Act IV, Scene I 1. How does the scene begin?

Explain the significance of the following conversation between Iago and Othello. Explain the symbolism of the handkerchief. IAGO: So they do nothing, tis a venial30 slip: But if I give my wife a handkerchief OTHELLO: What then? IAGO: Why, then, tis hers, my lord, and being hers, She may, I think, bestowt on any man. OTHELLO: She is protectress of her honour too: May she give that? IAGO: Her honour is an essence thats not seen; They have it very oft that have it not: But, for the handkerchief fleshly OTHELLO: By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it: Thou saidstit comes oer my memory, As doth the raven31 oer the infected house, Boding to allhe had my handkerchief. The scene begins with a conversation between Iago and Othello in which Iago insinuates that a woman can be in bed without doing anything wrong. Othello questions Iagos comment, and Iago continues to make insinuations, eventually bringing up the issue of the handkerchief. For Othello, the handkerchief represents Desdemonas infidelity, and he claims that he could have kept it from his mind if not for Iagos reminder. The irony of the situation is that for Othello, the handkerchief is a disease that has entered their relationship and killed it. 2. What physical reactions does Othello have to the news about Desdemona and Cassio? How might the audience interpret this response? Othello faints from a seizure. The audience can interpret this fainting as symbolic of Othellos fall from greatness. 3. How does Othello misinterpret the dialogue between Cassio and Iago? How might an observant person realize that Cassio is speaking of Bianca rather than Desdemona? Throughout the play, when Cassio has spoken to or about Desdemona, he has done so with a great deal of respect. He has not made jokes about Desdemona or women, and in fact has shown himself to be a gentle and respecting man. When Iago speaks negatively about Desdemona, Cassio refuses to enter in the conversation. In Cassios conversation with Iago, Cassio speaks crudely about Bianca and their relationship. If one were to overhear the conversation, he or she would not believe that the conversation was about Desdemona.

Othello believes that Cassio is speaking about his relationship with Desdemona, when really, Iago is asking questions about Bianca. 4. With what does Othello charge Iago? How does Iago further influence Othello as they discuss Cassios and Desdemonas murders? Othello charges Iago with killing Cassio. Iago continues to influence Othello by determining the way Othello should murder Desdemona. Before, Iagos persuasion was limited to innuendo and lies, but now his influence is direct. 5. How has Desdemona and Othellos relationship changed since the beginning of the play? At the beginning of the play, Desdemona and Othello act as one. They stand up to Desdemonas father when he discovers their marriage. Othello is protective and kind, and Desdemona responds by being the dutiful and loving wife. As the play progresses, Desdemonas role in the relationship does not change, but Othellos behavior does; therefore, the relationship disintegrates into mistrust. Othello does not even discuss the situation with Desdemona but instead relies on Iago to control their relationship. 6. Who is Lodovico? Explain what his presence in the play highlight about Othellos character. Lodovico is a General from Venice. His presence signifies a reminder of the distance that Othello has come in his transformation. 7. Explain the events as they transpire when Lodovico arrives. What do the events illustrate about Othellos transformation? Cite a textual example that supports this recognized change in Othellos behavior. How does this contribute to Othellos ultimate demise? When Lodovico arrives, Othello and Desdemona greet him. Lodovico inquires about Cassio, and when Desdemona replies, Othello is angered and strikes her. When Desdemona departs, Lodovico asks, Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate call all in all sufficient? (Act IV, Scene I, lines 283 284) Not only is Iago responsible for Othellos loss of love, but he is also responsible for his political downfall. 8. Explain the irony in the following speech. How does Shakespeare continue to highlight the theme of appearance versus reality? IAGO: Alas, alas! It is not honesty in me to speak What I have seen and known. You shall observe him, And his own courses will denote him so That I may save my speech: do but go after, And mark how he continues. LODOVICO: I am sorry that I am deceived in him. (Act IV, Scene I, lines 299 305) Again, Iago references his own dishonesty, and for the audience, this confession serves as

