Othello Act 4 Scene 2 Questions

1) What does Othello ask Emilia at the beginning of the scene, and how does Emilia respond? 
He asks Emilia if she has seen anything suspicious between Cassio and Desdemona. Emilia is very defensive of Desdemona and is certain of her innocence although Othello still refuses to believe shes telling the truth.

2) What does Othello say to Desdemona and how does Desdemona respond? Is Othello treating Desdemona fairly? 
Othello calls her a whore and compares her to a weed and tells he that he wishes she had never been born. Desdemona is confused and says to Othello that to him she is 'your true and loyal wife'.She also admits to a sin even though she is unaware she has done anything 'what ignorant sin have I committed?' she does because she cant understand his anger. He isn't treating her fairly as he has no proof that she has been disloyal, the audience know this and can see how much she loves him but she doesn't try to defend herself to him making her look guilty in his eyes. This doesn't excuse how he's treating her but it could have been easily resolved if she could have diminished his doubt earlier.

3) When Desdemona and Emilia tell Iago about Othello’s behavior, how does Iago respond? What does Iago say he thinks is the cause of Othello’s anger? What does Emilia think is the cause? 
Iago acts shocked and sympathetic towards Desdemona and dismisses Othellos anger as work stress. Emilia however can see that for Othello to act so irrationally someone else must be reaffirming his doubts. Iago obviously wants to avoid any discussion of the truth as it risks his exposure so tries desperately to keep his wife quiet.


4) Why is Roderigo angry and how does he threaten Iago? In response, what does Iago say Roderigo must do and why? According to Iago, what will be Roderigo’s reward if he follows Iago’s advice
Roderigo is angry because he has given Iago the majority of his wealth and his saw little reward. Desdemona seems no more interested in Roderigo. He  threatens to demand for the jewels to be given back from Desdemona but she cant give them back because she never received them, this would reveal that Iago has been stealing his money. Iago says that he must kill Cassio so that Desdemona cant leave Venice with Othello. Iago tells him that it will help him win the affections of women and the respect of his peers.