othello act 4 scene 1 essay

Othello‌ ‌Act‌ ‌4‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌1:‌ ‌Summary‌ ‌&‌ ‌Analysis‌

In Act 4 Scene 1, the audience sees Othello as an entirely different person. Find out about his new qualities and behavior in the article below. Our writers have also analyzed Othello Act 4 Scene 1, which you can also read here.

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😵 summary of othello: act 4 scene 1.

Othello’s Act 4 Scene 1 opens with Othello and Iago, who keeps lying about Cassio and Desdemona having an affair. The handkerchief is circumstantial evidence used by Iago to prove that Desdemona is unfaithful. With the use of his words, the villain draws images of sexual intercourse. He appeals to Othello’s jealousy and tries to make him lose his mind. After hearing that Cassio has told Iago that he laid with Desdemona, Othello “falls in a trance.”

Cassio enters and sees Othello in a weird state. Iago says that it is the second time in two days that the general has had an epilepsy attack. When Othello comes back to his senses, Iago says that Cassio stopped by. He also informs that Iago arranged to speak with the ex-lieutenant.

Iago tells Othello to hide during the conversation and look at Cassio’s face. He plans to question the man about his relationships with Desdemona and determine how often Cassio has slept with her.

Othello exists, and Iago turns to the audience, telling his real plan. Iago will ask Cassio about Bianca, his lover. Nonetheless, Othello will think about Desdemona.

Further, in Act 4 Scene 1, the audience sees how Iago brilliantly executed his plan. Cassio jokes about Bianca and her love, claiming that he does not want to see her anymore. At that moment, Bianca enters the scene holding the handkerchief. She accuses Cassio of gifting another woman’s token of love. He also insists that if Cassio doesn’t come to her for supper, she will not let him come again.

Othello sees all of that and recognizes the handkerchief immediately. He confesses that he plans to murder his ex-lieutenant. Othello has difficulty reconciling Desdemona’s beauty, tenderness, education, and love for him with infidelity. Thus, he wants to poison Desdemona. However, Iago suggests it would be better to strangle her in bed. Additionally, the villain swears he will prepare everything for Cassio’s death.

Desdemona and Lodovico enter the scene. Lodovico, who has come from Venice, has some news from the Duke. He asks Othello about Cassio, which makes him very irritated. His state worsens as Desdemona replies about Cassio. The information in the letters upsets Othello as well because he has been requested back to Venice. Cassio should be left as his replacement in Cyprus. Desdemona learns that she will be going back to Venice and shows her happiness about this news. Othello loses his temper and hits her. After that, Desdemona leaves the stage.

Lodovico is terrified by Othello’s behavior and temper. He asks the general to find Desdemona, but Othello accuses Desdemona of being promiscuous when he does find her. When the couple, Lodovico suggests that the general got mad.

Othello, Iago, Cassio, Bianca, Desdemona, Lodovico

👺 Analysis of Othello: Act 4 Scene 1

In Act 4 Scene 1, the audience sees that Othello comes closer and closer to the edge as he falls into Iago’s trap. The tension keeps accelerating and moving towards the climax in Act 5. Yet, the audience can still hope for the solution: Iago can get disposed of, or Othello may start thinking as the man he was at the beginning of the play. However, as the scene progresses, there are fewer and fewer hopes for a peaceful resolution.

The readers see an enormous transformation that happens in Othello. Iago’s plan unveils too, and it drags the protagonist into madness. He starts speaking and acting with less caution. His words become bolder, and he allows himself to talk disparagingly about Desdemona. At the beginning of the play, Iago was able to manipulate Rodrigo. In Act 4 Scene 1, the audience sees that Iago is in complete control of Othello. He knows that Othello has a very active imagination. That is why he constantly appeals to it by including details about nakedness, bed, and sexual intercourse.

With his dual personality, Iago tries to calm Othello down and defend Desdemona, saying that she might have been innocent lying in bed with Cassio. He also says that since Othello gave the handkerchief to his wife, it is up to her to decide who it will belong to. These remarks made the general even angrier as he connected the cloth with the “honor” that Desdemona lost. As a result of Iago’s cunning machinations, he loses his mind. A once eloquent, calm, and full of self-control hero is transformed into someone not able to speak.

Othello’s emotional instability makes him “ fall in a trance .” As Cassio enters, Iago says that the general “fell into epilepsy.” Apparently, it is not something new for Cassio, which Iago uses to advance his plan. The villain has decided to participate in furthering the scheme, as he is sure that Othello will believe almost anything at this point without requesting any evidence.

The transformation in Othello reveals another side to his personality: he can be violent in his speech and action. The man we see at the beginning of the play is full of confidence and self-respect. Due to Iago’s scheme, he loses these qualities.

Cassio, in the scene, demonstrates double standards towards women. He mistreats his lover, Bianca, in public and acts differently in private. Most probably, he behaves so because of her social status and the period. Bianca is the only woman in Othello who confronts her lover about the situation she does not like. It can be seen as a modern quality; however, it could be viewed as unrefined in Shakespearean time.

Another plot advancement in Act 4 Scene 1 is the appearance of Lodovico, an envoy from Venice. His appearance serves as a reminder of Venice, the most civilized and refined place. Shakespeare contrasts Venice and Cyprus and shows how much Othello and Desdemona’s relationships have changed since Act 1.

Thanks for reading! You can find a summary and analysis of the following scene below, as well as other articles on Othello .

