Act 4, Scene 1 Summary

The scene begins with Othello and Iago having a conversation. Othello is now conflicted about denouncing Desdemona, although he had sworn earlier that he would deal with her harshly. Iago further poisons Othello’s mind by fueling hate for Desdemona and Cassio. He outrageously lies to Othello; he tells him that Cassio has admitted to having an affair with Desdemona. This incenses Othello, and he falls into a trance-like rage. Cassio enters the scene, sees Othello in that state, and offers help. Iago urges Cassio to leave; Cassio obliges.

When Cassio leaves, Iago comes up with a new, more wicked plan. To manipulate Othello further, Iago asks Othello to hide and listen to him questioning Cassio. Othello hides, and Cassio enters. Iago asks Cassio to tell him about Cassio’s relationship with Bianca. Othello hears only fragments of this, but he presumes that Cassio is referring to his affair with Desdemona. At this moment, Bianca enters, shows Cassio the handkerchief, and enquires about its origin. Othello sees the handkerchief. After Cassio and Bianca leave, Othello emerges from his hideout and asks Iago to bring to him some poison to kill Desdemona. Iago suggests strangulation instead, and Othello agrees.

The Duke’s emissary, Lodovico, enters. Paying no regard to the gathering around them, Othello rebukes Desdemona for asking about Cassio’s case. Everyone is shocked. Othello verbally abuses Desdemona, and a hurt Desdemona turns to exit. Othello then tells Lodovico that he will adhere to the Duke’s mandate: he’d return to Venice, and Cassio, Othello assures, would take his place.

When Othello leaves, Lodovico is unable to hide his shock at having seen Othello in such a state. Iago tells Lodovico that Othello is not well. He urges Lodovico to follow Othello, so he can see firsthand just how worrisome Othello’s state has gotten.

Act 4, Scene 1 Analysis

The scene captures the height of Iago’s cunning. He seems concerned about Othello and pretends to soothe him, although he is merely trying to add to Othello’s agony by poisoning his mind. Othello’s fall is both symbolic and literal. Iago works hard to prevent Cassio and Othello from talking directly to each other, since otherwise they might be able to clear things up. Accordingly, he doesn’t let Cassio help Othello. Iago relies on falsity and deceit, and his wicked plot is based entirely on a series of avoidable misinterpretations: Iago talks to Cassio about Bianca, but makes Othello believe that Cassio is admitting his affair with Desdemona. Iago is even seen rejoicing at the potency of his “medicine,” by which he means his cunning words.

The handkerchief remains an important symbol; though it is supposed to charm people and bring them together, it achieves the opposite in Othello and Desdemona’s case. When Othello charges at Desdemona in public, the audience can see that he is now a changed man. He is worried that the affair might tarnish his reputation. Ironically, however, his reputation is tarnished by his own toxic imagination and poor public conduct.

Act 4, Scene 2 Summary

The scene opens with Othello questioning Emilia about Cassio and Desdemona’s affair. Emilia denies knowledge of the affair. Othello doesn’t believe her; since Emilia is Desdemona’s handmaiden, he is sure she must be aware. Emilia swears by Desdemona’s purity and goodness. She tells Othello that she is in fact privy to Desdemona and Cassio’s conversations, but the conversations have always been innocent. Othello, further infuriated by Emilia’s insistence on Desdemona’s goodness, leaves.

Desdemona and Emilia are worried about Othello’s change. Emilia is sure that someone has talked Othello into feeling this way about Desdemona. Iago, who is also present, swiftly dispels the theory. Iago then stumbles upon Roderigo, who thinks that Iago has done nothing yet to make Desdemona fall in love with him (Roderigo). Iago proceeds to manipulate him, too: he suggests that if Roderigo kills Cassio, then he will surely win Desdemona’s love. Roderigo is persuaded and decides to pursue the plan.

Act 4, Scene 2 Analysis

Othello is looking for evidence against Desdemona, although he seems to have made up his mind already. Even when Emilia tells him of Desdemona’s innocence, he doesn’t believe her. He calls Desdemona “a subtle whore.” It is worth noting that Othello is not trying to get to the bottom of this matter. He is not interested in the truth. Instead, he is looking for reasons to justify his unpleasant, thoughtless behavior. Othello, whose outsider status was once his source of pride, is now seen condemning it.

Toward the end of the scene, Roderigo’s fate is clear. He discovers Iago’s treachery and becomes a threat to Iago. It also becomes evident that Iago is going to kill Roderigo.

Act 4, Scene 3 Summary

Othello asks Desdemona to prepare her bed and dismiss Emilia. Desdemona appears quite sure that something unpleasant might take place. Emilia regrets Othello and Desdemona’s marriage, but Desdemona still seems to be in love with Othello. Desdemona sings “the Willow Song,” a song of sadness and resignation. She surrenders herself to fate. She asks Emilia if she would ever be unfaithful to her husband. Emilia says she might. Desdemona is rather surprised at Emilia’s response.

Act 4, Scene 3 Analysis

This is perhaps the play’s saddest scene. Desdemona is aware of what might happen to her, but her goodness and love for Othello stop her from doing anything about it. The “Willow Song” foretells her death. Her resignation, though, is quite difficult to fathom. It seems as if Othello’s love was all she had; his change of heart, therefore, has left her with nothing—not even the will to fight and live. Her character, which once appeared resolute and strong-willed, is now weak. Her fate is not justified, yet she marches toward death like a martyr for love.