dramatic irony. The audience recognizes that Iago is responsible for Othellos behavior, so while Iago may be able to ask that Lodovico base his conclusions on Othellos present behavior, he hides his responsibility in promoting that behavior. Throughout the play Shakespeare highlights that theme that what we see is not always the reality in the situation. 9. Pay attention to Othellos language in this scene. How does his use of language parallel his language in Act III? What does Othellos use of language explain about his character? Othellos language has changed from the eloquence of Act One to the disjointed words and phrases of Act Three and Act Four. As Othello sinks further into his jealousy, his language mimics the torment in his mind. Act IV, Scene II 1. How does Emilia prove to be a friend to Desdemona? How does her characterization of the cause of Othellos mistrust parallel Emilias beliefs about men and marriage? Othello questions Emilia about Desdemonas infidelity. Emilia continues to insist that Desdemona is innocent. Emilia states, If any wretch have put this in your head, let heaven requite it with the serpents curse. (Act IV, Scene II, lines 17 18) In her statement, she unknowingly characterizes her feelings for Iago and marriage in general. Throughout the play Emilias attitude about marriage and men in general has been negative. 2. In the following speech, to what does it refer? EMILIA: I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, Lay down my soul at stake. If you think other, Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom. If any wretch have put this in your head, Let heaven requite it with the serpents curse! For, if she be not honest, chaste, and true, Theres no man happy; the purest of their wives Is foul as slander. (Act IV, Scene II, lines 14 21) The it refers to the question of Desdemonas faithfulness. 3. Explain the rhetorical strategy that Shakespeare uses in the following passage. What is its effect? OTHELLO: Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, Made to write whore upon? What committed? Committed! O thou public commoner! I should make very forges of my cheeks, That would to cinders burn up modesty, Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed!

Heaven stops the nose at it and the moon winks; The bawdy wind that kisses all it meets Is hushd within the hollow mine of earth, And will not hear it. What committed! Impudent strumpet! (Act IV, Scene II, lines 79 89) Shakespeare employs the use of repetition in Othellos speech. The use of repetition accomplishes two things. First, the repetition of the phrase what committed highlights Othellos passionate, and yet nonsensical, disturbance at his belief in Desdemonas dishonesty. The repetition illustrates that the only thought that has been on his mind has been Desdemonas relationship with Cassio. The repetition of committed without a specific mention of any proof that Othello has (besides the information from Iago) highlights that the real proof that Othello has against Desdemona is not importantthe only importance is what Othello believes. Finally, the repetition first begins as a question, then a bold statement, and then a simple declaration. The use of the different tones when Othello uses the phrase parallels the way in which he came to his conclusion. First, Othello questioned Iago about Desdemonas behavior and had a difficult time believing that Desdemona would be unfaithful. Then, Othello became very passionate about Desdemonas unfaithfulness, and finally, Othello is resigned to punishing Desdemona for her behavior. Now, her actions are simply fact. 4. Read the following interchange between Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia. What question does Desdemona ask of Iago? How does he initially respond? What does this say about his character? IAGO: Whats the matter, lady? EMILIA: Alas, Iago, my lord hath so bewhored her, Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her, As true hearts cannot bear. DESDEMONA: Am I that name, Iago? IAGO: What name, fair lady? DESDEMONA: Such as she says my lord did say I was. EMILIA: He calld her whore; a beggar in his drink Could not have laid such terms upon his callet. IAGO: Why did he so? DESDEMONA: I do not know; I am sure I am none such. IAGO: Do not weep, do not weep. Alas the day! EMILIA: Hath she forsook so many noble matches, Her father and her country and her friends, To be calld whore? would it not make one weep?

