Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare around 1604 and first published in 1622. The title character is a general in the Venetian army- a black- who is not a national of Venice. The play focuses on the scheming of Iago, Othello’s ensign and the main antagonist of the play, in order to ultimately destroy Othello’s life through jealousy and betrayal by using Othello’s wife, Desdemona, and his lieutenant, Michael Cassio against him.
Characters
Othello- A foreigner who is a General in the Venetian army Desdemona- Othello’s wife and Brabantio’s daughter Brabantio- Desdemona’s father and Venetian senator
Patrick Stewart as Othello
Cassio- Othello’s Lieutenant Iago- Othello’s ensign and Emilia’s husband Roderigo- Iago’s friend and confidant Emilia- Iago’s wife The Duke of Venice Senators Montano, Governor of Cyprus Gentlemen of Cyprus Lodovico- kinsman to Brabantio Gratiano- Brother of Brabantio Sailors Clown Bianca- A Courtesan Messengers, Herald, Officers, Musicians and Attendants
Plot
Act 1 Scene 1
The play opens with Iago and Roderigo, the two main villains of the play. Roderigo is angry with Iago for not telling him about the marriage between Othello and Desdemona; he lusts after Desdemona. Iago is furious that Othello promoted Cassio to second-in-command rather than himself. Iago feels that he deserves the promotion because he has been tested in battle and would be a better choice than Cassio. Iago states that he is only serving Othello in order to “serve (his) turn upon him.” Iago is able to persuade Roderigo to go Brabantio’s house and tell him of the secret marriage between Othello and Desdemona. This enrages Brabantio, and he gathers a search party to look for Othello. A video of the beginning of Othello
Scene 2 Iago finds Othello and warns him about Brabantio. While Othello and Iago are discussing this, Cassio arrives and informs Othello that the Turkish army is preparing to attack Cyprus. Cassio tells Othello that he is needed at the Duke’s house where several senators have arrived already to discuss the matter.
Scene 3 Brabantio comes and accuses Othello of using magic to seduce his daughter into marrying him. Othello is allowed to appeal his case to the Senat and is able to convince them not to take action against him. Brabantio warns Othello that his daughter will betray him. Othello is charged by the Duke to command the Venetian army against the invading Turks at Cyprus. He is joined by Desdemona, Cassio, Iago, and Iago’s wife Emilia.
Act 2, Scene 1
When Othello and company arrive in Cyprus, they are informed that a storm has destroyed the Turkish fleet. Cassio goes into town and has success wooing women; this is observed by Iago, who plans to use this knowledge against Othello. Iago is able to convince Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio and that Cassio must be made to lose his rank for this reason.
Scene 2 A herald comes to Cyprus to announce the destruction of the Turkish fleet and of the festivities that Othello is having that evening.
Scene 3 Iago takes the opportunity to scheme against Othello by using Cassio. When Othello is absent during the celebration, Iago gets Cassio drunk and then persuades Roderigo to fight him. Othello is forced to stop the fight and subsequently strips Cassio of his ranking. Iago persuades Cassio to use Desdemona as an intermediary between himself and Othello in order to reinstate him. Iago is able to convince Othello to be suspicious of Cassio and Desdemona. Roderigo complains to Iago about the beating he has suffered; however Iago is able to convince him that their plan is working.
Act 3, Scene 1
Cassio is trying to apologize to Othello for his behavior in Cyprus. He hires musicians to play outside of Othello’s house, but Othello’s servant comes out to pay them off and tells them to leave. Cassio tells the servant he wants to talk to Desdemona. Iago comes and Cassio asks him to send in Emilia to get Desdemona for him. Iago agrees, and tells Cassio that he will find a way to distract Othello. Emilia comes out to invite Cassio inside.
Scene 2 Othello tells Iago to deliver some letters for him, and to meet with him later to inspect fortifications.
