OTHELLO – WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
A Shakespearean Tragedy
Othello is a Shakespearean Tragedy. It encompasses elements of tragedies such as:
It ends with the death of important characters.
The protagonist is admirable, but flawed, with the audience able to understand and sympathise with the
character.
The protagonist is capable of both good and evil.
Free will is insisted upon – the protagonist must always be able to back out of a situation or to redeem
themselves – but always leads towards their inevitable doom.
Setting and Society
The setting of Othello is primarily in Venice and Cyprus during the late 16th century.
The Culture of the Time
Venetian society in Othello is hierarchical and patriarchal, with rigid social structures. It values reputation, honour,
and military prowess. Othello, a Moor and an outsider, rises to prominence due to his valour and skills as a general,
yet he remains vulnerable to racial prejudice and manipulation. The societal backdrop emphasises themes of
jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked power and ambition.
The Wife Status
The husband, in the accepted role as head of the household, gives moral and secular direction to his wife and
children, who sit obediently listening.
Evil Women
In the Elizabethan times there was a long- and well-established tradition in the Church of what we would now call
misogyny – women were distrusted simply because they were women. At the time it was assumed that most
women would cheat – it was part of their nature.
The men in Othello have differing views of women – from Othello who idolises his wife (Desdemona) to Iago who
sees love as "merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will”. The attitudes of the audience at the time are
likely to have been varied, too.
The Cuckold
Any man whose wife cheated on him (without his knowledge) was known as a cuckold. The word derives from
“cuckoo” – the bird known for laying their eggs in another’s nest.
It was highly undesirable to be considered a cuckold. All of the community would find out about it and was
considered a public humiliation. Cuckolds were often described as having horns – a hangover from the days when
a cuckold was forced to parade around his town wearing antlers as a sign of his wife’s infidelity.
Jealousy
Jealousy was viewed as something irrational and linked to the deadly sin of envy. It was viewed as a sudden
infection against which there was no prevention or cure.
It was thought of as eroding trust, and it dissolved the bonds holding together marriages, families and social
frameworks. Being jealous could let in evil and chaos, and it was a state greatly feared by Shakespeare’s audiences.
, Characters
Lodovico son Gratiano
(Desdemona’s cousin)
brothers
Duke of Venice Brabantio
(Venetian Senator)
Othello Desdemona
Bianca
unwisely trusts
hates
Emilia
Cassio
(Othello’s lieutenant)
Iago
Roderigo
Montano
, son
Plot Summary
ACT I: SCENE BY SCENE
Scene 1: Roderigo is angry that lago did not tell him that Desdemona and Othello have married in secret. lago
says that he knew nothing about it and that he hates Othello for promoting Cassio to be his new
lieutenant. lago and Roderigo wake Desdemona's father, Brabantio, and tell him what his daughter
has done. Brabantio is furious and sends out search parties to look for her.
Scene 2: Pretending to be concerned, lago warns Othello that Brabantio is furious about his marriage to
Desdemona. Cassio enters and tells Othello that the Duke wants to see him on urgent state business.
Othello sets off to see the Duke but is met by Brabantio who tries to have him arrested for stealing his
daughter.
Scene 3: When Othello and Brabantio arrive to see the Duke, he and his council are discussing reports that a
Turkish fleet has set sail for Cyprus. Brabantio accuses Othello of stealing Desdemona, but she
confirms Othello's account of their love. The Duke gives Othello command of Cyprus and orders him to
leave that night. lago convinces Roderigo that Desdemona will soon get tired of Othello and persuades
him to follow the couple to Cyprus. Alone, lago plots to destroy their happiness.
ACT II: SCENE BY SCENE
Scene 1: A storm has destroyed the invading Turkish, fleet, but the ships from Venice arrive safely in Cyprus.
lago tells Roderigo that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. He persuades Roderigo to help him
make Cassio lose his job.
Scene 2: Festivities are announced to celebrate the defeat of the Turks.
Scene 3: lago gets Cassio drunk and, with Roderigo's help, involves him in a fight. Cassio wounds Montano and
Othello sacks him. lago persuades Cassio to ask Desdemona to help him get his job back. He hopes
that this will help make Othello believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.
