Student Question
Why is the first part of Act 4, Scene 2 in Othello sometimes called the "brothel" scene?
Quick answer:
The beginning of act 4, scene 2 could be given the title of “the brothel scene” due to the accusations of adultery Othello imposes on his wife, Desdemona. Additionally, Othello calls Desdemona both “strumpet” and “whore” repeatedly throughout their brief interaction.
Act 4, scene 2 of Othello begins with Othello asking Emilia if she has seen anything suspicious between Desdemona and Cassio. Emilia insists they never did anything improper, and Othello bids her bring Desdemona to him. While Emilia is gone, Othello calls Desdemona a “subtle whore,” still believing her to be unfaithful despite Emilia having been witness to all interactions between Desdemona and Cassio.
When Desdemona enters, Othello accuses her of infidelity, calling her “whore” four more times before his exit. “Whore” is a derogatory term for a prostitute, and is often used to accuse someone of being promiscuous. “Strumpet” is another word for a female prostitute, and Othello calls Desdemona "strumpet" three times in the scene. Since a “brothel” is another name for a house of prostitution, the use of “strumpet” and "whore" give Othello’s accusations a deeper meaning.
While the scene does not take place in an actual brothel, Othello’s accusations against Desdemona, and the words he chooses to call her could imply that he now feels his own house is a brothel. Believing his wife to be an adulteress, she now makes their house a brothel simply with her presence.
Additionally, in his last line to Desdemona, Othello tells her to “keep the gate of Hell!” This is in reference to the belief that Saint Peter is the guardian of Heaven’s gates. However, brothels were usually just outside most city’s walls, and therefore prostitutes often waited outside the city’s gates for customers. Hence, this final line could be considered another way Othello is accusing Desdemona of being a prostitute—one so vile she has earned the place of prostituting outside of Hell itself.
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