Iago uses reverse psychology to show Othello that he is on his side, “Nay, yet be wise, yet we see nothing done, She may be honest yet”. Iago puts ideas into Othello’s head knowing only too well that he would think about them and in the process build up more fury and anger towards Cassio and Desdemona. But, Iago saves the ‘best until last’, he knows what significance the handkerchief has to both Othello and Desdemona and knows how valuable it could be, when used in his favour. Othello knows of Iago’s views of Desdemona and Cassio’s ‘relationship’ and feels he needs proof. Iago provides the proof by planting a handkerchief in Cassio’s lodgings. “…Have you not sometimes seem a handkerchief Spotted with strawberries, in your wife’s hand?” … “Did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with.” Othello replies sadly “twas my first gift”. With this one liner the audience feel sorry for Othello, knowing that Iago had planted this handkerchief with Cassio. We (the audience) almost want to shout out ‘ Come on Othello! See Iago for who he really is, a jealous, lying, conniving man ’. Shakespeare uses ‘one-liners’ with Othello, because it gives us the idea that Othello is speechless and shocked by the news.
Iago has slowly taken control over this subject. For example when Othello says “If it be that-”, and Iago finishes off his sentence for him, “If it be that, or any that was hers, it speaks against her with the other proofs”. The fact that Iago finishes off the sentence for Othello, gives us the idea that Iago believes that he is of slightly higher status and has more control and power at this moment. It shows how low Othello has gone – he needs Iago to finish off his sentence for him, as if Iago was his brother, friend or even leader.
“O that the slave had forty thousand lives! One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. Now do I see ‘tis true”. These word when joined sound like he is summoning a demon or is casting a spell, we begin to feel a little frightened of what Othello is capable of. Othello is convinced, and all his “fond love” for Desdemona- “ Tis gone!”. This one-liner has a big effect and we realise it is of huge importance. His love for Desdemona has gone and Iago has succeeded. “O blood, blood blood”, “O monstrous monstrous”. The repeated words that Shakespeare uses tells us that Othello cannot hardly believe it, and by saying these words over and over it almost as if he is trying to convince himself.
Iago surprised me in this scene, I did not believe that he would actually go through with it, this shows how much Iago can take people by surprise and how Othello can still believe he is “honest”. He has outwitted Othello in this scene, and has taken Othello’s gullible instincts for granted. “Patience, I say, your mind perhaps may change”. By saying these lines Iago has made Othello subconscious of what he will think of Cassio and Desdemona in the future. By saying these lines Othello will want to prove Iago wrong, and stick to his decisions and thoughts. Othello replies “Never, Iago ”, “Here I engage my words ”. Iago makes him swear on himself, almost like he is taking an oath. And Iago is his witness, as if he was a figure of importance. “ Like to the Pontic sea ”. Using this simile reminds us that Othello has seen the world and has travelled the sea.
When Othello yells, “ O blood, blood, blood! ”, he kneels down. Later on Iago kneels down with Othello. They are kneeling down side by side, as if equals and like they are praying together. It is like a bonding session, showing how they are equals, and how they will be forever loyal to one another, like a Unity.
“But, let her live” Iago reminds Othello that two people have taken part in this affair. He is jealous sexually, because he believes that Othello has slept with Emilia, and wants to get revenge on Othello and ruin his life, by getting rid of Desdemona on a permanent basis. Iago uses Reverse psychology very cunningly in this scene, it again shows the audience what Iago is capable of. Othello gets all worked up again as he shouts “ Damn her lewd minx: O damn her, Damn her! ”.
The last two lines in this scene leave the audience with their heart sunken. “ Now art thou my lieutenant.”. Iago has gotten what he wanted and this proves that he almost won. He has gotten Cassio’s job, which was his aim at the beginning. Iago is also jealous of Cassio’s ability to womanise and flirt and also the fact he is young, attractive and got the job Iago wanted. Iago replies, “ I am your own forever ”. “ Forever ”, is a long time especially in a society which believes in the life after death. It is almost like they are taking wedding vows, they are dedicated to each other and how they united with each other “ forever ”.
With the conventions of a tragic hero, in mind we realise that Othello will undoubtedly die at the end. Along with the build-up of Dramatic climax, we are held in suspense until the end where we wonder whether Othello will in fact die. Shakespeare has used the use of language well, when Othello is convinced that Desdemona has had an affair, his poetry and prose stop, and begins to talk a lot like Iago. “Goats and Monkeys…”. Shakespeare’s use of language adds a lot to the amount of tension and suspense involved. Along with Othello’s use of one-liners’, “O monstrous, monstrous, monstrous” and “O blood, blood, blood”, and Iago finishing off Othello’s sentences for him. Tells and shows us how Iago has managed to gain control over Othello, and Othello who believes Iago has experience in these matters and knows “my country disposition well”.
The fate of poor Othello, is left in the hands of Iago and whether he ‘mucks up’ or not. There have been plenty of times when Iago could have come out into the light and be shown what he is really “ worth ”. “Iago beckons me: now he begins the story” – Othello and Iago has to change the subject hastily before he revealed, “Before me! Look where she comes!”. We are also reminded of Brabantio said to Othello “”I would keep from thee”…Othello said, “To seel her father’s eyes up…” Othello was reminiscing of what Brabantio said and has realised that it is slowly coming true.