ACT III: SCENE BY SCENE
Scene 1: Emilia promises to arrange a meeting with Desdemona for Cassio so that he can ask for her help in
getting his job back.
Scene 2: Othello begins an inspection of the fortress's defences.
Scene 3: When Othello and lago see Cassio talking with Desdemona, lago tries to make it look suspicious.
However, Desdemona openly tells Othello about her talk with Cassio and begs Othello to take him
back as lieutenant. lago tries again to make Othello suspicious of Cassio. Othello begins to doubt
Desdemonas love for him. Thinking that Othello is unwell, Desdemona tries to bind his head with a
precious handkerchief that Othello gave her, but he rejects her, and she drops the handkerchief.
Emilia picks it up and gives it to lago. Othello is suspicious but does not want to believe that
Desdemona has been unfaithful. Angrily, he turns on lago and demands proof. lago lies, saying that
Cassio talked in his sleep about Desdemona and claims that he has seen Cassio with her handkerchief.
Othello is convinced by lago's story and both men take a vow: Othello to take revenge on Desdemona
and lago to kill Cassio.
,Scene 4: When Othello demands to see her handkerchief, Desdemona has to make excuses as she has lost it.
She turns the subject to Cassio, and Othello reacts angrily. Emilia suspects that he is jealous. Cassio
asks Bianca to copy the embroidery in the handkerchief that he has found in his room, not realising
that it belongs to Desdemona.
ACT IV: SCENE BY SCENE
Scene 1: Provoked by lago's descriptions of Desdemona's infidelity, Othello has a seizure. When he comes
round, lago persuades Othello to hide and watch his conversation with Cassio. lago jokes with Cassio
about Bianca, knowing that Othello will think they are talking about Desdemona. Bianca arrives and
accuses Cassio of accepting the handkerchief from another woman, which seems to Othello like final
proof of Desdemona's guilt. He is so enraged that he strikes Desdemona when she arrives with
Lodovico. lago tells Lodovico that this is typical of Othello's behaviour.
Scene 2: Othello questions Emilia about Desdemona's friendship with Cassio but is so convinced of her guilt he
dismisses Emilia's answers. When Othello calls Desdemona a whore, Emilia tries to comfort her,
realising that someone must have poisoned Othello's mind against her. Roderigo is angry that he has
not yet won Desdemona, as lago promised. lago tells Roderigo that Othello will shortly leave Cyprus
with Desdemona, leaving Cassio in charge. lago persuades Roderigo that if he kills Cassio, he will
prevent Othello and Desdemona from leaving Cyprus.
Scene 3: As Desdemona prepares for bed, she sings a mournful song. She and Emilia talk about men and
women.
ACT VI: SCENE BY SCENE
Scene 1: In a late-night attack, Roderigo wounds Cassio, but is himself stabbed by lago, and later dies. When
Lodovico and Gratiano arrive, lago accuses Bianca of being involved in the attack on Cassio.
Scene 2: Othello enters Desdemona's bedroom, preparing to kill her. When she wakes, he accuses her of having
an affair with Cassio. Though Desdemona protests her innocence and begs for her life, Othello
smothers her. Emilia arrives to report the attack on Cassio and sees Desdemona die. Othello admits
that he killed her. Emilia's cries bring Montano, Gratiano and lago to the bedroom. Othello tries to
explain his actions but when Emilia reveals that she gave the handkerchief to lago, Othello realises
that Desdemona was an innocent victim of lago's plot. lago kills Emilia and tries to escape but is
caught. Lodovico and Cassio arrive and the full extent of lago's plot becomes clear. Othello kills
himself and Lodovico gives orders for lago to be tortured.
, Character List
Visitors to Cyprus
Othello: The “Moor” and general in the Venetian Army.
Desdemona: Othello’s wife and Brabantio’s daughter.
Iago: Othello’s standard-bearer.
Emilia: Iago’s wife.
Cassio: Othello’s lieutenant.
Roderigo: In love with Desdemona.
Lodovico: a high-ranking Venetian nobleman and related to Brabantio.
Gratiano: Brabantio’s brother.
