Summary Detailed analysis of Act 4 Scene 3 of ‘Othello.’
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Course
Unit 1 - Drama
Institution
PEARSON (PEARSON)
This summary identifies the key themes and ideas in Act 4 Scene 3 of the play, analysing and exploring these in great detail. Not only is there a thorough analysis of many key quotes in this scene, but also how these link to the context of the play, such as what the references to trees in Desdemona...
Interpretation analysis: Views on Desdemona A05
‘Desdemona is resolute, courageous, and resists the orthodox type of marriage prescribed by
tradition.’ (Konstantin Stanislavski Director.)
Evidence supporting this interpretation:
o She goes against convention and marries a black man against her father’s wishes.
o Especially towards beginning of the play, this interpretation is valid. She stands up to
her father and expresses her love for Othello regardless of consequence.
o In her advocation for Cassio, she is relentless and is willing to go against the
decisions of her husband. Could be evidence of her courage?
Evidence that does not support this interpretation:
o She does find great comfort in her marriage and still always remains Othello’s
subordinate.
o Especially by the end of the play, Desdemona does not demonstrate courage, but
weakness. Key example of this is when Othello strikes her.
‘…She is helpless because her nature is infinitely sweet and her love absolute.’ (AC Bradley.)
Evidence supporting this interpretation:
o Desdemona does always remain loyal to Othello even until the end, and it is her
devotion that will kill her.
o Ideal feminine wife, who is wanted by many suitors- eg Roderigo.
o Naïve character- does not even realise why Othello is angry and continues to speak
of Cassio, which of course only makes things worse.
o Her advocation of Cassio can also be seen as Desdemona’s natural incline to help
people in kindness.
Conclusion:
First interpretation more valid at the beginning of the play, but as it progresses, Iago makes
her helpless and into the character that Bradley describes in interpretation 2. By the end the
audience sympathise with Desdemona, and her sweetness and blind loyalty to Othello is
certainly her weakness.
Interpretation 2 on a whole more convincing.
How does Shakespeare contrast Lodovico and Othello?
Lodovico speaks respectfully to Lodovico- ‘O, pardon me’- but is sharp with Desdemona-
‘Get to bed on th’instant’- aggressive and impulsive.
Lodovico on the other hand is respectful with Desdemona: ‘Madam, good night. I humbly
thank your ladyship.’
Othello no longer conforms to what is expected of him and does not care much for
reputation, and what Lodovico may think of him.
Lodovico reminds us of Othello’s old self in the beginning of the play. Shakespeare makes
use of this contrast to signify Othello’s degradation by this point.
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