Iago reels in Othello

Act 3 Scene 3 – Key Scene

In this scene, Iago begins to poison Othello’s mind into believing that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. At first, Othello cannot believe that Desdemona would behave in such a way, but slowly Iago makes suggestions that get into Othello’s imagination and he begins to believe it could be true.

Take a look at an extract from the scene and watch it in performance here. Using the following steps, remember to look at it line by line and, if you’re looking at the scene for the first time, don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at once.

• Look

  Take a look at the scene. Who has the most lines? Are they using prose or verse? Actors at the RSC often put the language into their own words to help them understand what they are saying. We’ve added some definitions (in green), questions (in red) and paraphrased some sections (in blue) to help with this. You can click on the text that is highlighted for extra guidance.

  Close

  Iago

  But I do see you’re moved.
  I am to pray you, not to strain my speech
  To grosser issues, nor to larger reach
  Than to suspicion.

  Close

  Please don’t read too much into what I have said and think I meant something more important or more unpleasant, or anything more than just suspicions.

  Othello

  I will not.

  Iago

  Should you do so, my lord,
  My speech should fall into such vile success
  Which my thoughts aimed not. Cassio’s my worthy friend.
  My lord, I see you’re moved.
  

  Close

  achieve a really bad outcome

  Othello

  No, not much moved:
  I do not think but Desdemona’s honest.

  Iago

  Long live she so! And long live you to think so!

  Close

  Why do you think Iago mentions Desdemona’s life? What affect does this have?

  Othello

  And yet, how nature erring from itself—

  Iago

  Ay, there’s the point: as, to be bold with you,
  Not to affect many proposèd matches
  Of her own clime, complexion and degree,
  Whereto we see in all things nature tends,
  Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,
  Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural.
  But, pardon me: I do not in position
  Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear
  Her will, recoiling to her better judgement,
  May fall to match you with her country forms,
  And happily repent.
  

  Close

  She didn’t care about the many offers of marriage from men more like her in terms of their background, what they look like and their social status, which is what most people prefer in a partner.

  Close

  Rank has a lot of meanings including rebellious, corrupt or disgusting.

  Othello

  Farewell, farewell.
  If more thou dost perceive, let me know more.
  Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago.
  

  Iago

  My lord, I take my leave

  IAGO starts to leave

  Othello

  Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless
  Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.

  Close

  How has Iago’s use of language made Othello think that he knows more than he is telling?

  IAGO Returns

  Iago

  My lord, I would I might entreat your honour
  To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time.
  Although ’tis fit that Cassio have his place,
  For sure he fills it up with great ability,
  Yet, if you please to put him off awhile,
  You shall by that perceive him and his means
  

  Close

  My Lord, please don’t think about this any more. Let’s just see what happens next.

  Close

  Cassio deserves to get his job back because he does it so well, don’t give it back just yet and see what he does to try and get it back.

  (Text edited for rehearsals by Iqbal Khan)
• Listen

  Read the scene aloud. Who do you think has the most power in this scene? How do you think the lines might be spoken? Are there any words or lines that particularly help you to think about the relationship between these two characters?

• Watch

  Take a look at the actors performing this scene. How do the characters come across in this version?

  

  Play Scene in performance
• Imagine

  Explore some images from past interpretations of Iago and Othello at the RSC. Which sets and staging choices for this scene feel right to you?