Clown: Othello’s servant.
The Duke of Venice and his Council
Duke of Venice.
Brabantio: A Venetian senator and Desdemona’s father.
Senators, officers, servants to Brabantio and attendants.
Sailor.
Messenger.
Residents of Cyprus
Montano: Governor of Cyprus.
Bianca: A courtesan in love with Cassio.
Herald.
Gentlemen, musicians, attendants, and officers.
, Character Overview
Othello
• An African-born general in the Venetian Defence Forces (Army).
• He is a moor.
• Won his post by his excellence in the field of war.
• Has courage, intelligent and the skill of command and the respect of his troops.
• When the colony is threatened by the Turks, the Duke and Senate turn to Othello to lead the defence in
Cyprus.
• After many years on campaign, he comes to live in Venice.
• Iago tricks him into believing Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.
Iago
• Othello’s standard bearer (lower in rank than lieutenant).
• He is angry that Othello has made Cassio lieutenant instead of him and vows revenge on both men.
• Feels Cassio is ill-qualified to be lieutenant.
• Believes Othello has slept with his wife Emilia.
•
Desdemona
• Othello’s wife.
• She marries Othello in secret.
• Lady of spirit and intelligence.
• She is the most direct and honest speaker in the play.
• For Desdemona, Othello is the hero of many exciting and dangerous adventures, who also has the appeal
of the orphan child who needs love.
• She later begs Othello to give Cassio back his position as lieutenant.
Emilia
• Iago’s wife.
• Desdemona’s maid.
• Practically intelligent.
• Emotionally resilient.
• She follows Iago in wifely duty but during the play develops a strong loyalty to Desdemona and, at the end,
she denounces Iago’s lies to defend Desdemona’s reputation.
• She gives Desdemona’s handkerchief to Iago.
• She speaks disparagingly of men.
• She believes most men are wicked, foolish, or perverse, and nothing she experiences disproves this belief.
• She supports her husband when needed.
• When she finally sees the truth, she abandons all loyalty to Iago and verbally attacks him for the villain that
he is.
• Murdered by Iago.
Cassio
• Othello’s new lieutenant.
• Iago gets him drunk so that he loses his position as lieutenant.
• Stabs Montana while he is drunk, which is why he loses his position.
• Iago tells Cassio that he must seek Desdemona’s help to get his position back. This raises Othello’s
suspicions of Cassio and Desdemona having an affair.
,• Iago plants Desdemona’s handkerchief in his room.
• Attacked by Roderigo.
Brabantio
• Desdemona’s father.
• A Senator
• He used to have Othello come to his house often where Othello would tell him and Desdemona his stories
from the battlefield (This is how him and Desdemona fell in love).
• He is angry and bitter that his daughter has deceived him by secretly marrying Othello.
• Feels his honour has been diminished by his Venetian daughter marrying a moor.
• Believes Othello has used witchcraft to get Desdemona to marry him.
Roderigo
• A rich young Venetian in love with Desdemona.
• He follows Othello and Desdemona to Cyprus.
• He is manipulated by Iago. Iago pretends to be helping him win Desdemona’s love, but he is really just
using him for his plot.
• He attacks Cassio in Cyprus.
The Duke
• The person of highest rank in Venice.
• He tries to calm Brabantio when he complains about Desdemona’s marriage to Othello.
• He sends Othello to take command of the defence of Cyprus.
Bianca
• A courtesan in love with Cassio
• Cassio asks her to copy the embroidery on the handkerchief that Iago has dropped in his room.
• Iago accuses her of being involved in the attack on Cassio.
Gratiano
• Brabantio’s brother.
• He and Lodovico assist Cassio after Roderigo has attacked him.
Lodovico
• An important Venetian nobleman and relative of Brabantio.
• He sees Othello strike Desdemona and finds letters in Roderigo’s pockets that reveal Iago’s plots.
Montano
• Governor of Cyprus before Othello arrives.
• He is wounded by the drunken Cassio.
, Themes
Appearance V Reality
The theme of appearance versus reality in "Othello" is pivotal, illustrating how characters' inability to see beyond
appearances leads to misjudgements, misunderstandings, and ultimately, tragedy. Iago's manipulations create a
web of deceit, causing characters to act on false perceptions and leading to the play's catastrophic conclusion.
