Iago keeps on increasing Othello insecurity towards Desdemona, this time he uses the handkerchief. He keeps on describing Desdemona and Cassio affair, causing Othello headaches that become worse and worse, he loses control and faints. Cassio enters and tries to help the unconscious Othello, and Iago tells him to leave. That Othello needs time alone. Iago tells Othello that Cassio wants to talk with him. Othello decides to check Cassio actions with Desdemona. Iago keeps on adding to Othello despair and makes sure that Othello overhears a conversation that Bianca and Cassio have. Cassio gives Bianca a handkerchief and Othello recognizes it as Desdemona's handkerchief. Othello believes that the conversation they were having was about Cassio's affair with Desdemona. Desdemona comes with Lodovico from Venice with a letter asking Othello to go to Venice and that Cassio is to take over his position in Cyprus. Desdemona speaks to Othello about her friendship with Cassio and begs him to become friends with Cassio again. This makes Othello believe that Desdemona has feelings for Cassio. Othello reacts violently to Desdemona; he insults and hits Desdemona in front of Lodovico the messenger. Othello then tells Lodovico that he will go to Venice, and then sends Desdemona away. Iago and Lodovico discuss Othello actions toward Desdemona in disbelief. .
Act 4, Scene 2.
Othello tries to ask Emilia about Desdemona's relationship with Cassio, and he gets mad and accuses Emilia of hiding the affair. Othello refers to Desdemona as a prostitute, and ignores Desdemona every time she says something. Desdemona feels hurt and asks honest Iago for help. Iago with his hypo criticism, comforts Desdemona and tells her to be patient with Othello that he will forget all of this nonsense soon enough. Roderigo is getting desperate; he sees that Desdemona is not attracted by him. Iago end up convincing Roderigo that by killing Cassio, he will stay in Cyprus and will be nearer to Desdemona.
