CASSIO
Masters, play here (I will content your pains)
Something that’s brief; and bid “Good morrow, general.”
They play.
Explanation:
Cassio asks the musicians to play something short and pleasant for Othello. He also wants them to greet Othello (“Good morrow, general”) as part of the performance.
Analysis:
Cassio is trying to please Othello, showing his respect for him and trying to get back into his good graces.
Language Devices:
- “I will content your pains” is a way of saying that he will repay or thank them for their efforts (pain means effort here).
- Brief refers to the shortness of the music, keeping it simple and quick.
Enter the Clown.
Explanation:
The Clown enters the scene. He’s a comic character who often provides humor in the play.
Analysis:
The Clown’s role here is to add some light humor and distraction from the tension between the main characters.
CLOWN
Why masters, have your instruments been in Naples, that they speak i’ th’ nose thus?
Explanation:
The Clown humorously asks if the musicians have been to Naples because he thinks their music sounds nasal or off-key. “Speak in the nose” means the music sounds strange, almost like it’s coming from someone’s nose.
Analysis:
The Clown is making a joke, mocking the musicians’ playing style. His humor here provides comic relief.
Language Devices:
- “Speak i’ th’ nose” is a colloquial way of saying the music sounds nasal.
MUSICIAN
How, sir, how?
Explanation:
The musician is confused and asks the Clown to explain what he means.
CLOWN
Are these, I pray you, wind instruments?
Explanation:
The Clown asks if the instruments are wind instruments (like flutes, trumpets, etc.).
Analysis:
He continues to joke, implying that the sound is so bad it must be coming from wind instruments.
MUSICIAN
Ay, marry, are they, sir.
Explanation:
The musician confirms that the instruments are indeed wind instruments.
CLOWN
O, thereby hangs a tail.
Explanation:
The Clown makes another joke, saying “thereby hangs a tail,” which is a play on the phrase “thereby hangs a tale” (meaning there’s a story or reason behind something). In this case, it’s likely just a humorous remark that doesn’t add much to the conversation but is meant to entertain.
MUSICIAN
Whereby hangs a tale, sir?
Explanation:
The musician repeats the Clown’s phrase, asking him to clarify.
CLOWN
Marry, sir, by many a wind instrument that I know. But, masters, here’s money for you; and the General so likes your music that he desires you, for love’s sake, to make no more noise with it.
Explanation:
The Clown explains that the story (or the “tail”) hangs from the many wind instruments he knows. He then gives the musicians money, telling them that Othello likes their music but prefers them to stop playing, as it’s bothering him.
Analysis:
The Clown is delivering a message from Othello in a humorous way, showing that while Othello respects the musicians, their performance is not to his liking.
Language Devices:
- “For love’s sake” is a polite expression that means for the sake of kindness or respect.
MUSICIAN
Well, sir, we will not.
Explanation:
The musicians agree and promise to stop playing.
CLOWN
If you have any music that may not be heard, to ’t again. But, as they say, to hear music the General does not greatly care.
Explanation:
The Clown jokes that if they have music that can’t be heard, they can play that. He also repeats that Othello is not interested in hearing music.
MUSICIAN
We have none such, sir.
Explanation:
The musicians respond that they don’t have any silent music to play.
CLOWN
Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I’ll away. Go, vanish into air, away!
Explanation:
The Clown tells the musicians to pack up and leave, saying that they should go away as if they’re vanishing into thin air.
Analysis:
This line is part of the Clown’s comedic exit, adding to the lightheartedness of the scene. His dismissal of the musicians highlights the fact that their music is unwelcome and that they should leave without making a fuss.
Language Devices:
- “Vanish into air” is a metaphor, meaning to disappear suddenly.
CASSIO
Dost thou hear, mine honest friend?
- Explanation: Cassio is speaking to the clown, trying to get his attention. “Dost thou hear” is an old-fashioned way of asking, “Do you hear me?”
- Analysis: This shows Cassio’s polite and respectful tone. “Honest friend” here is used ironically, considering how the clown isn’t really the most honest person.
