litblog 3

8/22                                                             Othello                                                          Act 4, S1

Summary: In this scene Othello is talking to Iago about how much he wants to kill both Desdimona and Cassio, which is just what Iago wants. Othello is blinded by jealousy and anger, that when Cassio was talking about his "whore", Othello thought he was talking of his wife. Also, when Desdimona was talking to Lodovico about Cassio, just hearing the name infuriates Othello, he strikes his wife!

Quote: "'Faith, that was not so well. Yet would I knew That stroke would prove the worst!"

Significance of Quote: Iago is talking to Lodivico after Othello's outburst with Desdimona. Blinded by the doing of Iago's poison, Othello is now someone he is not, which is only benefiting Iago. This is kind of a mirror to modern day alcoholics, like when a man or woman is taken by alcohol, they will do things their sober self's wouldn't have done. However, that benefits nobody. 

Reflection: Othello is blinded by anger, like I have said. On the outside, Iago is worried for his friend, but on the inside he must be jumping for joy. His plan is working out perfectly! Othello's ego is making him more angry than most people would be. The anger is making him unstoppable, like most people think they are when under the influence. He thinks his actions and words are acceptable because of his anger, but nobody knows he is angry, so he is just making a fool of himself. Again, referring back to people under the influence, they don't even think about their actions being bad or dangerous, but everybody else does. Lodavico thinks Othello is a rude, angry, wife-beater because of the poison Iago set in Othello's mind.

Question of the day: What would Desdemonas father do if he found out about the new husband hitting his wife (daughter)?