• Othello, Act 4, Scene 1 — The Folger Shakespeare Library
• Modern Translation of Othello: Act 4, Scene 1 — No Sweat Shakespeare
• Shakespeare’s Othello Act 4 Scene 1: Othello’s Trance — Shakespeare-online.com
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IvyPanda. (2023, August 13). Othello‌ ‌Act‌ ‌4‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌1:‌ ‌Summary‌ ‌&‌ ‌Analysis‌. https://ivypanda.com/lit/othello-study-guide/act-4-scene-1/

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IvyPanda . (2023) 'Othello‌ ‌Act‌ ‌4‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌1:‌ ‌Summary‌ ‌&‌ ‌Analysis‌'. 13 August.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Othello‌ ‌Act‌ ‌4‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌1:‌ ‌Summary‌ ‌&‌ ‌Analysis‌." August 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/lit/othello-study-guide/act-4-scene-1/.

1. IvyPanda . "Othello‌ ‌Act‌ ‌4‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌1:‌ ‌Summary‌ ‌&‌ ‌Analysis‌." August 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/lit/othello-study-guide/act-4-scene-1/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Othello‌ ‌Act‌ ‌4‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌1:‌ ‌Summary‌ ‌&‌ ‌Analysis‌." August 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/lit/othello-study-guide/act-4-scene-1/.

Othello Shakescleare Translation

Othello Translation Act 4, Scene 1

Enter OTHELLO and IAGO

OTHELLO and IAGO enter.

Will you think so?

Do you think so?

Think so, Iago?

Think what, Iago?

What, To kiss in private?

What, that they kissed in private?

Everything you need for every book you read.

An unauthorized kiss!

An inappropriate kiss!

Or to be naked with her friend in bed An hour or more, not meaning any harm?

Or because she was naked in bed with a friend for just an hour or more, not meaning any harm?

Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm! It is hypocrisy against the devil. They that mean virtuously, and yet do so, The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven.

Iago, naked in bed and not meaning any harm? That would be like tricking the devil. If they were acting this way but had virtuous intentions, they were tempted by the devil and they were tempting God to damn them.

So they do nothing, ’tis a venial slip. But if I give my wife a handkerchief—

As long as they haven't actually done anything, it's just a pardonable sin. But, if I give my wife a handkerchief . . .

Why then ’tis hers, my lord, and, being hers, She may, I think, bestow ’t on any man.

Then it belongs to her, my lord. And since it is hers, she may give it to any man she wants.

She is protectress of her honor too. May she give that?

Her honor belongs to her, too. Can she give that away, as well?

Her honor is an essence that’s not seen, They have it very oft that have it not. But for the handkerchief—

Her honor is part of her inner essence that can't be seen. Often people have an honorable reputation but aren't really honorable. But as for the handkerchief—

By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it. Thou saidst—Oh, it comes o'er my memory, As doth the raven o'er the infectious house, Boding to all—he had my handkerchief.

By heaven, I wish I had forgotten about it. You told me—oh, it comes back to my memory, like the bad omen of a raven coming over a house where someone is sick—that Cassio had my handkerchief.

Ay, what of that?

Yes, so what?

That’s not so good now.

That is not so good, now.

What if I had said I had seen him do you wrong? Or heard him say—as knaves be such abroad, Who having, by their own importunate suit, Or voluntary dotage of some mistress, Convincèd or supplied them, cannot choose But they must blab—

What if I had told you that I saw him do you wrong? Or what if I heard him say so—there are some villains out there who, once they have seduced or satisfied some mistress with their flirting and doting, can't help but brag about it —

Hath he said any thing?

Has he said something?

He hath, my lord, but be you well assured No more than he’ll unswear.

My lord, he has—but you can be sure that he'll deny it.

What hath he said?

What did he say?

Why, that he did—I know not what he did.

Well, he said that he did—I don't know what he did.

What? what?

What? What?

He said he did lie—

With Desdemona?

With her, on her, what you will.

With her, on her, however you want to say it.

Lie with her? lie on her? We say “lie on her” when they belie her! Lie with her—that’s fulsome. Handkerchief—confessions—handkerchief! To confess, and be hanged for his labor. First to be hanged, and then to confess—I tremble at it . Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion without some instruction. It is not words that shake me thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips. Is ’t possible? Confess!—Handkerchief!—Oh, devil!—

Lie with her? Lie on her? To lie on someone is to tell lies about that person! To lie with her—that's obscene. First the handkerchief, and now this confession! Should he confess first and then be executed? No, I'll kill him first and let him confess later. I am trembling with anger, and nature wouldn't make my body do this without some reason. It must be more than a rumor if it's making me tremble like this. Ugh! Noses, ears, and lips. Could this be true? That he would admit to it—and the handkerchief! Oh, devil!

Falls in a trance

OTHELLO is afflicted with a seizure.

Work on, My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught, And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, All guiltless, meet reproach.— What, ho! My lord! My lord, I say! Othello!

[To himself] Keep on working, my harmful medicine, keep on working! This is how gullible fools are tricked, and many trustworthy and chaste women, completely innocent, are punished in situations like this.  [To OTHELLO] Hey! My lord! My lord! Othello! 

Enter CASSIO

CASSIO enters.

How now, Cassio!

Hey there, Cassio!

What’s the matter?

What's the matter?

My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy. This is his second fit. He had one yesterday.

My lord has fallen into a seizure. This is the second time he's had one of these fits. He had one yesterday.

Rub him about the temples.

Rub his temples.

No, forbear. The lethargy must have his quiet course. If not, he foams at mouth and by and by Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs. Do you withdraw yourself a little while, He will recover straight. When he is gone I would on great occasion speak with you.

No, hold on. We have to let the fit run its course. Otherwise he'll foam at the mouth and break out in a fit of savage madness. Look, he's moving. Stay away for a bit. He'll recover soon. When he is gone, I would really like to talk to you in private.