Scene 3 Desdemona promises Cassio that she will do everything she can for him. Othello and Iago arrive and when Othello confronts Desdemona, she is able to convince Othello to reinstate Cassio. Iago suggests to Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. At dinner that night, Desdemona offers to put a handkerchief on Othello’s head when he is not well, but Othello pushes it away and to the floor. Emilia gives the handkerchief to Iago. Iago lies to Othello and tells him he has seen Cassio with Desdemona’s handkerchief. Othello decides that Cassio and Desdemona have to die. A video of Act 2 Scene 3
Scene 4 Othello confronts Desdemona about losing the handkerchief. When Desdemona cannot produce the handkerchief, Othello gets angry and leaves. Iago comes with Cassio, who wants an answer about his reinstatement. Desdemona tells him that she doesn’t have one right now. Iago feigns surprise at Othello’s anger and leaves to see what’s wrong with him. Desdemona leaves and Cassio meets his Bianca, his prostitute girlfriend. She tells him he has been away from her too long. Cassio gives the handkerchief to Bianca as a gift. She in angered by this, but has Cassio walk her home.
Act 4, Scene 1
Cassio tries to talk to Othello, but he is sent away. Iago tells Othello to hide and listen to him talk to Cassio. Iago makes it so that while Cassio is talking about Bianca, Othello thinks he is talking about Desdemona. Bianca appears and is still angry with Cassio, but invites him to dinner. Othello is convinced of his wife’s adultery, and Iago gets him to plan her murder. When Othello hears Desdemona’s happiness at Cassio’s appointment to Governor of Cyprus, Othello hits her.
Scene 2 Othello tries to get evidence of Desdemona’s adultery from Emilia. Desdemona cannot believe Othello’s treatment of her. Iago reassures Desdemona that Othello is preoccupied with matters of state. Roderigo again complains that his efforts are having no effect, but Iago tells him he will have Desdemona in two nights if he kills Cassio.
Scene 3 Othello tells Desdemona to go to bed and wait for him. Desdemona complies, and sings a song of lost love. She asks Emilia if there are women who commit adultery, and Emilia assures her that there are, but by their husband’s faults. Desdemona proclaims she will never be such a woman.
Act 5 Scene 1
Roderigo attacks Cassio in the street, but Cassio is able to wound him. Iago stabs Cassio from behind and runs away. Othello goes to kill Desdemona. Lodovico and Gratiano hear Cassio cry for help, but hesitate to help him. Iago appears to Cassio, and hears Roderigo cry for help. Iago kills Roderigo. Bianca appears and Iago tries to implicate her for everything that just happened. Emilia appears, and Iago sends her to tell Othello and Desdemona that Cassio is wounded and Roderigo is dead.
Act 5 Scene 2 Emilia arrives at Othello’s house as he is killing Desdemona. She cries out that she is being murdered and clears Othello of the guilt. Othello reasons that he killed her for being a whore, but Emilia goes to call for help. Montano, Gratiano and Iago answer her call. Iago tells Emilia that he said Desdemona was an adulterer, and tells her to be quiet. Othello says that he saw the handkerchief in Cassio’s hand, and Emilia tells him that she gave it to Iago. Othello attacks Iago, who kills Emilia and runs away. Gratiano guards Othello while the others capture Iago. Othello is overcome by guilt and grief, and commits suicide. Act 5 Scene 2 as portrayed in the 1995 adaptation of Othello
Themes
Hatred Fueled By Envy Hatred is one of the foremost themes of Othello. The antagonists (Brabantio, Iago, Roderigo, etc.) all hate Othello for different reasons; whether it be for marrying Desdemona (Brabantio and Roderigo) or jealousy for giving a promotion over someone else (Iago). This is evidenced particularly in Act 1, Scene 3 by Iago: “…I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted: … If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport.” This is to say that Iago will take pleasure in causing pain to Othello over a mere promotion. George Williams notes that it is not just the lack of promotion that spurs Iago’s hatred of Othello; it is also his marriage to Desdemona5.When Iago learns of Othello’s marriage, it irks him because he sees that Othello and Desdemona have a perfect love. Iago realizes that he has been inadequate in his own marriage, and his own personal spirit by association. The two unrelated events occur at the same time, and it is enough to unravel Iago and spark his hatred of Othello.
