Othello  
Britain in Print
Act 3 Scene 3 - lines 228 - 259
5. Consider Othello’s uses of the term “honest” in this passage.
 
Examine each usage carefully and consider what they indicate of Othello’s changing allegiance. Mark each use and listen again to the intervening lines.

Choice 1OTHELLO

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

Choice 2IAGO

Long live she so; and long live you to think so.


Choice 3OTHELLO

And yet how nature, erring from itself,-


Choice 4IAGO

Ay, there's the point: as, to be bold with you,
Not to affect many proposed 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 judgment,
May fall to match you with her country forms
And happily repent.

Choice 4OTHELLO

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

Choice 4IAGO

My lord, I take my leave.

 

Choice 4OTHELLO

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

Choice 4IAGO

My lord, I would I might entreat your honour
To scan this thing no further. 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 hold him off awhile,
You shall by that perceive him, and his means:
Note, if your lady strain his entertainment
With any strong or vehement importunity,
Much will be seen in that. In the meantime
Let me be thought too busy in my fears-
As worthy cause I have to fear I am-
And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.

 


Examine each usage carefully and consider what they indicate of Othello’s changing allegiance. Mark each use and listen again to the intervening lines.
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