The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice focuses on one man’s revenge to destroy another. Iago, a man who feels he was wronged by Othello, sets up elaborate plans which destroy Othello’s marriage and lead to many deaths.
Othello Summary
Iago is determined to destroy Othello, a successful Venetian general who promoted another man named Cassio to lieutenant instead of him. Roderigo is in love with a woman named Desdemona, who has already secretly married Othello. Iago agrees to help Roderigo get Othello out of the picture. Iago sends Roderigo to Desdemona’s father Brabantio, who accuses Othello of making Desdemona marry him through witchcraft. Desdemona defends Othello, and their marriage is validated before the Duke. Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, and Iago’s wife Emilia sail to Cyprus to fight the Turkish forces who have landed there.
Once the party arrives, they discover that the Turkish fleet was destroyed in a storm. Iago gets Cassio drunk and provokes him into a fight with Roderigo. Othello blames Cassio for the fight and strips him of his rank. Iago then sends Cassio to ask Desdemona if there is any way that she can convince her husband to reinstate him.
Emilia, Desdemona’s attendant on the trip, picks up a handkerchief that Desdemona drops. Iago takes it, knowing it will come in handy later on. He convinces Othello that something is going on between Cassio and Desdemona, and portrays himself as Othello’s only trustworthy confidante. Othello promotes Iago to lieutenant.
Iago plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s room, and tells Othello to listen while he gets Cassio to talk about the affair. In reality, he asks Cassio about his affair with a woman named Bianca, but Othello misses the name and thinks he’s talking about Desdemona. He resolves to kill Desdemona and asks Iago to kill Cassio. Iago convinces Roderigo to do it for him, and Othello proceeds to treat Desdemona horribly.
Roderigo attacks Cassio as he is leaving Bianca’s, but he is hurt; Iago (in disguise) attacks Cassio and then pretends to arrive on scene to help. Iago kills Roderigo to keep him silent, and accuses Bianca of arranging to kill Cassio. Othello confronts Desdemona about Cassio and ends up strangling her, but Emilia arrives shortly afterwards and calls for help. When Othello mentions the handkerchief as proof of Desdemona’s affair, Emilia realizes Iago’s plot and exposes him, sending Iago into a rage, killing Emilia. Othello stabs Iago but does not kill him, turning a hidden sword on himself as he is arrested for Desdemona’s murder.
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Date Published: 1604
Genre: Tragedy
Major Themes: Jealousy; prejudice; manipulation; revenge
Famous Quote: “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”
Check out all of our Shakespeare Resources
- Types of Shakespeare Plays
- Romeo and Juliet
- Macbeth
- Hamlet
- Othello
- Julius Caesar
- Richard III
- King Lear
- The Tempest
- Twelfth Night
- Sonnet 73
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Picture Encyclopedia of Shakespeare Plays
How Tos about The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice: Summary
How to Teach the Story of Othello Using Visual Aids
Use storyboards or pictures to help students visualize key scenes from Othello. Visual aids make complex plots and emotions easier to understand, especially for younger learners.
Summarize the main plot points with your class
Guide students to outline Othello's storyline in 5-7 key moments. This activity builds comprehension and helps students remember crucial events.
Assign character roles for a class reading
Let students read lines as Othello, Desdemona, Iago, and others. Acting out scenes brings Shakespeare’s language to life and boosts engagement.
Facilitate a discussion on jealousy and trust
Ask students how jealousy affects the characters in Othello. Connect these themes to real-life experiences for deeper understanding.
Encourage students to create their own Othello-inspired art
Invite students to draw or design a scene, character, or theme from the play. This creative activity reinforces learning and allows for personal expression.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice: Summary
What is Othello and why is it important in literature?
Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare that explores themes of jealousy, trust, and betrayal. It is important because it highlights complex human emotions and social issues, making it a valuable text for literature studies.
Who are the main characters in Othello?
The main characters in Othello are Othello (the Moorish general), Desdemona (his wife), Iago (his ensign), Cassio (his lieutenant), and Emilia (Iago’s wife). Each plays a crucial role in the story’s development.
What are the central themes in Shakespeare's Othello?
Central themes in Othello include jealousy, trust, prejudice, and betrayal. These themes drive the plot and character motivations throughout the play.
How can teachers use Othello in classroom lessons?
Teachers can use Othello to teach literary analysis, character study, and discussions about social issues. Incorporating storyboards and visual aids helps students better understand the play’s events and themes.
What is the difference between Othello and other Shakespearean tragedies?
Othello is unique for its focus on racial identity, manipulation, and psychological drama, setting it apart from other Shakespearean tragedies like Macbeth or Hamlet, which address different themes and conflicts.
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