Question

Read the excerpt from Othello and answer the question that follows:

OTHELLO
I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable. If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee. Wounds IAGO.
IAGO
I bleed, sir; but not kill'd.

What is implied by lago not dying in this scene?
A. Lago is supernaturally evil.
B. Lagos is supernaturally good.
C. Othello is a poor swordsman.
D. Othello is weakened by sadness.

Answer 1

D - Othello is weakened by sadness

This is the correct answer as Othello states, "If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee," which allows the reader to infer that even if he/she/they are the evilest being on all of Earth, Othello will not be able to kill them due to her sadness. Thus, this excerpt expresses her true weakness that is sadness.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

D. Othello is weakened by sadness.

Step-by-step explanation:

"I'd have thee live; For in my sense, 'tis happiness to die"

Othello is so sad that killing Iago would be a free pass. Othello's desire is to have Iago living with all the disgrace, guilt, and shame that he managed to collect so someone will feel as disgraced as Othello does, perhaps. Specially the one responsible for all.