The racist rhetoric of Brabantio can be seen in scenes two and three of act one. “…Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom of such a thing as thou- to fear, not to delight.” This is referring to Brabantio’s belief that Othello has used magic or threatened to use magic on Desdemona so that she will agree to marry him; a comment about Othello’s race. There is no possible way in Brabantio’s mind that Desdemona, who was raised in such a rigorous and privileged way, could ever agree to marry someone who is not white. This emphasized Brabantio’s racist views. He does this again in scene three of act one: “…To fall in love with what she fear’d to look on! It is a judgment maim’d and most imperfect that will confess perfection so could err against all rules of nature…” As a point of fact, marriage with foreigners was legally forbidden in Venice4, so Brabantio’s hatred of Othello is logical in the context of the tragedy.
The Innocent Suffer With The Guilty Othello is a tale of hatred, love, passion, and revenge. Revenge has a different meaning for different characters in the play. For example, Othello kills Desdemona because he believes she committed adultery and defiled their marriage. This is an honorable act in Othello’s eyes, as evidenced by his lines in act five, scene two: “…An honorable murder, if you will; for nought I did in hate, but all in honor.” This is a reference to his own honor; honor that must be defended. Iago wants to make Othello suffer and destroy him for not promoting him and for making him realize his own shortcomings. Roderigo ends up dead as a result of pursuing his lust for Desdemona. Othello kills himself because of his overwhelming grief. Emilia is perhaps the most unfortunate and unknowing victim of all; she ends up dead as a result of her husband’s angry vengeance, only after just learning what he had done. Passion is used, perhaps more than anything else in Othello, is used to convey the theme of the innocent suffering with the guilty to the audience.
Local Color and Setting in Othello
Shakespeare’s understanding of the Venetian government is criticized as being almost completely wrong4. The head of the state throughout the play is addressed as Duke; however in Renaissance times the state of Venice had claimed its own independence from the Western Empire. Shakespeare’s misconception about the Signiory shows in the play in Act 1 Scene 2 when Iago is having his dialogue with Othello. “…That the magnifico is much belov’d, and hath in his effect a voice potential as double as the duke’s.” This is a reference to the “double vote” that the Venetian Doge had. Shakespeare has a misconception of it though; the Doge had a double vote in general elections that hardly were of any importance4. His double vote did not apply to matters of the state controlled by committees or councils; this was an Elizabethan idea that Shakespeare presented to his audience of the time. Shakespeare does a good job of portraying the Venetian dominions though. Shakespeare did have knowledge that the Venetians held the island of Cyprus; however it is interesting to note that the Venetians had lost it to the Turks approximately thirty years before Shakespeare wrote Othello4.
Criticism
Philip Kolin criticizes Othello’s presence in the play itself is its biggest drawback, believing his place in the script to be “…uncertain and unstable1.” It is also clearly noticeable from the text itself that Othello is the only one of Shakespeare’s tragedies where the main character/protagonist does not have the most lines of dialogue. It is clear that Iago has the bulk of the lines in the play; almost one- third more than Othello himself1. The question of Othello’s race is also a major criticism of the play. The audience is never explicitly told what nationality he is, nor his political affiliations. The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Moor as “one of the Arab and Berber conquerors of Spain.” Edward Foster thinks the Moor to be a black man2. Despite all of this, there is no clear consensus among critics as to what Othello’s true race is, even to this day. Othello comes from a foreign land- that much is clear- and is a trusting and passionate individual. Shakespeare, however, uses the setting of Renaissance Italy to degrade and ultimately break Othello. Othello is not accustomed to the culture of Renaissance Italy; a culture that is known for collusion and secrets. Othello’s character makes him far too vulnerable to survive in a place such as Renaissance Italy2. Othello has also been criticized as one of Shakespeare’s least heroic protagonists. Harold Bloom once made an observation that Othello is a “…glorious soldier and a sadly simple man…” who perhaps was not deserving of a villain as shrewd and cunning as Iago3.
References
Kolin, Phillip C.. Othello New Critical Essays; Routledge: New York, NY, 2002; p.8.
Foster, Edward E. Masterplots, 4th ed; November 2010, p1-3. Salem Press, Library Reference Center.
Bloom, Harold. Modern Critical Interpretations William Shakespeare’s Othello; Chelsea House Publishers, 1987; pg. 1.
