Examples Of Infidelity In Othello

Infidelity in Othello

Two important scenes in Othello are the "Temptation scene" (3.3) and the "Willow scene" (4.3). Although the topic of discussion in both scenes is infidelity, the two scenes contrast more than they compare.

First, the setting is different in the two scenes. Most of the Temptation scene takes place outdoors, in a garden. The atmosphere is open but the conversation stifling. In this scene, Iago tricks Othello into believing Desdemona is cheating on him with Michael Cassio.

In the Temptation scene, Iago conjures up images of infidelity in the mind of Othello. Upon seeing Cassio leave the side of Desdemona, Iago looks on the scene with disdain. Unsuspecting Othello asks Iago what is wrong. Iago speaks of Cassio's leaving as "steal[ing] away so guilty-like, /Seeing you coming" (3.3.43-44). In this way, Iago plants his first seed of discord. Next, Desdemona beseeches

She is totally pure and innocent. This virtue seems to be a "feminine" characteristic. On the other hand, Emilia portrays a "masculine" aggressive front. Adultery is much more prevalent in males. Moreover, Emilia portrays the double standard in Elizabethan society. She expresses she does not blame women that cheat on their husbands. She believes adultery is the husband's fault (3.4.100) because the husband is probably pouring "treasures into foreign laps" (3.4.102) and making sport of women (3.4.111-112).

So the Temptation scene and the Willow scene offer many more contrasts than comparisons. The main topic of discussion is the same in both scenes. Yet the characters approach the question in different ways. Furthermore, each scene has a "masculine" character and a "feminine" character. Finally, the differences in passivity and aggressiveness vary from character to character.

Works Cited and Consulted:

Bevington, David, ed. William Shakespeare: Four Tragedies. New York: Bantam Books,