Author Question: When Roderigo grows impatient with Iago (IV, ii, 181202), how doesIago make use of his fellow ... (Read 75 times)

waynest · **on:** Jul 20, 2018

When Roderigo grows impatient with Iago (IV, ii, 181202), how doesIago make use of his fellow plotters discontent?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How plausible do you find Biancas flinging the handkerchief at Cassio justwhen Othello is looking on? How important is the handkerchief in this play? What does it represent? What suggestions or hints do you find in it?

What will be an ideal response?

xoxo123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

He tells Roderigo that Othello and

Desdemona are about to embark for Mauritania, leaving Cassio in command, but Roderigo can prevent this by killing Cassio, which would force Othello to remain in Cyprus. The death of either Roderigo or Cassioor, optimally, both of themwould work to Iagos benefit, as he makes clear in soliloquy at V, i, 1122.

Answer to Question 2

The timing may be a bit too coincidental for plausibilitys sake, but it is surely not beyond the bounds of possibility. The handkerchief was Othellos first gift to Desdemona. In his view, she should value it as a token of their love. Moreover, as he tells her (III, iv, 5172), he believes that there is magic in it. It was given to his mother by a sorceress, who told her that her husband would want her as long as she kept it, but if she lost it or gave it away his feelings would turn to hatred. On her deathbed, Othellos mother gave it to him to give to his own wife someday.