Larissa I. Summary Response Act 4

    Act 4 of Othello, by William Shakespeare, demonstrates the power of anger.

Anger has come to rule lives of the characters. The play is fuilled with anger and fuels the actions of everyone, especially Othello. Anger can make someone act out in ways that do not portray their true character.

    Act 4 of Othello written by Shakespeare gives an accurate representation of how anger can fuel decisions. Othello's actions, hitting Desdemona, can not be overlooked and be punished in some way. Even if during that time period it was normal that woman were treated badly, striking Desdomona is not to be ignored. Othello and Desdomona are told that Cassio is beign sent home and will be appointed governor, “Lodovico, Maybe the letter moved him, for, as I think, they do command him home, deputing Cassio in his government. Desdemona, Trust me, I am glad on 't. Othello, Indeed! Desdemona, My lord? Othello, I am glad to see you mad. Desdemona, Why, sweet Othello- Othello, (striking her) Devil!” (Othello,Shakespeare 224- 232). Just before Lodovico had given them the news of Cassio's departure, Iago had tricked othello into thinking that Desdemona was having an affair with Cassio. When Iago was talking to Cassio about Bianca Cassio had laughed and said that he did not care about her. Othello had but watching them, and Iago told Othello that he and Cassio were talking about Desdemona. With Othello already enraged, when he heard that Desdemona was upset about Cassio leaving he lost self-control and hit her. Othello acted out of anger, and should have been able to control his actions.

     However, it was wrong for Othello to strike his wife, he was fuelled with anger and had been tricked into thinking his wife was cheating, should be given forgiven. Othello was deceived by Iago, he should not be completely blamed for his act of anger. Othello was angry and hearing Desdemona's care for Cassio made him irrate, "Desdemona, A most unhappy one. I would do much T'atone them, for the love i bear to Cassio. Othello, Fire and brimstone! Desdemona, My lord? Othello, What, is he angry?” (Othello, Shakespeare 221-223). Lodovico asked about Othello and Cassio's relationship, and Desdemona explains that there is a rift between them and that she would do anything to bring them back together because she cares so much about Cassio. His actions are what anyone would do in his situation. 

     At first glance, it seems that Othello is just acting out of anger and should be forgiven. We can not deny that Othello is acting on anger, and that his response is some what understandable. However Othello's actions cannot be overlooked and dissmissed so quickly. All though Othello's actions were fuelled by anger he could have kept his self- control or acted in some other way. Hitting Desdemona was not an exeptable way of showing his anger, a grown man should be able to keep his emotions controlled. Anger can fuel anyone's actions, even the most honorable people can loose their tempers.