Extract question

Othello Act 3 scene 3

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?

Desdemona agrees to help Cassio by talking to Othello in order to try and get Casio his job back; she does this because she knows that Cassio and Othello have a strong bond. This is demonstrated in act 3 scene 3 line 10, when Desdemona says to Cassio ‘You do love my lord’. Cassio however feels that Othello will forget everything that Cassio has done for him and only focus on the bad events that have happened. Desdemona reassures Cassio that she won’t let that happen and she shall keep nagging on at him until he gives in. Desdemona says that ‘For thy solicitor shall rather die //Than give thy cause away’. She feels very strongly about this.

What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."?

 Cassio is referring to Desdemona and Cassio being together. He is saying he doesn’t like it to plant the idea in Othello’s head that there is something that he should be wary of between the twi characters. By saying this, Iago is coming across to Othello like he cares and only wants what is best for Othello.

After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?

After Iago tells Othello not to be jealous, Othello responds with ‘O misery!’  This is telling us that Iago has succeeded and has made Othello fall out of love with Desdemona by my making him think that Desdemona is being unfaithful to him and no longer loves him. This shows how much influence Iago has over Othello as he can make him change his mind in a matter of minutes. Othello wants Iago to be honest with him and tell him his thought however Iago can use this to his advantage.

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

Iago says that women of Venice ‘do let God see the pranks/They dare not show their husbands’  Iago is saying that women do not show their husbands the mischief that they get up to. In this case Iago is referring to Desdemona and Cassio.

What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?

In Shakespearian times women were expected to be seen and not heard. They would be seen as property of the husband and would obey to their orders therefor they would hide their antics in order to stay respectful.

Why might this cause Othello to believe this or, at least, not dismiss it immediately?

Because Desdemona will be doing it behind his back as she has to look respectful in front of other people and would like to withhold her reputation. Therefore she would not do it openly as not only would she get caught but it would impact how other people viewed her.