Exit CASSIO

CASSIO exits.

How is it, general? Have you not hurt your head?

How are you, General? Have you hurt your head?

Dost thou mock me?

Are you mocking me ?

I mock you not, by heaven. Would you would bear your fortune like a man!

No, I swear to God! I wish you would bear your misfortune like a man!

A hornèd man’s a monster and a beast.

A man who's been cheated on isn't a man; he has the cuckold's horns, and so is a monstrous beast.

There’s many a beast then in a populous city, And many a civil monster.

Well then, there are many monsters in big cities, and many monsters that pass for men.

Did he confess it?

Did Cassio confess to it?

Good sir, be a man, Think every bearded fellow that’s but yoked May draw with you. There’s millions now alive That nightly lie in those unproper beds Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better. Oh, ’tis the spite of hell, the fiend’s arch-mock, To lip a wanton in a secure couch, And to suppose her chaste. No, let me know, And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be.

Good sir, be a man. Think about it: every married man has experienced what you're going through. There are millions of wives now living who sleep in disgraced beds which they swear belong only to their husbands. But you're better off. It's even worse—a curse from hell—to kiss your wife in bed thinking that she is chaste when she isn't. No, I'd rather know if my wife were cheating on me. Then I'd know exactly what sort of person I am and what sort of person my wife is.

Oh, thou art wise! 'Tis certain.

Oh, you are certainly wise! 

Stand you awhile apart, Confine yourself but in a patient list. Whilst you were here o'erwhelmèd with your grief— A passion most resulting such a man— Cassio came hither. I shifted him away And laid good ’scuses upon your ecstasy, Bade him anon return and here speak with me, The which he promised. Do but encave yourself, And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns That dwell in every region of his face. For I will make him tell the tale anew Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when He hath, and is again to cope your wife. I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience, Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen, And nothing of a man.

Stay away from her for a while. Be patient. While you were overwhelmed by your grief— a passionate feeling you are prone to—Cassio was here. I sent him away and made some excuse for your fit of passion. I told him to come back here and speak with me, and he promised to do so. Hide nearby and watch the sneers and visible expressions of scorn all over his face, as I ask him to tell me again about where, how, how often, how long ago, and when he has slept and will again sleep with your wife. Just watch his expression. Please, be patient, or else you'll show that you are completely ruled by your emotions and not a real man.

Dost thou hear, Iago? I will be found most cunning in my patience, But—dost thou hear?—most bloody.

Listen to me, Iago: I will be patient and cunning. But—do you hear me?—I will take violent action later.

That’s not amiss, But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw?

That's not wrong. But wait for a bit. Will you step back and hide?

OTHELLO withdraws

OTHELLO steps back and hides, so that he cannot hear IAGO but can still see him.

Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, A huswife that by selling her desires Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature That dotes on Cassio, as ’tis the strumpet’s plague To beguile many and be beguiled by one. He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain From the excess of laughter. Here he comes.

Now I will question Cassio about Bianca, a loose girl that makes a living by selling herself to men. The whore loves Cassio, and it's her bad luck to attract many men but be attracted to just one. When he is asked about her, he can't help but laugh. Here he comes.

As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad. And his unbookish jealousy must construe Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures, and light behavior Quite in the wrong.— How do you now, lieutenant?

[To himself] As Cassio smiles while we talk, Othello will go mad. And his unrestrained jealousy will misinterpret poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and jovial behavior.  [To CASSIO ]  How are you doing now, lieutenant?

The worser that you give me the addition Whose want even kills me.

I'm doing worse now since you called me lieutenant, when it's killing me that I don't have that title anymore.

Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on ’t. Now if this suit lay in Bianca’s power How quickly should you speed!

Ask Desdemona to help you, and you'll surely get it back.  [To CASSIO so only he can hear] Now, if it were Bianca who had the power to help you, I imagine you'd be running off to her as fast as you could!

Alas, poor caitiff!

Ha, that poor woman!

Look how he laughs already!

Look how he's laughing already!

I never knew woman love man so.

I've never seen a woman love a man as much as she loves you.

Alas, poor rogue, I think indeed she loves me.

Alas, the poor girl, I think she really does love me.

Now he denies it faintly, and laughs it out.

Now he denies his crime a bit, and laughs it off.

Do you hear, Cassio?

Have you heard, Cassio? 

Now he importunes him To tell it o'er. Go to, well said, well said.

Now Iago is asking Cassio to tell the story again. Go on, well said, well said.

She gives it out that you shall marry her. Do you intend it?

She is saying that you're going to marry her. Do you intend to?

Ha, ha, ha!

Do ye triumph, Roman? Do you triumph?

Are you celebrating like a triumphant Roman general? Are you triumphing after your conquest?

I marry her! What? A customer? Prithee bear some charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha!

Me, marry her? A prostitute? Please, think a little more highly of me; don't think I'm that stupid. Ha, ha, ha!

So, so, so, so! They laugh that win!

Aha, so there! He's laughing like he's won her over!

Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry her.

Really, rumor has it that you are going to marry her.

Prithee say true!

Please, is that true?

I am a very villain else.

I swear it is, or else I'm a villain.

Have you scored me? Well.

Have you wronged me? Well, then.

This is the monkey’s own giving out. She is persuaded I will marry her, out of her own love and flattery, not out of my promise.

The monkey herself must be spreading this rumor. She is convinced I will marry her, driven by her own love and self-flattery. I haven't promised her anything.

Iago beckons me. Now he begins the story.

Iago is signaling to me. Now Cassio is beginning the story.