Draper, John W.. Readings on Othello; Greenhaven Press, Inc.: San Diego, CA, 2000; pgs.44,46
Williams, George W.. Readings on Othello; Greenhaven Press, Inc.: San Diego, CA, 2000; pg. 97.
SummarySummarytoc
Characters
Plot
Act 1 Scene 1
Act 2, Scene 1
Act 3, Scene 1
Act 4, Scene 1
Act 5 Scene 1
Themes
Local Color and Setting in Othello
Criticism
References
Table of Contents
Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare around 1604 and first published in 1622. The title character is a general in the Venetian army- a black- who is not a national of Venice. The play focuses on the scheming of Iago, Othello’s ensign and the main antagonist of the play, in order to ultimately destroy Othello’s life through jealousy and betrayal by using Othello’s wife, Desdemona, and his lieutenant, Michael Cassio against him.
Characters
Othello- A foreigner who is a General in the Venetian armyDesdemona- Othello’s wife and Brabantio’s daughter
Brabantio- Desdemona’s father and Venetian senator
Cassio- Othello’s Lieutenant
Iago- Othello’s ensign and Emilia’s husband
Roderigo- Iago’s friend and confidant
Emilia- Iago’s wife
The Duke of Venice
Senators
Montano, Governor of Cyprus
Gentlemen of Cyprus
Lodovico- kinsman to Brabantio
Gratiano- Brother of Brabantio
Sailors
Clown
Bianca- A Courtesan
Messengers, Herald, Officers, Musicians and Attendants
Plot
Act 1 Scene 1
The play opens with Iago and Roderigo, the two main villains of the play. Roderigo is angry with Iago for not telling him about the marriage between Othello and Desdemona; he lusts after Desdemona. Iago is furious that Othello promoted Cassio to second-in-command rather than himself. Iago feels that he deserves the promotion because he has been tested in battle and would be a better choice than Cassio. Iago states that he is only serving Othello in order to “serve (his) turn upon him.” Iago is able to persuade Roderigo to go Brabantio’s house and tell him of the secret marriage between Othello and Desdemona. This enrages Brabantio, and he gathers a search party to look for Othello.A video of the beginning of Othello
Scene 2
Iago finds Othello and warns him about Brabantio. While Othello and Iago are discussing this, Cassio arrives and informs Othello that the Turkish army is preparing to attack Cyprus. Cassio tells Othello that he is needed at the Duke’s house where several senators have arrived already to discuss the matter.
Scene 3
Brabantio comes and accuses Othello of using magic to seduce his daughter into marrying him. Othello is allowed to appeal his case to the Senat and is able to convince them not to take action against him. Brabantio warns Othello that his daughter will betray him. Othello is charged by the Duke to command the Venetian army against the invading Turks at Cyprus. He is joined by Desdemona, Cassio, Iago, and Iago’s wife Emilia.
Act 2, Scene 1
When Othello and company arrive in Cyprus, they are informed that a storm has destroyed the Turkish fleet. Cassio goes into town and has success wooing women; this is observed by Iago, who plans to use this knowledge against Othello. Iago is able to convince Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio and that Cassio must be made to lose his rank for this reason.Scene 2
A herald comes to Cyprus to announce the destruction of the Turkish fleet and of the festivities that Othello is having that evening.
Scene 3
Iago takes the opportunity to scheme against Othello by using Cassio. When Othello is absent during the celebration, Iago gets Cassio drunk and then persuades Roderigo to fight him. Othello is forced to stop the fight and subsequently strips Cassio of his ranking. Iago persuades Cassio to use Desdemona as an intermediary between himself and Othello in order to reinstate him. Iago is able to convince Othello to be suspicious of Cassio and Desdemona. Roderigo complains to Iago about the beating he has suffered; however Iago is able to convince him that their plan is working.
Act 3, Scene 1
Cassio is trying to apologize to Othello for his behavior in Cyprus. He hires musicians to play outside of Othello’s house, but Othello’s servant comes out to pay them off and tells them to leave. Cassio tells the servant he wants to talk to Desdemona. Iago comes and Cassio asks him to send in Emilia to get Desdemona for him. Iago agrees, and tells Cassio that he will find a way to distract Othello. Emilia comes out to invite Cassio inside.Scene 2
Othello tells Iago to deliver some letters for him, and to meet with him later to inspect fortifications.