- Language Device: Irony – Cassio calls the clown “honest,” which is not entirely accurate since the clown is not the most trustworthy person.
CLOWN
No, I hear not your honest friend. I hear you.
- Explanation: The clown responds humorously, saying he doesn’t hear Cassio’s “honest friend,” but only Cassio himself.
- Analysis: The clown plays with words here, likely aware of the irony in Cassio’s use of the word “honest.”
- Language Device: Wordplay – The clown twists Cassio’s phrase to make a playful comment.
CASSIO
Prithee, keep up thy quillets. Giving money.
There’s a poor piece of gold for thee.
- Explanation: Cassio is asking the clown to stop with the wordplay (“keep up thy quillets” means “stop with your quibbles”). He then offers him a piece of gold as a reward.
- Analysis: Cassio’s gesture of giving gold shows that he is desperate and willing to pay for help in mending his reputation.
- Language Device: Metaphor – “Quillets” refers to petty arguments or quibbles, drawing attention to the clown’s trivial speech.
CASSIO
If the gentlewoman that attends the General’s wife be stirring,
tell her there’s one Cassio entreats her a little favor of speech.
Wilt thou do this?
- Explanation: Cassio asks the clown to tell Desdemona’s attendant (Emilia) that he wants to speak with Desdemona to request her help.
- Analysis: Cassio’s use of “entreats” indicates his respectful approach and his understanding of the importance of Desdemona’s influence on Othello.
- Language Device: Politeness formula – The use of “entreats” demonstrates Cassio’s courteous request.
CLOWN
She is stirring, sir. If she will stir hither, I shall seem to notify unto her.
- Explanation: The clown responds affirmatively, saying Emilia is awake and if she comes this way, he’ll notify her of Cassio’s request.
- Analysis: The clown again plays with words, using “stir” in both its literal and figurative sense (as in “stirring” to wake up and “stirring” to move).
- Language Device: Pun – The word “stir” has a double meaning here: both “moving” and “getting up.”
CASSIO
Do, good my friend. Clown exits.
- Explanation: Cassio encourages the clown to go ahead with the task. The clown exits, and Cassio now has to wait for the next step of his plan.
- Analysis: Cassio’s polite tone underscores his desperation and willingness to do whatever it takes to restore his honor.
Enter Iago.
CASSIO
In happy time, Iago.
- Explanation: Cassio greets Iago with a cheerful expression, meaning “in good time” or “just when I need you.”
- Analysis: Cassio is happy to see Iago, which may foreshadow his misplaced trust in him.
IAGO
You have not been abed, then?
- Explanation: Iago comments that Cassio must not have been to bed yet, showing a casual inquiry about his state.
- Analysis: This question may also subtly hint at Iago’s suspicion or interest in Cassio’s activities.
CASSIO
Why, no. The day had broke
Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago,
To send in to your wife. My suit to her
Is that she will to virtuous Desdemona
Procure me some access.
- Explanation: Cassio explains that he has been awake all night. He also admits he sent a request to Iago’s wife, Emilia, asking her to help him gain access to Desdemona to plead his case.
- Analysis: Cassio’s explanation shows his desperation. His reference to Desdemona as “virtuous” may also imply he believes she has influence over Othello.
- Language Device: Euphemism – “Procure me some access” is a polite way of saying that he’s asking Emilia to help him meet Desdemona.
IAGO
I’ll send her to you presently,
And I’ll devise a mean to draw the Moor
Out of the way, that your converse and business
May be more free.
- Explanation: Iago says he will send Emilia to Cassio and also promises to find a way to get Othello out of the way so that Cassio can speak freely to Desdemona.
- Analysis: Iago is fully involved in Cassio’s plans, subtly manipulating the situation. His willingness to help Cassio also demonstrates how much he’s trying to gain Cassio’s trust.
- Language Device: Foreshadowing – Iago’s promises are key to his ongoing manipulation of Cassio and Desdemona.
CASSIO
I humbly thank you for ’t. Iago exits.