She was here even now. She haunts me in every place. I was the other day talking on the sea-bank with certain Venetians, and thither comes the bauble and, by this hand, she falls me thus about my neck—

She was here just now. She follows me everywhere. The other day I was talking along the shore with some Venetians, and the silly girl came to me and—I swear—she hangs around my neck like this—

Crying “O dear Cassio!” as it were. His gesture imports it.

He looks like he's crying out, "Oh dear Cassio!" That's what his gestures indicate.

So hangs and lolls and weeps upon me, so shakes, and pulls me! Ha, ha, ha!

She hangs on me like this and cries on my shoulder and shakes and pulls me like this! Ha, ha, ha!

Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. Oh, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw it to.

Now he's talking about how she dragged him to my bedroom. Oh, Cassio, I'm going to cut off your nose and throw it to some dog.

Well, I must leave her company.

Well, I must stop spending time with her.

Before me! Look, where she comes.

My goodness! Look, she's coming.

Enter BIANCA

BIANCA enters.

'Tis such another fitchew. Marry, a perfumed one.— What do you mean by this haunting of me?

Just the prostitute we were talking about. And she's wearing perfume. Why are you following me around like this?

Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now? I was a fine fool to take it. I must take out the work? A likely piece of work, that you should find it in your chamber, and not know who left it there! This is some minx’s token, and I must take out the work? There, give it your hobby-horse. Wheresoever you had it, I’ll take out no work on ’t.

Let the devil and his wife follow you around! Why did you give me that handkerchief just recently? I was an idiot to accept it. You want me to copy the embroidery? What a likely story, that you found it in your room and didn't know who left it there! This is a gift from some woman, and you want me to copy out the embroidery? There, give it back to your new mistress. Wherever you got it from, I'm not copying any of it.

How now, my sweet Bianca! How now, how now?

What's the matter, my sweet Bianca? What's the matter?

By heaven, that should be my handkerchief!

By heaven, that's my handkerchief!

If you’ll come to supper tonight, you may. If you will not, come when you are next prepared for.

If you will come have dinner with me tonight, then okay. If you don't come to dinner then just keep on waiting until I call for you next—which will be never.

BIANCA exits.

After her, after her.

Go after her, go after her.

I must, she’ll rail in the street else.

I must. Otherwise, she'll make a ruckus in the street.

Will you sup there?

Will you go to dinner with her?

Yes, I intend so.

Yes, I intend to go.

Well, I may chance to see you, for I would very fain speak with you.

Well, I'd like to get a chance to see you later, because I really would like to speak with you.

Prithee come, will you?

Please come to the diner, then. Will you?

Go to! Say no more.

Stop talking and go after her!

[advancing] How shall I murder him, Iago?

[Coming forward out of hiding] How should I murder him, Iago?

Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice?

Did you see how he laughed about his crime?

And did you see the handkerchief?

Was that mine?

Was that my handkerchief?

Yours by this hand. And to see how he prizes the foolish woman your wife! She gave it him, and he hath given it his whore.

I swear on my hand, it was yours. And look how much he cares about your foolish wife! She gave him her handkerchief, and he turns around and gives it to a whore.

I would have him nine years a-killing. A fine woman! A fair woman! A sweet woman!

If I could, I'd spend nine years killing him slowly. She was a fine woman! A beautiful woman! A sweet woman!

Nay, you must forget that.

You must forget about that.

Ay, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight, for she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone. I strike it and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world hath not a sweeter creature, she might lie by an emperor’s side and command him tasks.

Yes, let her rot and perish and go to hell tonight, for she will not live past tonight. No, my heart has turned to stone. If I beat my chest, it hurts my hand. Oh, there's not a sweeter creature in the world! She could be the wife of an emperor and he'd obey her commands.

Nay, that’s not your way.

No, that's not like you to obey a woman.

Hang her! I do but say what she is. So delicate with her needle, an admirable musician. Oh, she will sing the savageness out of a bear! Of so high and plenteous wit and invention!

Let her be hanged! I'm just calling her what she is now. Such a skilled sewer, such an admirable musician. Oh, she could sing so well she'd charm a savage bear to gentleness! She's so clever and intelligent!

She’s the worse for all this.

All these traits make her even worse.

Oh, a thousand thousand times—and then of so gentle a condition!

Oh, they make her a thousand times worse! And she has such a gentle nature!

Ay, too gentle.

Yes, too gentle.

Nay, that’s certain. But yet the pity of it, Iago! O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!

That's certainly true. But what a pity this is, Iago! Oh, Iago, the pity!

If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to offend, for if it touch not you it comes near nobody.

If you still care about her after her sinfulness, give her permission to cheat on you. If it doesn't bother you, it doesn't harm anyone.

I will chop her into messes! Cuckold me?

I will chop her up into little bits! Cheat on me, will she?

Oh, ’tis foul in her.

Oh, it's really a foul thing for her to do.

With mine officer!

With my own lieutenant!

That’s fouler.

That's even worse.

Get me some poison, Iago, this night. I’ll not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again—This night, Iago!

Iago, get me some poison this very night. I won't speak to her, so her body and beauty don't trick my mind again. Get me the poison tonight, Iago!

Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.

Don't poison her. Strangle her in her bed—the very bed she contaminated with her affair.

Good, good, the justice of it pleases! Very good!

Good idea! Poetic justice! Very good!

And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You shall hear more by midnight.

And as for Cassio, let me handle him. You'll hear more about it by midnight.

Excellent good.

A trumpet within

A trumpet sounds off-stage.

What trumpet is that same?

What is that trumpet?

I warrant something from Venice. 'Tis Lodovico, this, comes from the duke. See, your wife’s with him.

It must be some news from Venice. Here comes Lodovico, from the Duke. Look, your wife is with him.

