Cassio tells Iago that he has arranged to meet Desdemona, Iago helping Cassio to do this. Iago's wife, Emilia, tells Cassio that Othello would like to reinstate him as his lieutenant but the fact that Cassio's fight is public news, prevents Othello from doing this immediately. Emilia tells Cassio that she can arrange a meeting with Desdemona.
Some time later, Cassio speaks with a very sympathetic Desdemona who assures him that Othello still very much loves Cassio. Furthermore, Desdemona resolves to keep putting in a good word for Cassio until he is again Othello's lieutenant.
At a distance, Iago manipulates Othello by first suggesting shock and then hiding his outbursts from Othello. This guarantees Othello's attention, as Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona's fidelity especially where Cassio is concerned. Iago leaves Othello almost convinced that his wife is having an affair with Cassio.
Othello now complains of a headache to Desdemona, which results in her dropping a strawberry patterned handkerchief, Othello's first gift to her. Emilia picks this up gives it to Iago who decides the handkerchief could help his manipulation if he ensures Cassio receives it.
Iago arranges to place the handkerchief near Cassio's lodgings or home where he is certain to find it and take it as his own, unaware that it is Othello's gift to Desdemona. A furious Othello returns to Iago, certain his wife is faithful and demanding proof from Iago of Desdemona's infidelity.
Reluctantly and hesitantly, Iago tells Othello he saw Cassio wipe his brow with Desdemona's handkerchief. Othello is convinced, cursing his wife and telling Iago who is now promoted to lieutenant to kill Cassio. Othello will deal with Desdemona...
Desdemona worries about her missing handkerchief and comments that if she lost it, it could lead Othello doubting her fidelity. Emilia when asked about Desdemona's lost handkerchief, lies, denying having seen the handkerchief she picked up and gave to Iago.
Othello enters; asking Desdemona for the very same handkerchief and Desdemona assures him that the handkerchief is not lost and will be found. Desdemona now tries to change the subject to Cassio, but Othello continually stresses the value the handkerchief has to him, this leading to Othello angrily ordering his wife away.
Cassio arrives, Desdemona telling him that her attempts to help him are not going well. Iago claims total ignorance to the cause of Othello's fury. Cassio gives Othello's handkerchief, which he found, to his suspicious mistress Bianca who reluctantly starts to copy its patterning (presumably its strawberry motif / design) for him.
retrieved from absoluteshakespeare.com
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