Act IV

Question 1

1.”But I do think it is their husbands’ faults / If wives do fall.” – Emilia (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 1

Device: Feminist perspective; Irony

Annotation: Emilia challenges patriarchal norms by suggesting that women’s infidelity often results from male neglect or mistreatment.

Question 2

2.”I will chop her into messes. Cuckold me!” – Othello (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 2

Device: Violent imagery; Exclamatory outburst

Annotation: Othello’s descent into brutal jealousy is evident here as he reacts with rage at the thought of Desdemona’s supposed betrayal.

Question 3

3. “Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men.” – Othello (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 3

Device: Justification; Irony

Annotation: Othello rationalizes murder as justice, showcasing his moral downfall and the tragic power of Iago’s manipulation.

Question 4

5. “Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell.” – Othello (Act 4, Scene 2)

Answer 4

Device: Antithesis; Religious imagery

Annotation: Othello juxtaposes heaven and hell to express the depth of his disillusionment with Desdemona

Question 4

4. “Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men.” – Othello (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 4

Device: Justification; Irony

Annotation: Othello rationalizes murder as justice, showcasing his moral downfall and the tragic power of Iago’s manipulation.

Question 5

“I understand a fury in your words, / But not the words.” – Desdemona (Act 4, Scene 2)

Answer 5

Device: Irony; Pathos

Annotation: Desdemona’s confusion emphasizes her innocence and the tragic miscommunication that drives the plot.

Question 5

“She is protectress of her honour too: / May she give that?” – Othello (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 5

Device: Rhetorical question; Feminist theme

Annotation: Othello questions the ownership of a woman’s virtue, subtly critiquing the double standards of gender.

Question 5

“Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate / Call all in all sufficient?” – Lodovico (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 5

Device: Rhetorical question; Irony

Annotation: Lodovico is shocked by Othello’s changed behavior, emphasizing the extent of his moral and social decline.

Question 6

“The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.” – Emilia (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 6

Device: Aphorism; Irony

Annotation: Emilia suggests that women learn wrongdoing from men, challenging societal expectations of female virtue.

Question 7

“O, the world hath not a sweeter creature!” – Othello (Act 4, Scene 1)
Device: Irony; Contrast
Annotation: Othello’s admiration of Desdemona clashes with his murderous intent, underscoring his internal conflict.

Answer 7

v”If I can fasten but one cup upon him… he’ll be as full of quarrel and offense as my young mistress’ dog.” – Iago (Act 2, Scene 3)Device: Simile; ForeshadowingAnnotation: Iago plans to get Cassio drunk to provoke a fight, advancing his plot against him.