Othello by William Shakespeare

Overview

• Set in Venice, Italy
• Written: 1603
• Adapted from: A story by Italian writer Giraldo Cinthio
• Genre: Tragedy

Main Themes

• Demise of Star-Crossed Lovers: Focuses on Othello and Desdemona's tragic relationship.
• Racial and Cultural Struggles: Othello's identity as a dark-skinned Muslim man from Northern Africa, Spain, or the Middle East.
• Tragic Assimilation: Othello's efforts to fit in among white Venetians.

Characters

• Othello: Moorish general, tragic figure.
• Desdemona: Well-bred daughter of a senator, Othello's wife.
• Iago: Othello's ensign, the antagonist who manipulates events.
• Rodrigo: Lovesick Venetian, manipulated by Iago.
• Brabantio: Desdemona's father, initially outraged by her marriage.
• Cassio: Othello's lieutenant, who Iago uses for his schemes.
• Emilia: Iago's wife and Desdemona's attendant.

Summary of Events

1. Introduction:

   • Iago talks with Rodrigo about Desdemona's marriage to Othello; Iago is resentful over being passed for promotion.
   • Iago's plan begins to sabotage Othello using Rodrigo as a pawn.

2. Brabantio's Anger:

   • Brabantio confronts Othello, accusing him of witchcraft, but Othello defends his love for Desdemona.
   • Othello's relationship with Desdemona is validated by the Duke of Venice.

3. Conflict at Cyprus:

   • Othello goes to Cyprus to defend against the Turks, but they are defeated by a storm.
   • Othello celebrates but leaves to consummate his marriage.

4. Iago's Manipulation:

   • Iago gets Cassio drunk, leading to a fight that costs Cassio his rank.
   • Cassio seeks Desdemona's help to regain his position.
   • Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello about Desdemona's fidelity.

5. The Handkerchief:

   • Desdemona drops the handkerchief Othello gave her, which Iago uses to frame her.
   • Othello witnesses Cassio with the handkerchief, deepening his jealousy.

6. Desdemona's Fate:

   • Iago stages conversations to further convince Othello of Desdemona's infidelity.
   • Othello, consumed by jealousy, kills Desdemona.
   • Emilia reveals Iago's treachery, leading to chaos and tragedy.

7. Climactic End:

   • Othello kills Iago but spares him to suffer.
   • Othello takes his own life, unable to cope with his actions.
   • Iago’s silence and manipulation lead to the downfall of multiple characters.

Resolution

• Cassio appointed as Othello's successor following the tragic events. Iago’s fate remains uncertain as he takes a vow of silence.