DESDEMONA: It is my wretched fortune. IAGO: How comes this trick upon him? DESDEMONA: Nay, heaven doth know. EMILIA: I will be hangd, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devised this slander; Ill be hangd else. IAGO: Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible. (Act IV, Scene II, lines 130 152) Desdemona asks Iago if she is in fact a whore. Iago never answers her directly. His refusal to address the question indicates that he is a man without character. He does not care about saving Desdemonas feelings, and is only interested in evading the truth. 5. Roderigo is absent throughout much of the play. Explain Roderigos influence in the action in the play despite his invisibility. How is this a testimony to Iagos manipulation? What is Roderigos purpose in this scene? Roderigos influence is large in terms of the advancement of the plot although he is rarely seen as influential by the other characters. At the beginning of the play, Roderigo is responsible for alerting Brabantio to his daughters marriage. He is also one of the first people to mention Othellos character as a Moor. Some might believe that Roderigo is responsible for contributing to Iagos motivation in destroying Othello, but further study of the play would indicate that Iago acts solely out of his own greed. Later in the play, Roderigo is responsible for Cassios ultimate disgrace in front of Othello, which leads to a situation in which Iago can manipulate Othellos interpretation of Cassio and Desdemonas relationship. Iagos ability to use Roderigo without drawing attention to the nature of Roderigos actions is a testament Iagos skill. Roderigo is easily forgotten, and by being forgotten, he is able to play a role in the plot. Roderigos purpose in this scene is to highlight Iagos deception to even those that he seems to like. 6. What exposition are we given through the conversation between Iago and Roderigo? What is Roderigo able to learn about Iagos character that the other characters in the play have not? Roderigo believes that the reason Iago is interfering in the relationship between Othello and Desdemona is because Iago is trying to help Roderigo gain Desdemonas love. We learn that Roderigo has given Iago jewels to give to Desdemona, and yet Desdemona has not responded the way Roderigo believed she should. Therefore, Roderigo believes that Iago has tricked him. Roderigo learns that Iago does not do as he says. Roderigo sees Iagos duplicity. Roderigo states, Faith, I have heard too much, for your words and performances are no kin together. (Act IV, Scene II, 203 204) 7. How does Iago manipulate Roderigo at the end of Scene Two? How do we know that Iago is manipulating Roderigo?

Iago convinces Roderigo to murder Cassio. Iago explains to Roderigo that murdering Cassio will compel Othello and Desdemona to stay longer before returning to Venice. We know that Iago is manipulating Roderigo because Roderigo knows nothing about Othellos plan to strangle Desdemona. Act IV, Scene III 1. Explain the meaning of Emilias statement, I would you had never seen him! (Act IV, Scene III, line 19) What is the context in which she makes the statement? How does Desdemona respond to Emilias statement, and what does this illustrate about Desdemonas character? Emilia is speaking to Desdemona after Othello has instructed Desdemona to go to bed and dismiss Emilia for the evening. Emilia is telling Desdemona that she wishes Desdemona had never married Othello. Desdemona responds in a way that is only fitting for the loyal and loving person that she is; Desdemona tells Emilia that she still loves Othello. 2. Shakespeare uses foreshadowing in this final scene of Act Four to show what is going to happen to Desdemona. Cite several examples of foreshadowing in the scene and explain what they imply about Desdemonas knowledge of her death. One of the first examples of foreshadowing in the scene is when Desdemona states, If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me in one of those same sheets. (Act IV, Scene III, lines 25 26) This statement implies that Desdemona understand that she is going to die soon. The second example of foreshadowing is Desdemonas comparison of her mothers maids life to her own. The most telling example of foreshadowing in this scene is found in the song that Desdemona sings. Desdemona sings a song that the maid sang once. In the song, a line reads, Let nobody blame him; his scorn I approve. (Act IV, Scene III, line 54) The implication is that Desdemona knows that Othello is going to kill her. She does not anyone to punish him or blame him for his actions. She is accepting them. 3. Explain the purpose of the final conversation between Emilia and Desdemona. Of what do the two women speak? Desdemona asks Emilia if Emilia believes that there are women who are unfaithful to their husbands. She asks Emilia if she would be unfaithful if it would mean that her husband could have the world. Emilia responds that she would be able to betray her husband. Desdemona admits that she could not. Again, Shakespeare uses Emilia as a foil to Desdemona. Emilias responses and actions highlight Desdemonas honesty and loyalty. This final conversation also evokes reader sympathy for Desdemona. 4. Read Emilias final speech in Act Four. What comment do you believe Shakespeare might be trying to make about the relationships between men and women through Emilias speech at the end of Act Four? How does Emilias speech contrast Desdemonas beliefs about the relationships between men and women during the Renaissance?

