Act 3, Scene 4 Summary

Desdemona asks the clown where Cassio is lodging. After giving her the runaround with some puns, he finally goes to retrieve Cassio. As she is waiting, Desdemona wonders aloud to Emilia where her handkerchief might have gone. In a bit of foreshadowing, she says it's a good thing that Othello isn't the jealous type; after all, he might think something amiss if she doesn't have that special gift. Emilia queries her about his temperament; ironically, Desdemona says he is not of that humor (prone to jealousy).

Othello enters. She greets him warmly, but he takes her hand and makes comments alluding to her wanton behavior. She does not follow his meaning, but tells him that she awaits Cassio, and that now is the perfect time for Othello to forgive him. Othello pretends to have watery eyes and asks for her handkerchief...