How do ideas about difference and otherness help Iago's manipulation of Othello in this scene?

Desdemona promises to help Cassio win back Othello's trust and respect. Desdemona attempts to do this by reminding Othello that Cassio helped him to woo her,Othello is already doubting Desdemona and this action just pushes him further towards the belief that something between Cassio and Desdemona is happening behind his back. It also makes Othello feel insecure , we already know that he doesn't think that he's a good speaker 'rude am I in my speech' he thinks of Desdemona as better than himself and treats her with a lot of respect when compared with how Iago treats Emilia. Othello feels as if he is loosing Desdemona which makes him more vulnerable. Cassio is well spoken and attractive and Othello has a negative view of himself as he is black, and 'declined in the vale of years'. This makes Desdemona's innocent attempt to help a friend seem suspicious to Othello.

Iago reminds Othello that he's inferior.  He tells Othello that in 'Clime', 'Complexion' and 'Degree' he's inferior to her. Due to Desdemona's race and status and social attitudes to gender it was scandalous that she had married a black man as interracial relationships were rejected and without it being consented to by her father. Iago also tactfully reminds Othello of this too, because she deceived her father to marry him surely she could deceive her husband.

If Othello hadn't been as insecure and filled with self hatred and doubt he may have not viewed Desdemona's attempt to help a friend as a criticism of himself. Iago's claims probably wouldn't have been taken seriously either if the general rejection of otherness wasn't reinforced by society.

Othello Act 3 Scene 3

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?

She is friends with Cassio and has known him a long time. Cassio helped Desdemona and Othello to become a couple. She also recognises that Cassio is loyal to Othello.

What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."

He is referring to Desdemona and Cassio having a conversation he does it to make Othello question the nature of Cassio and Desdemona's relationship and to make him feel curious and insecure.

After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?

He is upset and angry and refuses to admit that he is jealous. He wants proof from Iago. 'Ill see before I doubt'

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

He says that venetian women keep things from their husbands and only show their husbands what they want to see and that 'they do let God see the pranks' that they conceal from their husbands.

What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?

 Belief that women tended to misbehave in hotter climates.

Why might this cause Othello to believe this or, at least, not dismiss it immediately?

Othello relies on Iago to explain society to him so trusts him to be honest and reliable, Iago is also his only source of advice. If women are also perceived this way by the rest of society it would be hard for Othello to dismiss these ideas.

Who echoes Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?

Iago also reminds him that Desdemona deceived her father before him so she would be able to deceive Othello.

In his duplicitous fashion, what bold statement does Iago make about Desdemona and Othello?

That Desdemona feared to look at Othello at that's why she loved him because she knew she shouldn't.

Desdemona's handkerchief becomes an imposrtant piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What might this symbolise? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it?

Desdemona gets out her handkerchief because Othello isn't feeling well. Desdemona drops it and Othello tells her to let it alone. Othello isn't feeling well after his conversation with Iago. The handkerchief is the first gift Othello gives to Desdemona and symbolizes the love they once had for each other. Othello says the handkerchief is 'too little' implying that Desdemona's love isn't enough anymore. When she drops it he also tells her to 'let it alone' after his conversation with Iago, Othello no longer has faith in his and Desdemona's love. Emilia picks up the handkerchief and plans to give it to Iago as she know how much he wants it but she doesn't know what he needs it for.

What do you think motivates Emilia to take the handkerchief to Iago?

She thinks that he may be grateful and affectionate towards her if she gets it for him as she knows he wants it . She also may think he wants to get one made for her just like it. She is desperate for Iago's attention and doesn't know his true intentions for the handkerchief.

What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief?

Use it as proof that Desdemona is cheating.

When Othello returns to the scene upset, what warning does he give Iago?

He strangles Iago and wishes Iago had never told him.  Othello says Iago must get proof. 

What 'proof' of Desdemona's disloyalty does Iago give Othello?

He tells Othello that he was in bed with Cassio awake with tooth ache and Cassio was calling Desdemona's name and kissing him.

What is Iago's final 'proof'?

Cassio having the handkerchief.

What is noticeable about Othello's language in this scene?  

It's very short and Iago dominates the conversation.