EMILIA: Yes, a dozen, and as many to the vantage as would store the world they played for. But I do think it is their husbands faults If wives do fall; say that they slack their duties, And pour our treasures into foreign laps, Or else break out in peevish jealousies, Throwing restraint upon us, or say they strike us, Or scant our former having in despite,36 Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace, Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know Their wives have sense like them; they see and smell And have their palates both for sweet and sour, As husbands have. What is it that they do When they change us for others? Is it sport? I think it is. And doth affection breed it? I think it doth. Ist frailty that thus errs? It is so too. And have not we affections, Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well; else let them know, The ills we do, their ills instruct us so. (Act IV, Scene III, lines 89 108) Throughout the play, Desdemonas character has reflected the typical Renaissance view of relationships between men and women. Even though Desdemona was an outspoken woman, she was faithful to Othello and declared her faithfulness to those around her. Othello could not have asked for a better woman to have married. On the other hand, Emilia serves as a foil to Desdemonas character. Her final speech illustrates her beliefs that women should not allow themselves to be treated poorly simply because they are women. Emilia believes that men and women are basically the same and that both have the same desires and needs. Shakespeare allows Desdemona to be killed in spite of her best intentions, which may perhaps be his comment about what women should or should not do when they are treated unfairly. Emilia represents a progressive attitude toward the role of women in the Renaissance and womens abilities to be outspoken and have feelings, interests, and ideas independent of men. Act V, Scene I 1. Explain what the following speech illustrates about Iagos character. IAGO: I have rubbd this young quat37 almost to the sense,38 And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio, Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo, He calls me to a restitution39 large Of gold and jewels that I bobbd40 from him, As gifts to Desdemona; It must not be. If Cassio do remain, He hath a daily beauty in his life That makes me ugly; and besides, the Moor

May unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril: No, he must die. But so: I hear him coming. (Act V, Scene I, lines 11 21) The speech reveals that Iago feels no regret about the murder that is about to take place. He does not feel any gratitude toward Roderigo and his influence in the scheme. Iago feels as if he will be able to manipulate the situation no matter what the outcome of the fight between Roderigo and Cassio. The audience should feel disgusted toward Iagos motivations. While the motivation to hurt Othello has never been clear, the only part clear at this point is that Iago is willing to let people die without cause (like Roderigo). 2. For what two reasons does Iago say he wants Cassio dead? Iago says that Cassio has a beauty in his life (an integrity) that makes Iago look ugly. Secondly, if Othello confronts Cassio, Iagos treachery will be revealed. 3. In the battle, who is responsible for the wounds? Cassio is responsible for wounding Roderigo. Roderigo is responsible for wounding no one. Iago is responsible for wounding Cassio in the leg. 4. Explain Othellos reaction to Roderigos and Casios injuries. With what does he give Iago credit? Explain the irony in Othellos words. OTHELLO: Tis he. O brave Iago, honest and just, That hast such noble sense of thy friends wrong! Thou teachest me. Minion, your dear lies dead, And your unblest fate hies. Strumpet, I come! Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted; Thy bed, lust-staind, shall with lusts blood be spotted. (Act V, Scene I, lines 32 37) Othello is cold-hearted to both Roderigo and Cassio. He makes no attempt to help either, but instead, Othello thanks Iago. Othello gives Iago credit for teaching him how to put words into action. Othello leaves the scene with the intention of murdering Desdemona. The irony in the scene is that Othello refers to Iago as the one person who is honest and just, and in the group of men who are involved in the scene thus far, Cassio is the only man who can truly be said to be honest and just. 5. How is Iago able to manipulate the situation even further? How does his manipulation of the scene connect to the theme of the play? Iago is able to manipulate the situation further by coming upon the men and pretending to know nothing about what has transpired. Because both men are still alive, and because Cassio holds rank and Roderigo does not, Iago kills Roderigo in order to alleviate the situation. Appearances versus reality are a key to this scene. First, Iago is the mastermind behind Cassios attack, and yet he is the one person who comes to assist the men. Second, throughout the play, Iago appears to be a friend and confidante to Roderigo, but in the end, Iago is Roderigos murderer. Finally, Iago has been attempting to destroy Cassio throughout the play, but in this final scene, Iago must appear to be Casios ally.