Scene 3
Desdemona promises Cassio that she will do everything she can for him. Othello and Iago arrive and when Othello confronts Desdemona, she is able to convince Othello to reinstate Cassio. Iago suggests to Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. At dinner that night, Desdemona offers to put a handkerchief on Othello’s head when he is not well, but Othello pushes it away and to the floor. Emilia gives the handkerchief to Iago. Iago lies to Othello and tells him he has seen Cassio with Desdemona’s handkerchief. Othello decides that Cassio and Desdemona have to die.
A video of Act 2 Scene 3
Scene 4
Othello confronts Desdemona about losing the handkerchief. When Desdemona cannot produce the handkerchief, Othello gets angry and leaves. Iago comes with Cassio, who wants an answer about his reinstatement. Desdemona tells him that she doesn’t have one right now. Iago feigns surprise at Othello’s anger and leaves to see what’s wrong with him. Desdemona leaves and Cassio meets his Bianca, his prostitute girlfriend. She tells him he has been away from her too long. Cassio gives the handkerchief to Bianca as a gift. She in angered by this, but has Cassio walk her home.
Act 4, Scene 1
Cassio tries to talk to Othello, but he is sent away. Iago tells Othello to hide and listen to him talk to Cassio. Iago makes it so that while Cassio is talking about Bianca, Othello thinks he is talking about Desdemona. Bianca appears and is still angry with Cassio, but invites him to dinner. Othello is convinced of his wife’s adultery, and Iago gets him to plan her murder. When Othello hears Desdemona’s happiness at Cassio’s appointment to Governor of Cyprus, Othello hits her.Scene 2
Othello tries to get evidence of Desdemona’s adultery from Emilia. Desdemona cannot believe Othello’s treatment of her. Iago reassures Desdemona that Othello is preoccupied with matters of state. Roderigo again complains that his efforts are having no effect, but Iago tells him he will have Desdemona in two nights if he kills Cassio.
Scene 3
Othello tells Desdemona to go to bed and wait for him. Desdemona complies, and sings a song of lost love. She asks Emilia if there are women who commit adultery, and Emilia assures her that there are, but by their husband’s faults. Desdemona proclaims she will never be such a woman.
Act 5 Scene 1
Roderigo attacks Cassio in the street, but Cassio is able to wound him. Iago stabs Cassio from behind and runs away. Othello goes to kill Desdemona. Lodovico and Gratiano hear Cassio cry for help, but hesitate to help him. Iago appears to Cassio, and hears Roderigo cry for help. Iago kills Roderigo. Bianca appears and Iago tries to implicate her for everything that just happened. Emilia appears, and Iago sends her to tell Othello and Desdemona that Cassio is wounded and Roderigo is dead.Act 5 Scene 2
Emilia arrives at Othello’s house as he is killing Desdemona. She cries out that she is being murdered and clears Othello of the guilt. Othello reasons that he killed her for being a whore, but Emilia goes to call for help. Montano, Gratiano and Iago answer her call. Iago tells Emilia that he said Desdemona was an adulterer, and tells her to be quiet. Othello says that he saw the handkerchief in Cassio’s hand, and Emilia tells him that she gave it to Iago. Othello attacks Iago, who kills Emilia and runs away. Gratiano guards Othello while the others capture Iago. Othello is overcome by guilt and grief, and commits suicide.
Act 5 Scene 2 as portrayed in the 1995 adaptation of Othello
Themes
Hatred Fueled By Envy
Hatred is one of the foremost themes of Othello. The antagonists (Brabantio, Iago, Roderigo, etc.) all hate Othello for different reasons; whether it be for marrying Desdemona (Brabantio and Roderigo) or jealousy for giving a promotion over someone else (Iago). This is evidenced particularly in Act 1, Scene 3 by Iago: “…I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted: … If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport.” This is to say that Iago will take pleasure in causing pain to Othello over a mere promotion. George Williams notes that it is not just the lack of promotion that spurs Iago’s hatred of Othello; it is also his marriage to Desdemona5.When Iago learns of Othello’s marriage, it irks him because he sees that Othello and Desdemona have a perfect love. Iago realizes that he has been inadequate in his own marriage, and his own personal spirit by association. The two unrelated events occur at the same time, and it is enough to unravel Iago and spark his hatred of Othello.
