Othello, Act 3, Scene 3 summary
Act 3, Scene 3 of 15 · 18 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 3, Iago turns Desdemona’s support for Cassio into grounds for suspicion and gains her dropped handkerchief through Emilia. Othello accepts Iago’s claims about a dream and the handkerchief as evidence of betrayal, orders Cassio’s death, plans to kill Desdemona, and appoints Iago his lieutenant.
What happens
- Desdemona promises to help Michael Cassio regain his position, but his uneasy departure gives Iago an opening to suggest guilt.
- Desdemona wins permission for Cassio to visit, and Iago urges Othello to watch her conduct while pretending reluctance to speak.
- Othello begins doubting his marriage, and Desdemona drops her handkerchief while trying to ease his headache.
- Emilia gives the handkerchief to Iago, who plans to place it in Cassio’s room.
- When Othello demands proof, Iago describes Cassio’s supposed dream and claims to see him using Desdemona’s handkerchief.
- Othello vows revenge, orders Iago to kill Cassio within three days, plans Desdemona’s death, and makes Iago lieutenant.
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In this scene
What to notice
Iago explains how he expects the handkerchief to work. Othello’s demand for visible proof gives way to accepting Iago’s account of it.
Quick check
How does Iago obtain Desdemona’s handkerchief?
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