OTHELLO
Had it pleased heaven
To try me with affliction, had they rained
All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head,
Steeped me in poverty to the very lips,
Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes,
I should have found in some place of my soul
A drop of patience. But alas, to make me
A fixed figure for the time of scorn
To point his slow unmoving finger at— (4.2.57-65)
Othello tells Desdemona that the worst thing about her cheating on him is that it makes him become a ridiculous figure – the cheated-on husband, one that people will just laugh at. (We know, of course, that Othello is wrong about Desdemona's supposed infidelity.) It seems like Othello isn't so much "heartbroken" by the idea that his wife has been unfaithful as he is embarrassed and ashamed.
Quote 14
OTHELLO
Come,
My dear love,
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue;
The profit's yet to come 'tween me and you.—
Goodnight. (2.3.9-13)
At this point in the play, Othello talks about sex in positive terms – as a fruit to enjoy, something that "profits" both man and woman. On the other hand, we could say that Othello's tendency to use financial metaphors – "purchase" and "profit" – make us a little uncomfortable. If marriage is something akin to a "purchase," that leaves the door wide open for viewing one's spouse as a possession.
It's also important to note that it's pretty clear that Desdemona and Othello haven't yet consummated their marriage, since Othello says good times in the sack are "yet to come." When Othello says good night to his attendants here, it's obvious that he and Desdemona are running off to have sex, finally. But, shortly thereafter, Othello and Desdemona's evening of fun is interrupted when Cassio gets drunk and gets into a brawl, which Othello is called upon to mediate.
So, we're not sure if Othello and Desdemona ever get a chance to do the deed. Why does this matter? Well, some critics argue that the couple never has sex. Other critics argue that they do hook up, which may leave Othello feeling as though he has "contaminated" his wife's sexual and racial purity. After Othello sleeps with his wife, she suddenly becomes a "whore" in his mind. This, according to some, explains why Othello is quick to believe that Desdemona's got something going on the side with Cassio.
OTHELLO
What dost thou say, Iago?
IAGO
Did Michael Cassio,
When you woo'd my lady, know of your love?
OTHELLO
He did, from first to last: why dost thou ask?
IAGO
But for a satisfaction of my thought,
No further harm.
OTHELLO
Why of thy thought, Iago?
IAGO
I did not think he had been acquainted with her.
OTHELLO
O yes, and went between us very oft.
IAGO
Indeed?
OTHELLO
Indeed? Ay, indeed! Discern'st thou aught in that?
Is he not honest? (3.3.104-115)
This is where Iago plants the seeds of doubt in Othello's mind. Iago suggests that Cassio, who often acted as a go-between when Othello was wooing Desdemona, "went between" Othello and his girl in more ways than one, wink, wink. Iago doesn't come right out and say that Cassio and Desdemona have been sneaking around – he implies that something's up, and Othello takes the bait.