigo he must “remove” Cassio. They plan to attack him after dinner. Iago will stand close by.

Dinner is over. Othello tells Desdemona to dismiss Emelia and wait for him in their chambers. Before Emelia leaves she helps Desdemona undress. Desdemona sings the Willow song. Story of the Willow song: Mother had a maid Barbary. She loved a man who was mad. She died singing the willow song.

Desdemona asks Emelia if she would ever be unfaithful. Emelia says she would do it if the price were high enough. Emelia speaks of how men mistreat women. If women are unfaithful it is because their husbands teach them how to be.