Enter LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, and attendants

LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, and attendants enter.

Save you, worthy general!

Hello, noble General.

With all my heart, sir.

Hello, sir.

The duke and senators of Venice greet you.

The Duke and Senators of Venice send their greetings.

(gives him a letter)

LODOVICO gives OTHELLO a letter.

I kiss the instrument of their pleasures.

I kiss the letter that contains their commands.

And what’s the news, good cousin Lodovico?

And what's the news, good cousin Lodovico?

I am very glad to see you, signior. Welcome to Cyprus.

I am very glad to see you, sir. Welcome to Cyprus.

I thank you. How does lieutenant Cassio?

Thank you. How is Lieutenant Cassio doing?

Lives, sir.

He's alive, sir.

Cousin, there’s fall'n between him and my lord An unkind breach, but you shall make all well.

Cousin, there's a rift now between my husband and him. But you can mend it.

Are you sure of that?

Are you sure about that?

[reads] “This fail you not to do, as you will—”

[Reading the letter] "Don't fail to do this, since you will—"

He did not call, he’s busy in the paper. Is there division ’twixt my lord and Cassio?

He wasn't talking to you, Desdemona. He's busy reading the letter. Is there really a dispute between my lord and Cassio?

A most unhappy one. I would do much T' atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio.

Yes, a most unhappy one. I would do anything to repair their friendship, because of my love for Cassio.

Fire and brimstone!

Are you wise?

Do you have any sense?

What, is he angry?

Maybe the letter moved him, For, as I think, they do command him home, Deputing Cassio in his government.

Maybe the letter upset him. I think they've ordered him to return home and leave Cassio in charge here.

By my troth, I am glad on ’t.

Truthfully, I'm glad about that.

I am glad to see you mad.

I'm glad to see that you are angry.

Why, sweet Othello—

Devil! [strikes her]

You devil! [He hits DESDEMONA]

I have not deserved this.

I haven't done anything to deserve this.

My lord, this would not be believed in Venice, Though I should swear I saw ’t. 'Tis very much. Make her amends, she weeps.

My lord, no one in Venice would believe you just did that—even if I swore that I saw it with my own eyes. This is no small matter. Apologize to her. She's crying.

Oh, devil, devil! If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. Out of my sight!

Oh, devil, devil! If the whole world were filled with the tears of women, they'd all be fake tears! Get out of my sight!

I will not stay to offend you.

I will not stay, if it offends you.

Truly, an obedient lady. I do beseech your lordship, call her back.

She is truly an obedient lady. I beg you, my lord, call her back.

Yes, my lord?

What would you with her, sir?

What do you want with her, sir?

Who, I, my lord?

Me, my lord?

Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn. Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on, And turn again. And she can weep, sir, weep. And she’s obedient, as you say, obedient, Very obedient. (To DESDEMONA) Proceed you in your tears. (To LODOVICO) Concerning this, sir— (To DESDEMONA) Oh, well-painted passion! (To LODOVICO) I am commanded home. (To DESDEMONA) Get you away, I’ll send for you anon. (To LODOVICO) Sir, I obey the mandate And will return to Venice. (To DESDEMONA) Hence, avaunt!

Yes, you're the one who wanted me to have her turn around and come back here. She can turn around all right; she's very good at turning on you. And she can weep, sir. And she's obedient, as you say, very obedient.  [To DESDEMONA]  Keep on crying.  [To LODOVICO]  About this letter, sir.  [To DESDEMONA ] Oh you are pretending really well!  [ To LODOVICO] I have been ordered to come home.  [To DESDEMONA] Go away. I'll call for you later.  [To LODOVICO] Sir, I obey my orders and will return to Venice.  [To DESDEMONA] Get away from here! Away!

Exit DESDEMONA

DESDEMONA exits.

Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, tonight I do entreat that we may sup together. You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. Goats and monkeys!

Cassio will take over for me here. And, sir, tonight I ask you to have dinner together with me. Welcome to Cyprus, sir. Oh, goats and monkeys !

OTHELLO exits.

Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce?

Is this the same noble Moor that our whole senate thinks so highly of? Is this the person who supposedly could not be shaken by passion? The man whose solid virtue was invulnerable to anything chance or fortune could throw at it?

He is much changed.

He has changed a lot.

Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain?

Does he still have his wits? Has he gone crazy, too?

He’s that he is. I may not breathe my censure What he might be. If what he might he is not, I would to heaven he were!

He is as he is. I can't say a bad word about what he might be like. If he is not what he has the potential to be, then I wish to heaven he was!

What? Strike his wife?

What was that about? Why did he hit his wife?

'Faith, that was not so well. Yet would I knew That stroke would prove the worst!

That really was not so good. But I wish I could say that was the worst he'll do.

Is it his use? Or did the letters work upon his blood And new-create his fault?

Does he usually hit her like that? Or did the letter he was reading raise his temper and make him so angry that he hit her?

Alas, alas! It is not honesty in me to speak What I have seen and known. You shall observe him, And his own courses will denote him so That I may save my speech. Do but go after And mark how he continues.

Alas, alas! It is not right for me to tell you about what I have seen and learned. You will see for yourself, and his actions will show you what he is like, so that I don't have to tell you. Go follow after him, and just watch how he acts.

I am sorry that I am deceived in him.

I'm sorry I misjudged him.

LODOVICO and IAGO exit.