6. Why does Roderigo say to Iago, O, damnd Iago! O inhuman dog!? Iago, Lodovico, and Gratiano are on the scene when the wounded Cassio points out Roderigo as one of his attackers. Iago, pretending rage, kills Roderigo to keep him quiet. At this point, Roderigo recognizes Iago for the demon that he is. 7. Explain Iagos implication of Bianca. Explain why you believe he chooses to implicate her. Iago implicates Bianca in Cassios attack. He compels the others to look at Biancas face as the sign of her guilt. Students should evaluate why Iago would implicate Bianca. Until this point in the play, Bianca has played a very small role. Iago has no reason to dislike her or fear that she would in some way interfere with his plot. One reason students might believe that he implicates her is because she is a woman, and as he demonstrates throughout the play, Iago does not respect women. Another reason that students might believe that Iago is implicating Bianca is because he is unable to hurt Cassio in any other way. Cassio was not killed as he had hoped, so the next best thing might be to destroy Cassios faith in people. 8. Read the following speech, paying particular attention to the aside. What does Iagos statement lead us to believe about him? IAGO: Kind gentlemen, lets go see poor Cassio dressd. Come, mistress, you must tells another tale. Emilia, run you to the citadel, And tell my lord and lady what hath happd! Will you go on? [Aside] This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite. (Act V, Scene I, lines 138 143) The statement may lead the audience to believe that Iago is having doubts about his success in this plot. Throughout the play, Iago has been the most honest with the audience, and in doing so, Iago has never questioned whether or not he will be successful. Instead of Iago making a statement that he is going to be made, he leaves the audience wondering whether the events will unfold as he thought or if he will fail. Act V, Scene II 1. Read Othellos speech at the beginning of scene. Explain Othellos state of mind. How does his use of language compare with his use of language in Act Four? As he contemplates murdering Desdemona, with what does he compare taking her life? Explain the uses of diction as Shakespeare employs them in this speech. OTHELLO: It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars! It is the cause. Yet Ill not shed her blood, Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow And smooth as monumental alabaster.

Yet she must die, else shell betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light. If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, I can again thy former light restore, Should I repent me; but once put out thy light, Thou cunningst pattern of excelling nature, I know not where is that Promethean heat That can thy light relume. When I have pluckd the rose, I cannot give it vital growth again, It must needs wither; Ill smell it on the tree. [Kisses her.] O, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade Justice to break her sword! One more, one more; Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, And love thee after. One more, and this the last: So sweet was neer so fatal. I must weep, But they are cruel tears; this sorrows heavenly, It strikes where it doth love. She wakes. (Act V, Scene II, lines 1 22) Othello is contemplative before he kills Desdemona. He seems to be thinking about Desdemona, her innocence, and her guilt. He is resigned to kill her nonetheless, and while he may not feel remorse for what he is about to do, he does mourn the loss of Desdemona and his own life (We presume that his life as he knows it will be over once he has murdered his wife. There is no evidence that he intends to try to cover up his crime.) Othellos language regains its eloquence in this final scene of the play. Throughout the play we witnessed a change in his speech from eloquence and beautiful imagery to speech filled with disjointed and beastly images. Whereas in Act Four Othellos passion resulted in fragmented thoughts and speech, Othellos passion in Act Five is illustrated through his return to diction fit for an honorable and well-educated man. He seems to be at peace with the crime that he is about to commit. Othello compares taking Desdemonas life with taking her virginity. Throughout the speech Othello compares Desdemona to light. He speaks to chaste stars and refuses to dirty the image with the cause of his displeasure. He refers three times to the cause of his shame, but he does not speak it aloud. Instead, Othello continues to highlight the purity of Desdemonas appearance. He compares Desdemona with the light, and he believes that murdering her will restore her light (or her innocence). At the end of his speech, he compares Desdemona with a rose, a symbol of love. 2. Why does Othello ask Desdemona if she prayed before she went to sleep? Othello wants to make sure that Desdemona is right with God before he kills her. 3. How does Desdemona try to convince Othello not to kill her? What is the effect of her final conversation with Othello? Desdemona tries to convince Othello that her only sin is her love for him. This final conversation

