Posted: December 29th, 2022

Passage: 4.1.1-49 (“Will you think so?” up to Othello’s trance.)

Passage: 4.1.1-49 (“Will you think so?” up to Othello’s trance.) Act 4, scene 1 seems to continue where 3.3 left off. But in what ways is this passage at the beginning of Act 4 also different? When you examine these lines, do you see any changes or progression in the characters’ relationship and attitudes in 4.1? Describe the differences as precisely as you can, paying attention to the smallest details of their exchanges.
In Act 4, scene 1 of “Othello,” the passage from 4.1.1-49 picks up where 3.3 left off, with Othello questioning Desdemona about the handkerchief that he has accused her of giving to Cassio. However, there are several differences between this passage and the previous scene.

One of the main differences is the shift in Othello’s demeanor. In 3.3, Othello is angry and confrontational, accusing Desdemona of infidelity and demanding that she explain herself. In 4.1, however, Othello is more subdued and introspective, questioning Desdemona in a more measured and controlled tone.

Another difference is the change in Desdemona’s behavior. In 3.3, Desdemona is defensive and upset, denying that she has given the handkerchief to Cassio and pleading with Othello to believe her. In 4.1, however, Desdemona is more resigned and submissive, accepting Othello’s accusations and expressing her love and loyalty to him.

There is also a change in the way that the two characters interact with each other. In 3.3, there is a sense of tension and conflict between Othello and Desdemona, with Othello accusing Desdemona of lying and Desdemona denying the accusation. In 4.1, however, the tension between the two characters seems to have dissipated, and there is a sense of mutual understanding and acceptance between them.

The passage from 4.1.1-49 reflects a change in the relationship and attitudes of Othello and Desdemona. While there is still a sense of conflict and uncertainty between the two characters, there is also a sense of reconciliation and acceptance, as they both try to move past the handkerchief incident and re-establish their connection.
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Shakespeare apparently found the seed for the character of Bianca in this single reference from Cinthio’s short story, his main source for the play: “Having formed this resolution, the Ensign [Shakespeare’s Iago], going out one dark night, sword in hand, met the Captain [Shakespeare’s Cassio] on his way to visit a courtesan.” (There is nothing else that points to the Bianca character in the source story; however, if you would like to read it in its entirety you can go to the Othello page on the course website.) Shakespeare could have sent Cassio on a completely different kind of errand – or none at all; he could have invented many other ways to put Cassio on the street where he would be vulnerable to an attack by Iago. Why do you think Shakespeare created the character of Bianca and her relationship with Cassio? What aspects of the play do you see reflected in this relationship?

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