OTHELLO: ACT 3 Study/Discussion Questions

Scene 1:

1. Who brings in the musicians? Why?

2. What does Cassio ask the clown to do?

3. What does Emilia agree to do for Cassio?

4. What is Emilia's opinion of Cassio?

Scene 2:

1. What task does Othello assign lago?

2. What will Othello be busy doing?

3. Why do you think Shakespeare included such a brief scene? What is the function of this scene?

Scene 3:

1. What are Cassio and Desdemona talking about in this opening scene?

2. What is the irony in In. 50 in the statement made by Desdemona?

3. In line 89 what do you think of Desdemona's knowledge of herself and her situation? Is she as obedient asshe sees herself, for example?

4. Why does Cassio leave Desdemona quickly when lago and Othello arrive?

5. How does lago raise suspicions about Desdemona in Othello's mind?

6. How does lago end up with Desdemona's handkerchief?

7. What does lago promise to do within three days?

8. Are you surprised that lago turns Othello against Desdemona so quickly? Why do you think lago issuccessful in persuading Othello to condemn her?

Scene 4

1. In line 25, why do you think Emilia lies to Desdemona about the handkerchief?

2. In line 107, how does Emilia's view of men differ from Desdemona's view of Othello?

3. In line 126 what is the irony in Desdemona's statement?

4. WhoisBianca? How does she endup with Desdemona's handkerchief?

5. What does Bianca agree to do for Cassio?

6. Do you think Othello is telling the truth about the handkerchiefs curse?