with Othello highlights for the audience Desdemonas innocence. 4. Explain the symbolism and recognition of the handkerchief in this final scene. The handkerchief functions as a symbol of Desdemonas love and fidelity to Othello. Othello uses the handkerchief as proof of Desdemonas unfaithfulness. Desdemona finally realizes that Othello has misinterpreted the events with the handkerchief, and yet when she has a chance to explain, Othello still does not believe her. 5. When Othello tells Desdemona of Cassios death, what is her reaction? How does Othello interpret this reaction? Desdemona cries at Cassios death. Othello believes that her tears are because her lover has been killed, but Desdemona is crying because she realizes the deception. 6. Othello believes that he has killed Desdemona. Explain his reaction to her death. OTHELLO: Yes: tis Emilia. By and by. Shes dead. Tis like she comes to speak of Cassios death. The noise was here. Ha! no more moving? Still as the grave. Shall she come in? weret good? I think she stirs again. No. Whats best to do? If she come in, shell sure speak to my wife: My wife! My wife! What wife? I have no wife. O, insupportable! O heavy hour! Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted globe Should yawn at alteration. (Act V, Scene II, lines 110 120) When Othello fears that Emilia is going to discover what he has done, he panics. But then, after he looks at Desdemonas still body, Othello cannot come to terms with the loss of his wife. He repeats wife five times as if reconciling that she is gone. It appears as if he has great remorse for her murder. 7. Explain the events in the following lines from Act Five. Why does Desdemona say what she says? EMILIA: Alas, what cry is that? OTHELLO: That? what? EMILIA: Out, and alas! That was my ladys voice. Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again! Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak! DESDEMONA: A guiltless death I die. EMILIA: O, who hath done this deed?

DESDEMONA: Nobody; I myself. Farewell; Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell! [Dies] (Act V, Scene II, lines 141 149) When Emilia comes in to speak to Othello, she reveals that Cassio is not dead. Othello recognizes the unjust murder that has just been committed. Desdemona is not dead after being smothered by Othello and she speaks to Emilia. Desdemona confesses that she killed herself. She does not want Othello to be punished for her murder. 8. Why does Emilia repeat the phrase, My husband! three times? Emilia repeats the phrase because she cannot believe that her husband would have said that Desdemona was unfaithful. 9. How does Shakespeare reveal Iagos duplicity after Desdemonas murder? Emilia relates to Othello the truth behind the handkerchief. 10. How is Emilias fate parallel to Desdemonas? Emilias fate is parallel to Desdemonas despite the fact that Emilia has not been accused of anything. After Iagos arrival at the scene of Desdemonas murder, Emilia questions her husband about his role in Desdemonas murder. Iago admits that he told Othello about Desdemona. Like Desdemona, Emilia is deceived by her husband. Emilia has been deceived like everyone else in the play by Iagos duplicity. Emilia dies at the hands of her husband, just like Desdemonas dies from Othellos hands. 11. What is the implication behind Gratianos speech? GRATIANO: Poor Desdemona! I am glad thy fathers dead: Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief Shore his old thread in twain; did he live now, This sight would make him do a desperate turn, Yea, curse his better angel from his side, And fall to reprobation. The implication is that when Desdemona and Othello were married, Brabantio died from regret for their marriage. 12. Explain the irony in Iagos statement. IAGO: Demand me nothing: what you know, you know: From this time forth I never will speak word. (Act V, Scene II, lines 348 349) Iagos statement is ironic because throughout the play Iago uses language to accomplish his goal. Iagos actions did not speak for him, but he was able to manipulate people through his words. Now, when he should be using words to explain himself, he refuses to do so.

13. How does darkness function in the scene? Darkness can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. Literally, the events that take place in this final scene take place in the dark. Cassio and Roderigo are attacked in the dark. Othello waits for the lights to be turned out before he murders Desdemona. All of the events, while literally in the darkness, take place because the characters are in the dark about Iagos role in the plot. The symbolic darkness is the evil that Iago spreads to the characters and their naivety about Iagos character. 14. Explain the imagery in Othellos final speech. What is he requesting? How does the imagery speak to Othellos character? OTHELLO: Soft you; a word or two before you go. I have done the state some service, and they knowt. No more of that. I pray you, in your letters, When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak Of one that loved not wisely but too well; Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought Perplexd in the extreme; of one whose hand, Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes, Albeit unused to the melting mood,46 Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees Their medicinal gum. Set you down this; And say besides, that in Aleppo once, Where a malignant and a turband Turk Beat a Venetian and traduced the state, I took by the throat the circumcised dog, And smote him, thus. (Act V, Scene II, lines 388 406) Othello highlights his differences from the Venetians. When he speaks about himself, the imagery that he uses is of faraway places and exotic images. Othello is separating himself from the rest of the men. This is ironic because he has not behaved at all differently from one of their own (Iago). His foreignness did not compel him to act the way he did. Othello wants to be remembered for his service to Venice. He wants to be remembered, not as a cruel man, but as one who was unwise.