Othello Act 4, Scene 1 Summary

• Enter Iago and Othello. Iago is playing mind games with Othello as usual, forcing him to imagine Desdemona and Cassio in bed together. Iago then brings up the lost handkerchief, saying if he'd given it to a woman, it would be her possession, and she'd be free to give it to anyone she pleased. Othello then asks whether her honor could be given as freely, too. He had forgotten about the handkerchief until Iago graciously reminded him.
• Iago wheedles a bit more, now making the outright lie that Cassio claims to have slept with Desdemona...or something. Iago isn't totally clear if Cassio said "lie with her" or "lie on her," which is a pretty big difference. Either he slept with her or told a lie about her. Nice. Of course Othello takes the meaning Iago wants him to take. Othello gets so upset he starts mumbling and falls into a trance.
• As Iago gloats over the effects of his wicked work, Cassio comes in and wonders what's going on with Othello. Iago explains that he's just having a fit—totally normal—in fact, the second one since yesterday. Cassio suggests that perhaps they should try to tend to Othello, but Iago thinks it best to let the man suffer. He tells Cassio to leave them for a minute and come back when Othello has left, so they can have a friendly chat.
• Othello slowly comes out of his fit. Iago asks if his head still hurts, and Othello, still in a passion, interprets this to mean Iago is thinking any man's head would hurt if it were burdened by cuckold's horns. (Cuckolds are men who are led about by the horns by their wives. Othello, tricked by his own woman, feels he wears such horns.) Iago "comforts" Othello by saying lots of men are deceived by their women; it's like a club of whipped brothers. Othello then declares Iago to be very wise. All is lost.
• Iago tells Othello to hide a little ways away so that he can overhear a conversation between Iago and Cassio, one where Cassio will clearly incriminate himself by talking loosely about Desdemona. Othello thinks this is a wonderful idea, and says he'll listen with patient and bloody thoughts. (Apparently, finding objective proof has gone out the window.)
• Iago then announces his plan (to us, not Othello): he'll talk in veiled terms to Cassio about Bianca (the prostitute), whom Cassio takes very lightly. Othello, hearing the conversation, is bound to think Cassio is making light of his wife, Desdemona. Iago underhandedly will have given Othello the shadow of proof. Mwah-hah-hah, yet again.
• When Cassio comes back, Iago brings up Bianca, in all her pathetic ardor. Cassio, of course, laughs about how much the woman loves him, how desperate she is, and how easily beguiled she has been by his false intentions of marriage. (This conversation is overheard by Othello, who apparently missed the key word "Bianca." Othello indeed thinks they are talking about his wife.)
• It must be Iago's lucky day, because Bianca herself comes in and throws Desdemona's handkerchief in Cassio's face. Cassio calls her a "fitchew," which is a polecat, known for being lusty and smelly.
• Bianca is furious that Cassio has given her something that obviously came from another woman, a woman who is indeed a "hobby-horse" (another useful slang term for an Elizabethan harlot). Bianca walks out in a huff and Cassio follows her.
• Othello is completely convinced by this little scene, and furious that Desdemona would give Cassio their special handkerchief, especially since his mother's dying bequest ended up in the hands of a common prostitute. He rages for a bit, and finally gets to talk of action.
• Othello first threatens to chop Desdemona up into little bits. Then, he asks Iago to get him some poison, so he might kill her that very night. He won't chat with her about her offenses, as he's sure she'd be able to talk him out of her murder.
• Othello thinks this murder plan is most just. Iago reveals he still intends to take out Cassio . He assures Othello he'll report back before midnight.
• The conversation is interrupted by Lodovico, kinsman of Brabantio (Desdemona's father, remember?). Lodovico brings news from the Duke in Venice: Othello has been called back to the city, and Cassio is to replace him as command in Cyprus. While Othello reads the letter from the Duke, Lodovico talks with Desdemona (who showed up in the meantime) and asks her how Cassio is doing.
• Desdemona explains how Cassio and Othello had a falling out, and declares she hopes they can work it out "for the love I bear to Cassio" (4.1.231), which is not a good move given the fact that Othello was just thinking about Cassio having sex with his wife. Othello, overhearing Desdemona's loving comments toward Cassio, gets enraged and hits Desdemona.
• Desdemona can't figure out why her husband would strike her—and in public no less—when she's done nothing to deserve it. Lodovico insists Othello make amends with the poor girl, as she's weeping. Othello says she can cry crocodile tears (full of falsehood) and he won't care, as she changes faces so easily.
• Othello then declares he'll head back to Venice, and Cassio shall have his post (leaving out that he will be too dead to fill it). Desdemona leaves, shell-shocked, and Othello stalks out, muttering "goats and monkeys!" (4.1.265).
• Lodovico is shocked that Othello would injure his wife and behave so boorishly in public. He wonders whether Othello has been put into a passion by the Duke's letters, but Iago suggests this poor form is Othello's status quo. Iago demurs on giving details about Othello's failings, saying, with seeming humility, that it's not up to him to reveal the evils he's seen. This leaves Lodovico free to imagine worse evils.

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The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice

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In Venice, at the start of Othello , the soldier Iago announces his hatred for his commander, Othello, a Moor. Othello has promoted Cassio, not Iago, to be his lieutenant.

Iago crudely informs Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, that Othello and Desdemona have eloped. Before the Venetian Senate, Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching Desdemona. The Senators wish to send Othello to Cyprus, which is under threat from Turkey. They bring Desdemona before them. She tells of her love for Othello, and the marriage stands. The Senate agrees to let her join Othello in Cyprus.

In Cyprus, Iago continues to plot against Othello and Cassio. He lures Cassio into a drunken fight, for which Cassio loses his new rank; Cassio, at Iago’s urging, then begs Desdemona to intervene. Iago uses this and other ploys—misinterpreted conversations, insinuations, and a lost handkerchief—to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are lovers. Othello goes mad with jealousy and later smothers Desdemona on their marriage bed, only to learn of Iago’s treachery. He then kills himself.

