Question

OTHELLO ACT III, IV The scene between Desdemona, Emilia, and Iago after Othello has spoken so brutally to his wife is full of dramatic irony. What does the audience know that these characters do not know?

Answer 1

Answer:

The audience knows that it was Iago who made Othello jealous of Desdemona.

Explanation:

In "Othello", a tragedy by William Shakespeare, Othello and Desdemona are virtually a perfect couple. They love each other deeply, being faithful and respectful. However, Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio. He twists words and actions, using small details such as a handkerchief Othello has given his wife, all to make Othello miserable.

In Act III, scene IV, Othello is rude to Desdemona after having listened to Iago. However, when Iago interacts with Desdemona and Emilia afterward, he acts as if he cannot fathom an angry Othello, as if he has no idea why Othello would be rude and jealous. This is an example of dramatic irony. The characters do not know Iago is the one behind the misunderstandings, but the audience does.