This theme shows the importance of discernment and the dangers of taking things at face value.
Othello
Appearance: Othello appears to be a confident and noble Moorish general, respected by his peers and in
control of his emotions.
Reality: He is deeply insecure about his race and his place in Venetian society. His vulnerability and self-
doubt make him susceptible to Iago's manipulations, leading to his tragic downfall.
For Othello, seeing is believing and proof of the truth is visual. In the beginning Othello demands Iago provides
ocular proof of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness He wants to physically see it before he believes it.
“Villian, be sure thou prove my love a whore, be sure of it, give me the ocular proof” - Othello
What Iago gives him instead is imaginary pictures of Cassio and Desdemona to feed his jealousy. As Othello loses
control, these thoughts dominate his thoughts making him irrational, leading to him murdering Desdemona.
This shift in rationality shows Othello’s true reality as it contrasts his controlled demeanour. This shows Othello’s
true deep insecure nature. He easily believes Iago’s lies as he feels it plausible that Desdemona would prefer a
Venetian man such as Cassio over a moor which highlights his insecurities of his race and place in Venetian society.
"Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father and may thee." (Act 1, Scene 3) - Brabantio
Brabantio warns Othello that Desdemona, who deceived her father by eloping, might deceive him as well. This
plant seeds of doubt in Othello's mind, which manipulates his view of reality.
"My services which I have done the signiory / Shall out-tongue his complaints." (Act 1, Scene 2) - Othello
Othello is confident that his honourable service to Venice will outweigh any accusations Brabantio might bring
against him for marrying Desdemona. Here, Othello trusts that his appearance as a noble and respected general
will protect him. The reality, however, is that societal prejudices and personal insecurities will later undermine this
appearance.
"She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them." (Act 1, Scene 3) - Othello
Othello explains to the Duke and the Senate how he and Desdemona fell in love. This reveals Othello’s perception
of a sincere and genuine relationship. However, the reality of their love is later overshadowed by Othello’s
misplaced trust in Iago and his own insecurities.
Iago
Iago strongly emulates the theme of appearance vs reality.
Appearance: Iago is perceived by other characters as honest and trustworthy. He is often referred to as
"Honest Iago."
Reality: In truth, Iago is deceitful, manipulative, and driven by jealousy and ambition. He orchestrates the
downfall of Othello through lies and manipulation.
“I am not what I am” - Iago
,This paradoxical statement by Iago highlights his duplicitous nature. It is a direct admission that his outward
appearance does not match his inner reality. This line sets the tone for Iago's deceptive actions throughout the
play.
"My lord, you know I love you." (Act 3, Scene 3) - Iago
Iago's declaration of love and loyalty to Othello is a facade. His actions are motivated by jealousy and a desire for
revenge, not genuine affection.
"In following him, I follow but myself; / Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, / But seeming so, for my peculiar
end." (Act 1, Scene 1) - Iago
Iago explains to Roderigo that his loyalty to Othello is merely a facade. He pretends to serve Othello to advance his
own interests, highlighting the contrast between his appearance of loyalty and his actual intentions.
"O, sir, content you; / I follow him to serve my turn upon him." (Act I, Scene 1) - Iago
Iago reassures Roderigo that he is only pretending to serve Othello to exploit him later. This quote shows Iago's
manipulative nature and his use of appearances to disguise his true motives.
"The Moor is of a free and open nature / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, / And will as tenderly be led
by the nose / As asses are." (Act 1, Scene 3) - Iago
Iago recognizes Othello’s trusting nature, which he plans to exploit. This quote reveals Iago’s understanding of how
appearances can be manipulated to control others, setting the stage for his deceitful actions.
"So will I turn her virtue into pitch, / And out of her own goodness make the net / That shall enmesh them all." (Act 2,
Scene 3) - Iago
Iago outlines his plan to use Desdemona's goodness to trap Othello and others. This demonstrates his skill in
twisting appearances (Desdemona's virtue) to create a false reality (the appearance of infidelity).
