Ho, I'm dead!

ACT IV


By this time in the play, Iago is able to add circumstantial evidence to Othello's case against Desdemona. The evidence being the handkerchief that Othello gave to her as a symbol of his love. To Othello it symbolizes Desdemona because just like how Cassio is in possession of the handkerchief, Othello believes he possesses her as well. Because it was woven by a female prophet using sacred materials and his mother used it to keep his father faithful, it may also suggest one's innocence/fidelity. The fact that Bianca was flinging it at Cassio just as Othello was looking on seemt a bit "scripted" if you know what I mean. Can we say good timing? Iago's beautifully evil plan falls into place and the belief that Desdemona has slept with other men and is the "whore of Venice" prevents him from being moved by her words. When ordered to her room, she brings up Lodivico's attractiveness which leads the conversation to the thought of infidelity which reveals their true colors. Desdemona proves to be the woman that Othello wants as his wife; someone who is faithful and cherishes her chasity. Emilia, on the other hand, takes infidelity very lightly and even suggests that Desdemona go and find someone who can keep her happy. The dramatic irony most memorable in this act is the scene in which Emilia states that the villain who made her husband think she was cheating on him with Othello may be the same man that is deceiving him. The irony in this is that the "villain" is her own husband, Iago.

Dun dun dunnn!


ACT V


I must admit that Iago's plan was quite impressive. However, as with any other tragedy, it doesn't quite work out leading to his downfall and own unmasking. This occurs after the death of Desdemona when Othello and Emilia are in his bedroom discussing the motives for his action. Here, the handkerchief is brought up and Emilia proceeds to tell him the true story behind how Cassio got it from Iago who got it from her. Othello finally realizes the truth and falls weeping as Iago's villainy begins to unmask itself. In my opinion, Othello killed Desdemona out of jealousy and a wish to be a public avenger who punishes. He couldn't live bearing the thought of his wife sleeping with other men, or his men at that. To imagine her giving Cassio what he gave her was what really enraged Othello to the point of murder. He may have also killed her so that she won't be able to sleep with anyone else which can lead back to jealousy; if he can't have her then no one can. To call himself "one that loved not wisely but too well" can mean one of several different things. He can simply be describing himself as someone who falls in love quickly without any second thoughts. In other words, he was someone who loved too much and wasn't wise about it. Othello's speech towards the end was very powerful for it was his last. You can never forget about something that has already happened; especially a fault because no one is perfect, but it may be safe to say that he succeeded in restoring his original dignity and nobility. In the end Othello understood/admitted to his faults and like a true man, he suffered his own consequence-death. It is true what Cassio said, "He was a man great of heart."