Othello act 4 scene 1 analysis. Othello Act 4, scene 1 Summary & Analysis from LitCharts 2019-01-26
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SparkNotes: Othello: Act IV, scene i
Iago can see that Othello is at the edge of madness, and there is no way he can judge just how far to push him, considering his unexpectedly violent previous reaction. Iago especially mentions the devil many times in the text, beginning in the first scene. Cassio suggests that perhaps they should try to tend to Othello, but Iago thinks it best to let the man suffer. Analysis Iago, while pretending to reassure Othello, is rubbing salt into his wounds. The supposition pleases Desdemona which in turn angers Othello. This statement illustrates Othello's faith in the state and in the Duke's regard for him. Such a story is Iago's insurance, in case Othello should later say something that Cassio finds strange.
Othello Act 4, scene 1 Summary & Analysis from LitCharts
Othello has recognized his handkerchief and, coming out of hiding when Cassio and Bianca are gone, wonders how he should murder his former lieutenant. He then arranges for Othello to eavesdrop the conversation he will have with Cassio. This foreshadows toward Othello increasing jealously that is will perhaps drive him to insanity. Othello comes out of hiding and promises to kill Cassio. Iago explains that he's just having a fit—totally normal—in fact, the second one since yesterday. At the end of the scene in front of Lodovico, a messenger, and others, Othello calls Desdemona a devil and hits her. Iago takes a great risk with this maneuver, as he has no way of controlling completely what Cassio might say or how much Othello actually overhears.
Othello is so tortured in his mind that he falls into a trance or epileptic fit. He gets a chance to orchestrate some more as Cassio appears while Othello is unconscious. Analysis The relationship between Roderigo and Iago is obviously somewhat close. There is great irony in this scene, as Othello declares that Desdemona is of a soft and kind nature, yet condemns her for being lustful and immoral. With all my heart, sir. His daughter is indeed gone.
Iago wants to break up the couple, using Roderigo as his pawn. She feigns innocence about it to her Desdemona, and therefore her loyalty to her husband, Iago, for whatever reason may supersede her loyalty to her mistress. Othello then asks whether her honor could be given as freely, too. Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen, And nothing of a man. An you'll come to supper tonight, you may; an you will not, come when you are next prepared for. This time, Iago comes out and says that Cassio has confessed that he did 'lie.
O, she will sing the savageness out of a bear. Poor Desdemona When Emilia leaves to fetch Desdemona, Othello dismisses her ardent defense of Desdemona's virtue by saying 'she's a simple bawd that cannot say as much. But the bond breaks when she mentions Cassio. Emilia swears that she has seen and heard all that has gone on between Cassio and Desdemona, and that Desdemona is pure and true. In vain, Desdemona tries to deflect his questions about the handkerchief, speaking again of Cassio.
It is not words that shake me thus. He had forgotten about the handkerchief until Iago graciously reminded him. Othello, Roderigo, and Cassio do have vices that they allow to grow in themselves, but they also have aspects of themselves which balance these vices out. This enrages Othello, and he strikes Desdemona and commands her to leave. Again the agreement is made: Iago is to kill Cassio, and Othello is to kill Desdemona. As doth the raven o'er the infected house, Boding to all he had my handkerchief.
This section contains 883 words approx. Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? We learn that Roderigo has been doling out cash to Iago, and that he's now upset about some news Iago has delivered. During the time period when Othello was written, there were in fact free blacks in England, however, racism was even more pronounced in Shakespeare's England than it is in the play. Iago trusts Roderigo with the knowledge that he serves Othello only to achieve his own goals. Still, Iago promises he'll get his revenge: he'll pretend to love the Moor and do service to him, but he plans to betray this Moor the first chance he gets. He's that he is; I may not breathe my censure What he might be.
Cassio meets Iago, and Iago has arranged to have Othello watch the meeting from a distance. Iago encourages this, suggesting that strangling her is the best method. Othello's pride first becomes visible here; he is exceptionally proud of his achievements and his public stature, and pride is an overarching theme of Othello's story. He tells Othello that Brabantio is upset, and will probably try to tear Desdemona from him. And who is sufficient for these things? Lodivico: Upset with Othello actions towards Desdemona. Othello is good at heart, but he cannot reconcile himself with the idea that Desdemona might be as human and as independent as he is, although the sudden shift of characterization in this scene belies this somewhat.
The handkerchief, which once symbolized love and loyalty, now means betrayal. Iago seems to do a great deal of character analysis and exposition for the audience. O, 'tis the spite of hell, the fiend's arch-mock, To lip a wanton in a secure couch, And to suppose her chaste! Apparently, finding objective proof has gone out the window. The Duke's words of advice to Othello and Desdemona foretell trouble between the couple if they do not let grievances go, which indeed contributes to Othello's fall. Emilia, the more practical one, thinks that it is not too big a price for a small act; Desdemona is too good, and too devout, to say that she would do so. Summary Othello questions about Desdemona's guilt, or the chance she has had an affair with Cassio.
Just her mention of Cassio sends him into an unreasonable rage; every little thing he regards with suspicion, even if he has no cause. Othello, hearing the conversation, is bound to think Cassio is making light of his wife, Desdemona. After 'comforting' Desdemona, Iago moves on to manipulating Roderigo some more. Who is sufficient for these things? Theme of the scene : appearance vs reality Asides : Iago speaks about his plan quickly before Cassio arrives Othello speaks about what he is hearing and begins to get mad and questionable about his relationship. Jealous Roderigo is upset that Desdemona and Othello's union is allowed to stand.
