Othello
How does Othello misinterpret the dialogue between Cassio and Iago? How might an observant person realize that Cassio is speaking of Bianca rather than Desdemona?
Act IV scene i
Act IV scene i
Cassio announces that he is going to torment Othello by asking Cassio about Bianca; he knows that Othello will assume that he is talking about his wife.
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.
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?
Othello