Scene 3

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?
Because Cassio and Othello are close friends and have known each other a long time: 'you do love my lord, you have known him long.'
And because he helped Othello and Desdemoa to get together: 'Michael Cassio that came a-wooing with you'

What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."

He means that he does not like the look of Desdemona and Cassio talking to one another, he implies there is something suspicious going on.

After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?

Othello responds with 'o misery' which suggests he starts to fall out of love with Desdemona as he thinks he knows shes been having an affair. Othello wants Iago's help and information.

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

Iago says that 'they do let God see the pranks, they dare not show their husbands' suggesting that in Venice affairs like this are common and many Venetian cheat on their husbands but do not tell their husbands he truth.

What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?

Venetian women had a reputation of being 'unfaithful to their husbands'. This idea is taken from Robert Burton, Anatomy of Melancholy.

Why might this cause Othello to believe this or, at least, not dismiss it immediately?

Othello is an outsider and views himself that way. Because of this he believes Iago's ideas about society are more reliable than his own.

Who echoes Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?

Iago when he says 'she did deceive her father, marrying you'. highlighting to Othello that she is capale of being deceitful.

In his duplicitous fashion, what bold statement does Iago make about Desdemona and Othello?
 

Desdemona's handkerchief becomes an important piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What might this symbolise? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it?

Desdemona produces her handkerchief to use as a bandage for Othello, who is complaining of a headache. Othello rejects the handkerchief, saying 'your napkin is too little', and it falls to the floor. This my symbolize the way that Desdemona's love is not enough for Othello. Othello and Desdemona leave it on the floor. Emilia then picks it up and plans to give it to Iago, as she knows that he wants it; She does not know why.

What do you think motivates Emilia to take the handkerchief to Iago?
Emilia believes her relationship with Iago will be better and more romantic if she gives the handkerchief to him. She believes Iago will give the handkerchief to her. 

 

What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief?

Iago plans to leave the handkerchief in Cassio's room so that it will look like Desdemona gave it to him.

When Othello returns to the scene upset, what warning does he give Iago?
Othello warns Iago that if he has lied or cannot provide proof of Desdemona's cheating he will kill him.

 

What 'proof' of Desdemona's disloyalty does Iago give Othello?

His final proof is that one night when he was sleeping by Cassio he spoke of his affair with  Desdemona 'sweet Desdemona...let us hide our loves', and also tells Othello how Cassio 'laid his leg over my thigh, and sighed and kissed'.

What is Iago's final 'proof'?
Iago's final proof is that he saw 'Cassio wipe his beard' on the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona.

 

What is noticeable about Othello's language in this scene?  
Othello's speeches get shorter throughout the scene. He also becomes increasingly distressed and you can see him failing out of love for Desdemona 'loathe her. O curse of marriage'.