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Othello Original Text: Act 4, Scene 1

This page contains the original text of Othello Act 4, Scene 1 . Shakespeare’s original Othello text is extremely long, so we’ve split the text into one Scene per page. All Acts are listed on the  Othello text page, or linked to from the bottom of this page.

ACT 4. SCENE 1. Cyprus. Before the castle.

Enter OTHELLO and IAGO

IAGO Will you think so?

OTHELLO Think so, Iago!

IAGO What, To kiss in private?

An unauthorized kiss.

IAGO Or to be naked with her friend in bed An hour or more, not meaning any harm?

Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm! It is hypocrisy against the devil: They that mean virtuously, and yet do so, The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven.

So they do nothing, ’tis a venial slip: But if I give my wife a handkerchief,–

Why, then, ’tis hers, my lord; and, being hers, She may, I think, bestow’t on any man.

She is protectress of her honour too: May she give that?

Her honour is an essence that’s not seen; They have it very oft that have it not: But, for the handkerchief,–

By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it. Thou said’st, it comes o’er my memory, As doth the raven o’er the infected house, Boding to all–he had my handkerchief.

Ay, what of that?

That’s not so good now.

What, If I had said I had seen him do you wrong? Or heard him say,–as knaves be such abroad, Who having, by their own importunate suit, Or voluntary dotage of some mistress, Convinced or supplied them, cannot choose But they must blab–

Hath he said any thing?

He hath, my lord; but be you well assured, No more than he’ll unswear.

What hath he said?

‘Faith, that he did–I know not what he did.

What? what?

With her, on her; what you will.

Lie with her! lie on her! We say lie on her, when they belie her. Lie with her! that’s fulsome. –Handkerchief–confessions–handkerchief!–To confess, and be hanged for his labour;–first, to be hanged, and then to confess.–I tremble at it. Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion without some instruction. It is not words that shake me thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips. –Is’t possible?–Confess–handkerchief!–O devil!–

Falls in a trance

Work on, My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught; And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, All guiltless, meet reproach. What, ho! my lord! My lord, I say! Othello!

Enter CASSIO

How now, Cassio!

What’s the matter?

My lord is fall’n into an epilepsy: This is his second fit; he had one yesterday.

Rub him about the temples.

No, forbear; The lethargy must have his quiet course: If not, he foams at mouth and by and by Breaks out to savage madness. Look he stirs: Do you withdraw yourself a little while, He will recover straight: when he is gone, I would on great occasion speak with you.

Exit CASSIO

How is it, general? have you not hurt your head?

Dost thou mock me?

I mock you! no, by heaven. Would you would bear your fortune like a man!

A horned man’s a monster and a beast.

There’s many a beast then in a populous city, And many a civil monster.

Did he confess it?

Good sir, be a man; Think every bearded fellow that’s but yoked May draw with you: there’s millions now alive That nightly lie in those unproper beds Which they dare swear peculiar: your case is better. O, ’tis the spite of hell, the fiend’s arch-mock, To lip a wanton in a secure couch, And to suppose her chaste! No, let me know; And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be.

O, thou art wise; ’tis certain.

Stand you awhile apart; Confine yourself but in a patient list. Whilst you were here o’erwhelmed with your grief– A passion most unsuiting such a man– Cassio came hither: I shifted him away, And laid good ‘scuse upon your ecstasy, Bade him anon return and here speak with me; The which he promised. Do but encave yourself, And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns, That dwell in every region of his face; For I will make him tell the tale anew, Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when He hath, and is again to cope your wife: I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience; Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen, And nothing of a man.

Dost thou hear, Iago? I will be found most cunning in my patience; But–dost thou hear?–most bloody.

That’s not amiss; But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw?

OTHELLO retires

Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, A housewife that by selling her desires Buys herself bread and clothes: it is a creature That dotes on Cassio; as ’tis the strumpet’s plague To beguile many and be beguiled by one: He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain From the excess of laughter. Here he comes:

Re-enter CASSIO

As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad; And his unbookish jealousy must construe Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures and light behavior, Quite in the wrong. How do you now, lieutenant?

The worser that you give me the addition Whose want even kills me.

Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on’t.

Speaking lower

Now, if this suit lay in Bianco’s power, How quickly should you speed!

Alas, poor caitiff!

Look, how he laughs already!

I never knew woman love man so.

Alas, poor rogue! I think, i’ faith, she loves me.

Now he denies it faintly, and laughs it out.

Do you hear, Cassio?

Now he importunes him To tell it o’er: go to; well said, well said.

She gives it out that you shall marry hey: Do you intend it?

Ha, ha, ha!

Do you triumph, Roman? do you triumph?

I marry her! what? a customer! Prithee, bear some charity to my wit: do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha!

So, so, so, so: they laugh that win.

‘Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry her.

Prithee, say true.

I am a very villain else.

Have you scored me? Well.

This is the monkey’s own giving out: she is persuaded I will marry her, out of her own love and flattery, not out of my promise.

Iago beckons me; now he begins the story.

She was here even now; she haunts me in every place. I was the other day talking on the sea-bank with certain Venetians; and thither comes the bauble, and, by this hand, she falls me thus about my neck–

Crying ‘O dear Cassio!’ as it were: his gesture imports it.

So hangs, and lolls, and weeps upon me; so hales, and pulls me: ha, ha, ha!

Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. O, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw it to.

Well, I must leave her company.

Before me! look, where she comes.

‘Tis such another fitchew! marry a perfumed one.

Enter BIANCA

What do you mean by this haunting of me?

Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now? I was a fine fool to take it. I must take out the work?–A likely piece of work, that you should find it in your chamber, and not know who left it there! This is some minx’s token, and I must take out the work? There; give it your hobby-horse: wheresoever you had it, I’ll take out no work on’t.

How now, my sweet Bianca! how now! how now!

By heaven, that should be my handkerchief!

An you’ll come to supper to-night, you may; an you will not, come when you are next prepared for.

After her, after her.

‘Faith, I must; she’ll rail in the street else.

Will you sup there?

‘Faith, I intend so.

Well, I may chance to see you; for I would very fain speak with you.

Prithee, come; will you?

Go to; say no more.

[Advancing] How shall I murder him, Iago?

Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice?

And did you see the handkerchief?

Was that mine?

Yours by this hand: and to see how he prizes the foolish woman your wife! she gave it him, and he hath given it his whore.

I would have him nine years a-killing. A fine woman! a fair woman! a sweet woman!

Nay, you must forget that.

Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned to-night; for she shall not live: no, my heart is turned to stone; I strike it, and it hurts my hand. O, the world hath not a sweeter creature: she might lie by an emperor’s side and command him tasks.

Nay, that’s not your way.

Hang her! I do but say what she is: so delicate with her needle: an admirable musician: O! she will sing the savageness out of a bear: of so high and plenteous wit and invention:–

She’s the worse for all this.

O, a thousand thousand times: and then, of so gentle a condition!

Ay, too gentle.

Nay, that’s certain: but yet the pity of it, Iago! O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!

If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to offend; for, if it touch not you, it comes near nobody.

I will chop her into messes: cuckold me!

O, ’tis foul in her.

With mine officer!

That’s fouler.

Get me some poison, Iago; this night: I’ll not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again: this night, Iago.

Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.

Good, good: the justice of it pleases: very good.

And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker: you shall hear more by midnight.

Excellent good.

A trumpet within

What trumpet is that same?

Something from Venice, sure. ‘Tis Lodovico Come from the duke: and, see, your wife is with him.

Enter LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, and Attendants

Save you, worthy general!

With all my heart, sir.

The duke and senators of Venice greet you.

Gives him a letter

I kiss the instrument of their pleasures.

Opens the letter, and reads

And what’s the news, good cousin Lodovico?

I am very glad to see you, signior Welcome to Cyprus.

I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio?

Lives, sir.

Cousin, there’s fall’n between him and my lord An unkind breach: but you shall make all well.

Are you sure of that?

[Reads] ‘This fail you not to do, as you will–‘

He did not call; he’s busy in the paper. Is there division ‘twixt my lord and Cassio?

A most unhappy one: I would do much To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio.

Fire and brimstone!

Are you wise?

What, is he angry?

May be the letter moved him; For, as I think, they do command him home, Deputing Cassio in his government.

Trust me, I am glad on’t.

I am glad to see you mad.

Why, sweet Othello,–

[Striking her] Devil!

I have not deserved this.

My lord, this would not be believed in Venice, Though I should swear I saw’t: ’tis very much: Make her amends; she weeps.

O devil, devil! If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. Out of my sight!

I will not stay to offend you.

Truly, an obedient lady: I do beseech your lordship, call her back.

What would you with her, sir?

Who, I, my lord?

Ay; you did wish that I would make her turn: Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on, And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep; And she’s obedient, as you say, obedient, Very obedient. Proceed you in your tears. Concerning this, sir,–O well-painted passion!– I am commanded home. Get you away; I’ll send for you anon. Sir, I obey the mandate, And will return to Venice. Hence, avaunt!

Exit DESDEMONA

Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, tonight, I do entreat that we may sup together: You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus.–Goats and monkeys!

Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue The shot of accident, nor dart of chance, Could neither graze nor pierce?

He is much changed.

Are his wits safe? is he not light of brain?

He’s that he is: I may not breathe my censure What he might be: if what he might he is not, I would to heaven he were!

What, strike his wife!

‘Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew That stroke would prove the worst!

Is it his use? Or did the letters work upon his blood, And new-create this fault?

Alas, alas! It is not honesty in me to speak What I have seen and known. You shall observe him, And his own courses will denote him so That I may save my speech: do but go after, And mark how he continues.

I am sorry that I am deceived in him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Read more scenes from Othello:

William Shakespeare

• Literature Notes
• Essay Questions
• Play Summary
• About Othello
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Act I: Scene 1
• Act I: Scene 2
• Act I: Scene 3
• Act II: Scene 1
• Act II: Scene 2
• Act II: Scene 3
• Act III: Scene 1
• Act III: Scene 2
• Act III: Scene 3
• Act III: Scene 4
• Act IV: Scene 1
• Act IV: Scene 2
• Act IV: Scene 3
• Act V: Scene 1
• Act V: Scene 2
• Character Analysis
• Character Map
• William Shakespeare Biography
• Critical Essays
• Major Themes
• Major Symbols and Motifs
• Character Pairs
• Shakespeare's Tragedy
• Top 5 Quotes Explained
• Film Versions
• Full Glossary
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• Cite this Literature Note

Study Help Essay Questions

1. Describe the course of Iago's deception of Othello, showing which incidents were planned and which were opportunistic. Does Iago succeed by skill or by luck?

2. Discuss how age, social position, and race impact the relationship between Othello and Desdemona.

3. A tragedy concerns the fall of a great man due to some flaw in his character. What is Othello's flaw, and explain how he is truly a tragic hero.

4. What are possible motives for Iago's hatred of Othello? Consider both the motives he states and the motives implied in his speech and behavior.

5. In addition to exposing the prejudices of Venetians, discuss how the play also exposes the prejudices of the audience.

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