Well known as the Temptation Scene, Othello 3.3 is the start of ensuing chaos later on in the play. With the departure of Desdemona and Emilia, Iago has Othello all to himself for another session of manipulation. He starts off slow with some questions about how close Cassio is to Desdemona and Othello. When Othello questions Iago about his motive in asking these questions, Iago acts reluctant before announcing his suspicions that Desdemona is cheating on Othello with Cassio. Othello responds with the natural reaction of ridicule before Iago starts listing opinions and circumstantial evidence to prove his point. Othello becomes more and more convinced as the seeds of doubt and jealousy grow in his mind. An important event happens soon after which is the handkerchief drop, a starter to the chaos that is going to happen. Iago manages to attain the handkerchief and plans to plant it in Cassio's house. Othello is overcome in anger and jealousy and vows to kill Cassio. He also promotes Iago to lieutenant and tells him to kill Cassio.
The imagery used by Shakespeare in this scene is very explicit and powerful in showing the emotions of Othello. He says, "I had rather be a toad / And live upon the vapor of a dungeon / Than keep a corner in the thing I love / For others' uses" (311-315). Othello is expressing his sadness and frustration at the thought of Desdemona cheating on him. He describes how painful it is to have the thing he loves be something that others can use.
Why does Othello see Iago is such a good light? Why isn't he ever suspicious of Iago?
I think it is because of Iago's reputation in Venice as an honest person. Othello is a foreigner in Venice and Iago having a good reputation had a positive effect on Othello and his trust for him. Not to mention all the time he spent with Iago leads Othello to believe in him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgHq6K6-Tnc
The actors in this video are part of Bob Jones University. The actor who played Othello showed frustration, anxiety, and doubt. These emotions are critical in understanding the character of Othello.
Men should be what they seem - how dangerous is it to operate under such an assumption? Is it even true?
Not only is it dangerous to assume that men are what they seem, it is completely false. If anything, the assumption should be that men are not what they seem. Without knowing a person completely, it could be difficult to trust them as shown through Iago's character. Othello made an assumption that because of Iago's character and reputation, he must be honest and trustworthy and it leads to his downfall. Desdemona is also a victim to assuming men should be what they seem to be. Desdemona fell for Othello quickly and believed him because of his stories and she was proven wrong when she witnessed his jealous attitude.
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