“I told him what I thought, and told no more / Than what he found himself was apt and true." (Act 5, Scene 2) - Iago
In the final act, Iago defends his actions by claiming he only spoke the truth as he saw it. This statement is an
attempt to blur the line between appearance and reality, as Iago’s “truth” was heavily manipulated to serve his
own ends.
Iago's manipulation of appearances versus reality drives the plot of "Othello," leading to the tragic downfall of
multiple characters, including Othello himself. These quotes demonstrate Iago's cunning ability to present a false
appearance that conceals his true malicious intentions.
Desdemona
Appearance: Desdemona appears to be an ‘unfaithful whore’ in Othello’s eyes as the play progresses and
appearance is twisted by Iago’s deceit.
Reality: Desdemona is pure, loyal, and innocent. She is the epitome of virtue and love.
“Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?" (Act 4, Scene 2) - Desdemona
Desdemona is bewildered by Othello's accusations because she is innocent. Her genuine confusion contrasts with
the false appearances created by Iago.
"O falsely, falsely murdered! ... A guiltless death I die." (Act 5, Scene 2) - Desdemona
, In her dying words, Desdemona declares her innocence, this makes it evident the tragic contrast between how
Othello perceives her and the truth of her fidelity.
“My noble Moor / Is true of mind, and made of no such baseness / As jealous creatures are, it were enough / To put
him to ill thinking." (Act 3, Scene 4) - Desdemona
Desdemona's faith in Othello's nobility shows her genuine love and trust, which is tragically misplaced due to
Iago's manipulations.
"My noble father, / I do perceive here a divided duty: / To you I am bound for life and education; / My life and
education both do learn me / How to respect you; you are the lord of duty; / I am hitherto your daughter. But here's
my husband; / And so much duty as my mother show'd / To you, preferring you before her father, / So much I
challenge that I may profess / Due to the Moor my lord." (Act 1, Scene 3) – Desdemona
Desdemona explains to her father, Brabantio, that while she respects and owes him loyalty, her primary duty now
is to her husband, Othello. This statement sets up Desdemona as a dutiful and virtuous character. The reality of her
loyalty contrasts sharply with the false accusations of infidelity that later arise.
"My lord is not my lord; nor should I know him, / Were he in favour as in humour altered." (Act 3, Scene 4) –
Desdemona
Desdemona expresses her confusion and sorrow over Othello’s changed behaviour towards her. She perceives that
Othello is not himself, indicating her awareness that appearances can be deceptive. The reality of Othello’s inner
turmoil, fuelled by Iago’s manipulation, contrasts with his outward actions.
"Alas, the day! I never gave him cause." (Act 4, Scene 2) – Desdemona
Desdemona defends her innocence when Othello accuses her of infidelity. Her sincere bewilderment and
declaration of innocence highlight the disparity between the reality of her faithful love and the appearance of guilt
that Othello believes.
"O good Iago, / What shall I do to win my lord again? / Good friend, go to him; for by this light of heaven, / I know
not how I lost him." (Act 4, Scene 2) – Desdemona
Desdemona seeks Iago’s counsel on how to regain Othello’s love, unaware that Iago is the one orchestrating her
downfall. This quote underscores her genuine confusion and the tragic irony that she trusts the very person
deceiving her and Othello.
"His unkindness may defeat my life, / But never taint my love." (Act 4, Scene 2) – Desdemona
Desdemona speaks to Emilia about Othello’s harsh treatment, showing her unwavering love and loyalty despite
his cruelty. The reality of her steadfast devotion contrasts with the appearance of her supposed infidelity.
"That death's unnatural that kills for loving. / Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip? / Some bloody passion shakes
your very frame: / These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope, / They do not point on me." (Act 5, Scene 2)
– Desdemona
Desdemona speaks to Othello in the final act, just before he kills her. She observes his disturbed state and
expresses her hope that his anger is not directed at her. The tragic irony is that her hope and love are met with a
grim reality – Othello’s belief in her infidelity leads to her death.
Desdemona’s unwavering innocence and loyalty are consistently misinterpreted as deceit and infidelity,
showcasing the tragic consequences of the theme of appearance versus reality in “Othello.”