The racist rhetoric of Brabantio can be seen in scenes two and three of act one. “…Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom of such a thing as thou- to fear, not to delight.” This is referring to Brabantio’s belief that Othello has used magic or threatened to use magic on Desdemona so that she will agree to marry him; a comment about Othello’s race. There is no possible way in Brabantio’s mind that Desdemona, who was raised in such a rigorous and privileged way, could ever agree to marry someone who is not white. This emphasized Brabantio’s racist views. He does this again in scene three of act one:
“…To fall in love with what she fear’d to look on! It is a judgment maim’d and most imperfect that will confess perfection so could err against all rules of nature…”
As a point of fact, marriage with foreigners was legally forbidden in Venice4, so Brabantio’s hatred of Othello is logical in the context of the tragedy.
The Innocent Suffer With The Guilty
Othello is a tale of hatred, love, passion, and revenge. Revenge has a different meaning for different characters in the play. For example, Othello kills Desdemona because he believes she committed adultery and defiled their marriage. This is an honorable act in Othello’s eyes, as evidenced by his lines in act five, scene two: “…An honorable murder, if you will; for nought I did in hate, but all in honor.” This is a reference to his own honor; honor that must be defended. Iago wants to make Othello suffer and destroy him for not promoting him and for making him realize his own shortcomings. Roderigo ends up dead as a result of pursuing his lust for Desdemona. Othello kills himself because of his overwhelming grief. Emilia is perhaps the most unfortunate and unknowing victim of all; she ends up dead as a result of her husband’s angry vengeance, only after just learning what he had done. Passion is used, perhaps more than anything else in Othello, is used to convey the theme of the innocent suffering with the guilty to the audience.
Local Color and Setting in Othello
Shakespeare’s understanding of the Venetian government is criticized as being almost completely wrong4. The head of the state throughout the play is addressed as Duke; however in Renaissance times the state of Venice had claimed its own independence from the Western Empire. Shakespeare’s misconception about the Signiory shows in the play in Act 1 Scene 2 when Iago is having his dialogue with Othello.“…That the magnifico is much belov’d, and hath in his effect a voice potential as double as the duke’s.”
This is a reference to the “double vote” that the Venetian Doge had. Shakespeare has a misconception of it though; the Doge had a double vote in general elections that hardly were of any importance4. His double vote did not apply to matters of the state controlled by committees or councils; this was an Elizabethan idea that Shakespeare presented to his audience of the time.
Shakespeare does a good job of portraying the Venetian dominions though. Shakespeare did have knowledge that the Venetians held the island of Cyprus; however it is interesting to note that the Venetians had lost it to the Turks approximately thirty years before Shakespeare wrote Othello4.
Criticism
Philip Kolin criticizes Othello’s presence in the play itself is its biggest drawback, believing his place in the script to be “…uncertain and unstable1.” It is also clearly noticeable from the text itself that Othello is the only one of Shakespeare’s tragedies where the main character/protagonist does not have the most lines of dialogue. It is clear that Iago has the bulk of the lines in the play; almost one- third more than Othello himself1.The question of Othello’s race is also a major criticism of the play. The audience is never explicitly told what nationality he is, nor his political affiliations. The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Moor as “one of the Arab and Berber conquerors of Spain.” Edward Foster thinks the Moor to be a black man2. Despite all of this, there is no clear consensus among critics as to what Othello’s true race is, even to this day. Othello comes from a foreign land- that much is clear- and is a trusting and passionate individual. Shakespeare, however, uses the setting of Renaissance Italy to degrade and ultimately break Othello. Othello is not accustomed to the culture of Renaissance Italy; a culture that is known for collusion and secrets. Othello’s character makes him far too vulnerable to survive in a place such as Renaissance Italy2.
Othello has also been criticized as one of Shakespeare’s least heroic protagonists. Harold Bloom once made an observation that Othello is a “…glorious soldier and a sadly simple man…” who perhaps was not deserving of a villain as shrewd and cunning as Iago3.
References
Table of Contents