Othello A 3-4

This week in class we read Act 3 and Act 4 of Othello. After reading these acts, we find out that Othello is planning to kill his wife, Desdemona, because he believes that she has been unfaithful. This is because Desdemona is unable to show Othello his mother’s handkerchief, which he gave to her, and she has lost. This is symbolic to Othello in many ways because it was given to Desdemona by Othello as the first token of his affections to her. The idea that Desdemona has lost it symbolizes the lack of trust between Othello and Desdemona and is also the symbol of the sensuality of her affair. Iago, being his manipulative self, begins to convince Othello that his wife is being unfaithful once Othello tells him he is suspicious. This infuriates Othello, and he decides that it’s necessary to kill Desdemona for her betrayal.

Othello act 4

This week in class we discussed the end of Act III and Act IV. Towards the end of Act III we begin to see Othello's suspicion of Desdemona's purported infidelity rise when she is unable to procure his mothers handkerchief. He then goes on the describe the story behind and the handkerchief and what it symbolizes. In the next Act we see the extent of Iago's manipulation with his persistent insinuations of Desdemona's unfaithfulness; this brings Othello over the edge and later decides he wants to murder Cassio. AS the story progresses Othello finally accuses Desdemona of her adultery even though she is adamantly denying all accusations. Later, Desdemona seems to be aware of her fate and accepts her death at the hands of her husband. I did not finish the play and I am not enjoying it. I don't really like the language and the whole story seems ridiculous to me. The idea that she will simply accept her death is just weird.