- Explanation: Cassio expresses gratitude, unaware that Iago is scheming against him. Iago exits, leaving Cassio alone.
- Analysis: Cassio’s trust in Iago shows his vulnerability and belief in Iago’s honesty.
Enter Emilia.
EMILIA
Good morrow, good lieutenant. I am sorry
For your displeasure, but all will sure be well.
- Explanation: Emilia enters and greets Cassio. She expresses sympathy for his troubles but reassures him that things will improve.
- Analysis: Emilia is empathetic, yet her role in the play becomes more complex as she becomes involved in Iago’s schemes, though she does not yet realize it.
EMILIA
The General and his wife are talking of it,
And she speaks for you stoutly. The Moor replies
That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus
And great affinity, and that in wholesome wisdom
He might not but refuse you. But he protests he
loves you
And needs no other suitor but his likings
To take the safest occasion by the front
To bring you in again.
- Explanation: Emilia conveys that Desdemona is speaking in Cassio’s favor to Othello. However, Othello refuses to reinstate him, citing the man Cassio hurt as influential. Still, Othello expresses love for Cassio and will try to find a way to bring him back.
- Analysis: Emilia is trying to offer hope, but she conveys the complexity of the situation. Othello’s refusal to help Cassio directly, despite claiming love for him, shows the tension in Othello’s mind and the subtle cracks in their relationship.
- Language Device: Irony – Othello’s words seem loving, but his actions contradict them. He claims to love Cassio but is unwilling to help him directly.
CASSIO
Yet I beseech you,
If you think fit, or that it may be done,
Give me advantage of some brief discourse
With Desdemon alone.
- Explanation: Cassio is asking Emilia for permission to speak with Desdemona privately. He frames the request in a very respectful and humble way, using phrases like “if you think fit” and “if it may be done,” which show that he doesn’t want to impose but is hopeful for the chance to talk alone with her.
- Analysis: Cassio’s use of formal and polite language highlights his desperation and his respect for Desdemona’s status. This also shows his awareness that Desdemona’s presence and influence over Othello could be key to his reinstatement.
- Language Device: Politeness formula – Cassio uses formal and courteous language, demonstrating his respect and humility. He softens his request with “if you think fit” to ensure Emilia feels no pressure.
EMILIA
Pray you come in.
I will bestow you where you shall have time
To speak your bosom freely.
- Explanation: Emilia responds by inviting Cassio to come in and telling him that she will give him the privacy to speak openly. “Bosom” refers to one’s heart or feelings, so Emilia is allowing him to speak freely from his heart.
- Analysis: Emilia is being accommodating and understanding, possibly because she knows the importance of the matter to Cassio. Her willingness to offer privacy also shows her more considerate side, even as her involvement with Iago’s schemes grows more significant.
- Language Device: Metaphor – “Speak your bosom freely” is a metaphor for speaking one’s innermost thoughts or feelings. The metaphor conveys Cassio’s desire to speak openly and emotionally, likely about his plight.
- Language Device: Foreshadowing – Emilia’s willingness to provide privacy subtly hints at her role in the upcoming developments. Her character will play a larger part in the manipulation and eventual tragedy.
CASSIO
I am much bound to you.
- Explanation: Cassio expresses his gratitude to Emilia, acknowledging that he is indebted to her for providing the opportunity to speak with Desdemona privately.
- Analysis: This line reinforces Cassio’s polite, humble nature. He recognizes the value of what Emilia is offering him, and his gratitude adds depth to his character as someone who is genuinely respectful of others’ kindness.
- Language Device: Formal language – “Much bound to you” is a formal expression of gratitude. It emphasizes Cassio’s respect for Emilia and highlights the social etiquette of the time.
They exit.
- Explanation: The stage direction indicates that both Cassio and Emilia leave the scene. Cassio will likely meet with Desdemona, and the plot continues to unfold with Cassio’s attempt to regain favor.
- Analysis: The exit of both characters is an important transitional moment. It indicates a shift in the scene, where Cassio’s direct interaction with Desdemona may lead to further developments in Iago’s plot.
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