The act opens with Iago and Roderigo hiding in wait for Cassio, so that they may kill him. Iago doesn't particularly care if Roderigo dies instead of Cassio, but is concerned about Roderigo's questions and worries that he may be suspicious of Iago's scheming. Cassio duly arrives, and ends up wounding Roderigo, while Iago stabs Cassio from behind, so that Cassio is unaware who inflicted his injuries. Hearing Cassio's cries, Othello believes that Cassio has been fatally wounded, and continues on his way to kill Desdemona.
Lodovico and Gratiano arrive, and Iago claims innocence for Cassio's injuries: going so far as to stab Roderigo as revenge for his wounding Cassio. Bianca arrives, and Iago accuses her of injuring Cassio.
5.1 Dramatic Reading of Shakespeare's Othello
By Dr. Greg Martin
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/9044929
By Dr. Greg Martin
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/9044929
QUESTIONS ON THIS SCENE
Act V Scene I
- Why is Roderigo unsure about killing Cassio?
- What does Iago stand to gain if Roderigo lives?
- What does Iago stand to gain if Cassio lives?
- Why is Othello pleased to hear Cassio’s cries?
- What does Iago accuse Bianca of?
- Why does Emilia abuse Bianca?
- How do you think the opening lines of this scene parallel the opening of Act one scene one?
- How many lies does Iago utter in this act?
- What do you think Iago means by the last lines in this act: “This is the night that either makes me, or fordoes me quite”.