Iago hints that his suspicious thoughts between Cassio and Desdemona be “ vile and false”. He also admits to thinking wrongly of people, guessing in his thoughts and always being suspicious of everyone unlike Othello, who he compliments for having good qualities in saying “that your wisdom then…unsure observance.” (3,3,152)
In reference to Cassio, Iago talks about the importance of a good name but could touch a nerve with Othello when he becomes agitated with Iago when he says “By heavens” (3,3,167) Iago implies Othello may have reason to be jealous, but is not good to have these feelings. In mentioning the word “cuckold”(3,3,170) points to Othello being deceived by Desdemona. Othello shows his insecurity in his relationship with Desdemona when he goes on to justify to Iago Desdemona’s love for him when he says “ For she had eyes and chose me” (3,3,192).
Iago reassures Othello of his love and duty to him by saying, “I would not have your free and noble nature out of self bounty be abused.”(3,3,202). He also implies that Venetian women have affairs but are discrete about it. Othello starts to doubt why Desdemona loves him. Iago realises doubts are setting in and intentionally refers to colour, class etc on why Desdemona is with Othello, in the deliberate realisation that Othello will be offended and stops by saying “pardon me” (3,3,237). In Othello’s soliloquy his thoughts are not rational and he comes to the conclusion that his marriage is over and Desdemona has been unfaithful. He feels strongly that if this is true then he would not share her with other men when he ends by saying “for others uses” (3,3,276).
The handkerchief, which Emelia steals for Iago, is the most crucial symbol and object in the play that confirms to Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Iago plots to plant it on Cassio as proof to Othello of the affair.
Othello is tormented in his thoughts and believes he cannot ever sleep or be content when he says “ Nor all the drowsy syrups in the world…” (3,3,335). Othello goes on to show aggression and anger to Iago for his doubting his beloved wife by saying”villian, be sure…” He wants him to prove it and threatens him by saying “ thoust hadst been better have been born a dog” (3,3,365) which implies that if Iago is wrong Othello will make him pay for all the torment he has caused. In his realisation that Othello is very angry, Iago try’s to make Othello feel guilty and plays the innocent by saying “ to be direct and honest is not safe.” (3,3,383). Othello starts to ramble and his mind is in a state of confusion and feels he needs proof.
Iago cruelly, in his crude and vulgar manner asks Othello if he wishes to witness Desdemona and Cassio having sex. He then goes on to fuel Othello’s imagination by using animal imagery to create a sense of a very physical sexual relationship. When Othello asks Iago to give him proof, Iago implies he does not like the responsibility of telling Othello what Desdemona is doing. He then goes onto describe in great physical detail of a dream he witnessed Cassio having about Desdemona. Othello refers to killing her if this dream is to be true by jealously saying “I’ll tear her to pieces” (3,3,434).
Iago goes on to describe the handkerchief in detail. Knowing Othello had given it to Desdemona as his gift of love, describes that he saw Cassio “ wipe his beard with it”, which implies Cassio has no respect for Othello or Desdemona as he does not treat the handkerchief as a token of love.
Iago says he is completely faithful to Othello, and passes any blame for what he is about to do and is convincingly at Othello’s service. Iago is a villain who wears a mask of virtue. Othello orders Iago to kill Cassio, which he agrees to do, but tries to change his mind about killing Desdemona.
By the end of this scene Iago has got what he sets out to achieve. He set out to disgrace Cassio and gain his position as lieutenant along with abusing the moor’s ear. Othello reacts in a more passionate and extreme way than Iago expected. He now has to take the plot further than he anticipated. Othello in his extreme passion has made a decision that Desdemona must die. I feel this tragedy happened because of one man’s selfish obsession for power and status which he gains at everyone’s expense, even his own!
