ACT 4

Scene 2
 Act 4, scene 2
• Othello interrogates Emilia, demanding answers o His suspicion suggests that Desdemona's virtue
regarding any involvement between Desdemona and (goodness/honesty) is merely a façade, fueling his
Cassio. Emilia maintains that nothing inappropriate has jealousy further.
occurred between the two.
• Othello commands Emilia to fetch Desdemona,
o By compensating Emilia, Othello implies that
believing Emilia may be complicit in the alleged affair. Desdemona's innocence is a façade (pretence) and
that she is like a prostitute whose services can be
o Despite inadvertently aiding Iago by giving him the bought.
handkerchief, Emilia ultimately displays unwavering
loyalty to Desdemona. o Themes: Jealousy; Womanhood and Sexuality
(specifically, ‘Mysogyny’)
o Themes: Jealousy; Loyalty
o Emilia returns with Desdemona, whom Othello sends
outside to stand guard. Othello expresses his belief that
he could have endured any hardship except for infidelity.
Despite Desdemona's desperate denials and
declarations of love and fidelity, Othello's anger
intensifies. He insults her, accusing her of being
unfaithful.
o After giving money to Emilia for her task, Othello storms
out, convinced of Desdemona's supposed infidelity.

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• Desdemona instructs Emilia to summon Iago, whom
she then questions him about Othello's behaviour.
Emilia speculates that some sinister individual –
‘eternal villain’ – seeking advancement – ‘to get
some office’ (4.2.135-136) – is behind the turmoil,
but Iago dismisses this notion, attributing Othello's
distress to political matters.

o By convincing Desdemona that Othello’s frustration

is work-related, Iago again demonstrates his skill at
manipulation. Emilia, however, is unconvinced,
displaying some insight into the situation.
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o Themes: Appearance vs. Reality
• Roderigo enters, frustrated that despite all the
jewels he has provided to Iago for Desdemona,
he still has not achieved his desired outcome.
• He expresses his readiness to abandon his efforts
and requests the return of his jewels.
o This marks the first instance where Roderigo
asserts his independence and desires something
that doesn't align with Iago's interests.
• Iago assures Roderigo of his efforts and
guarantees Desdemona's availability by the next
night. He then falsely informs Roderigo of
Cassio's promotion by the Duke, replacing
Othello in Cyprus. Iago deceives Roderigo by
claiming that Othello and Desdemona are
headed to Mauritania instead of Venice, urging
him to kill Cassio to prevent Desdemona from
eluding him.
o Through manipulation of Roderigo's jealousy, unsplash.com
Iago maintains control and further involves him
in his schemes.
Notes adapted from litcharts.com