Act 3 Scene 3

We begin the scene with Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia, who enter mid-conversation. Desdemona assures Cassio that she will help him to his post as a “vow in friendship.” As Othello and Iago return from sending a letter to the Duke of Venice, they see Cassio hugging Desdemona and Cassio leaves without speaking to them, as Cassio feels “ill at ease.” As you can guess, this leaves Iago with enough ‘evidence’ to suggest to Othello that his bride is acting suspiciously. He further implies that Desdemona could be accused of cheating on Othello sexually with Cassio. Does this seem logical from a single friendly embrace? Probably not... to us. But, for Iago, this is only just the beginning as we step through this Act. Iago’s suggestion to Othello makes Othello question his worth, particularly if his age and race is the reason he is so unappealing to his bride, whom he now beings to suspect. Though this is not immediately evident, the seeds of his mistrust of her have been sown, and will be tended to by Iago throughout this Act.