Othello Act 3 Scene 3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the central scene to the play?

Central scene to the play.

What does Desdemona promise regarding her friendship?

She will perform it to the last article.

Why does Cassio leave when Othello and Iago enter?

He is embarrassed of his antics the previous night.

What warning does Desdemona give with the phrase, 'Good love, call him back'?

Her fate plays a major role in the tragedy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Desdemona's insistence about the meeting suggest?

It leads to Othello becoming mildly vexed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello mean by 'Excellent wretch!'?

He refers to the chaos that is about to enter his life. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello mean by 'Chaos is come again'?

When Othello stops loving Desdemona, there will be a complete loss of order. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago imply when he says, 'But for a satisfaction of my thought; No further harm'?

He knows something that he refuses to divulge. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago mean by asking 'Honest, my lord?'?

He plants the seed of suspicion and jealousy in Othello. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago's quote 'Men should be what they seem' indicate?

He is speaking about being two-faced. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago mean by 'O beware, my lord, of jealousy'?

Jealousy is personified as a rotting monster. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello deny when he says, 'Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy'?

He shows his vulnerability. Signup and view all the answers

What is Othello's reasoning in 'For she had eyes and chose me'?

He tries not to accept Iago's lies. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago suggest with 'Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio'?

He plants doubt into Othello about Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago imply by 'She did deceive her father, marrying you'?

Desdemona may not be fully trusted. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello assert when he says 'I do not think but Desdemona's honest'?

Othello still believes she is honest. Signup and view all the answers

What is Othello contemplating when he asks 'Why did I marry?'

He fears being tricked by Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello's soliloquy represent?

It shows the dramatic and psychological tipping point of the play. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Haply for I am black' reveal about Othello?

He fears that it is unnatural for Desdemona to love him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello mean when he says 'I had rather be a toad'?

He would rather not be loved than to love someone who loves others. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death' imply?

His destiny is fated. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Even then this forked plague is fated to us' suggest?

It signifies that betrayal is destined. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Central Themes

Act 3, Scene 3 serves as a pivotal moment in Othello, highlighting the transition from trust to betrayal.
Desdemona’s innocence contrasts sharply with Iago’s manipulative schemes.

Desdemona's Loyalty

"Assure thee if I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it to the last article" indicates Desdemona's unwavering commitment to her promises, especially regarding Cassio and Othello.

Character Movements and Actions

Cassio exits upon Othello and Iago's arrival, reflecting his embarrassment from previous antics.
Desdemona attempts to retrieve Cassio, unaware of the fateful timing of her actions.

Othello's Changing Perceptions

Othello expresses his dismay with "Excellent wretch!" showcasing a shift in his admiration for Desdemona.
"Chaos is come again" signals Othello’s emotional turmoil and foreshadows disorder in his life due to jealousy.

Iago's Manipulative Tactics

Iago’s remark "But for a satisfaction of my thought; No further harm" implies he possesses incriminating knowledge that he intentionally withholds from Othello.
His question, "Honest, my lord?" deepens Othello's insecurities, sowing seeds of doubt and jealousy.

Themes of Jealousy

"O beware, my lord, of jealousy: It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on" personifies jealousy as a destructive force.
Othello's denial, "Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy," reveals his vulnerability as Iago’s insinuations take root.

Conflict with Self-Identity

"For she had eyes and chose me" reflects Othello's struggle to counter Iago's deceit, clinging to the notion of Desdemona’s love.
"Why did I marry?" expresses Othello’s internal conflict, questioning the integrity of his marriage.

Othello's Soliloquy

Serves as a critical moment revealing Othello's emotional state; he articulates his fears and insecurities poetically yet with control.

Racial and Emotional Struggles

"Haply for I am black" illustrates Othello’s deep-seated insecurities regarding his race and how it affects his relationship with Desdemona.
"I had rather be a toad" employs vivid animal imagery to express Othello's disdain for love that is not reciprocated.

Fate and Tragedy

"’Tis destiny unshunnable, like death" introduces dramatic irony, suggesting Othello's fate is intertwined with tragedy.
"Even then this forked plague is fated to us" foreshadows betrayal as an inevitable part of Othello's tragic narrative.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the pivotal third act of Othello with these flashcards. This scene reveals crucial elements of character dynamics and foreshadows conflict. Explore Desdemona's loyalty and Cassio's embarrassment as you review key quotes and their meanings.