Othello

Study Guide by Course Hero

shortened version of the title, Othello, draws attention only to

What's Inside the play's tragic hero.

j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1

d In Context ..................................................................................................... 1
d In Context
a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 2

h Characters .................................................................................................. 3 Venice and the Ottoman

k Plot Summary ............................................................................................. 6 Empire
c Scene Summaries .................................................................................. 10 The play is set in the 16th century, at a time when Venice was
in constant conflict with the Ottoman Empire over control of
g Quotes ......................................................................................................... 19
the Adriatic Sea. The Ottomans are the "Turks" of the play, and
l Symbols ..................................................................................................... 20 the Ottoman Empire became what is modern-day Turkey.
Cyprus, a small island off the coast of Greece, was a profitable
m Themes ........................................................................................................ 21 location for trade and had been under the influence of Venice
since Caterina Cornaro, a Venetian noblewoman, married
b Motifs .......................................................................................................... 22
James II, the king of Cyprus, in the late 1400s. After the death

e Suggested Reading .............................................................................. 22 of James II, she became ruler of the island but eventually
abdicated, allowing Venice full control of Cyprus. The island
was strategically placed for the Venetian military to launch
attacks against the Ottomans. In the play, Othello's military

j Book Basics successes on behalf of Venice are set within this

conflict—even though by Shakespeare's time, Cyprus was
already part of the Ottoman Empire, which had taken it in a
AUTHOR
1570 military action.
William Shakespeare

YEARS WRITTEN
1603–04 Shakespeare's Treatment of
GENRE Race
Tragedy
Othello's identity as a Moor may link him with Arab and Berber
ABOUT THE TITLE
North Africans who lived in medieval Spain and remained there
The original title of the play, The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor
after the fall of Granada in 1492, which ended Muslim rule on
of Venice, creates tension between Othello's ethnicity as a
the Iberian peninsula, until they were later forced to leave in
Moor and his residence in the predominantly white Venice. The
Othello Study Guide Author Biography 2

1609. Iago's reference to Othello as a "Barbary horse" may unfaithful. His plan is successful, and he and the Moor conspire
also link Othello with the Barbary people of North Africa. There together to kill Disdemona. The Ensign carries out the killing,
is evidence that an ambassador from Barbary visited London in but later claims the Moor confessed to killing his wife. The
1600 to advocate for an alliance against Spain, and Moor is arrested and tortured. Later, the Ensign is also
Shakespeare may have been familiar with the event. At the tortured, and he dies.
time, it was noted that the ambassador and his attendants
practiced religious rites that contrasted with Christianity and Shakespeare would have read this story in the original Italian

were likely Muslim. Alternatively, Shakespeare may use the or in French translation, as it had not been translated into

term Moor to refer to a black African who was not necessarily English at the time Othello was written. A few differences are

from Spanish or North African Muslim descent. Yet, Queen quite significant. In the original story, neither the Ensign nor the

Elizabeth, in 1601, referred to Spanish Moors when she tried to Moor have names. Shakespeare makes them more personal:

ban them from Britain. Iago and Othello. In the original, it is the Ensign who kills
Disdemona with the Moor's consent, yet Shakespeare chose to
Regardless of the specifics of Othello's ethnic background, he have Othello do this deed, with Iago as manipulator.
is set apart as something other in the mostly white European
culture in which he resides. While his character bridges this
divide with European traits such as Christianity, military
a Author Biography
success against a Muslim empire, and nobility, Othello's
differences make him vulnerable to Iago's manipulations, which
Neither the exact birth or death dates of William Shakespeare
are based on racial tensions. Iago plays on cultural fears
are known. However, he was probably born around April 23,
regarding racial mixing when he characterizes for Brabantio
1564, as the third child of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden.
the marriage between Othello and Desdemona in black-and-
This date is based on a record of his baptism, which occurred
white sexual terms: "an old black ram/is tupping your white
on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, and the
ewe." As both Othello's and Desdemona's behaviors, thoughts,
fact that baptisms were customarily done three days from
and feelings are called into question, the motif of blackness
birth. Very little information is known about Shakespeare's
recurs. Othello's jealousy is thought to be influenced by black
childhood or early adulthood, outside of the marriages,
bile, and Desdemona's reputation becomes "begrimed and
baptisms, and burials recorded by Holy Trinity Church. He
black." On the surface, it seems that blackness is to blame for
married Anne Hathaway, eight years older than Shakespeare
the loss of innocence or purity within Othello and Desdemona's
and pregnant with his child, when he was 18. A daughter,
relationship. Yet, in a twist on the motif, Desdemona, in reality,
Susanna, was born to the couple on May 26, 1583, a few
is innocent of any crime, and the blackness of Othello's
months later. Twins—Judith and Hamnet—were born a few
jealousy comes not from his ethnicity but from the black
years after; Hamnet died in childhood.
manipulations of a white character, Iago.
In approximately 1588, Shakespeare moved to London to
pursue a career in the theater. As Shakespeare became known
Giraldi Cinthio's Hecatommithi as an actor and playwright, references to him outside of
church records can be found. The Lord Chamberlain's Men's
The main source for Shakespeare's Othello is Giraldi Cinthio's records indicate that by 1594 Shakespeare was a managing
Hecatommithi, which tells the story of a valiant and handsome partner in the troupe, as well as an actor and playwright. The
Moor living in Venice who falls in love with a virtuous and fact that some of his plays were actually recorded and sold as
beautiful lady, Disdemona. She returns his love in kind. They popular literature, even during his lifetime, attests to the fact
marry and are happy together, when the Moor is given a his work was unusually popular. He owned shares in the
military appointment that will either take him far from London's Globe Theater, which was built in 1599.
Disdemona or require she embark with him on the dangerous
voyage across the sea. Disdemona agrees to accompany him Shakespeare's main source for the story of Othello was Italian
to his new post. A "wicked Ensign" also falls in love with writer Giraldi Cinthio's 1565 work, the Hecatommithi. The
Disdemona and plots to make the Moor believe she is earliest records suggest Othello was first performed in 1604
under the title The Moor of Venice; it was popular throughout

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Othello Study Guide Characters 3

the 1600s and remained so well into the 18th century. Early seem inadequate in light of the absolute thoroughness with
versions of the play include the sworn oaths S'blood ("God's which Iago manipulates the people around him. He is excellent
blood") and Zounds ("God's wounds"), but these were later at immediately assessing a person's strengths and how these
removed in accordance with an act of Parliament in 1606 that strengths can be turned into weaknesses. He exploits
made such uses of God's name in plays illegal. In 1660, actress Roderigo's desire for Desdemona and his generous hand with
Margaret Hughes, playing Desdemona, became the first money. He leverages Cassio's desire to please Othello. He
woman to perform on the English stage. Before this time, all turns Desdemona's kindness to Cassio against both herself
roles—male and female—were performed by men and boys. and Othello. And he keys in on Othello's love for Desdemona
as the one weak point in Othello's armor. If Othello is an Adam,
Shakespeare retired in 1611, and he died a few years later in Iago is the snake in the garden: Satan himself.
1616 at age 52—likely on his birthday, although the official
records of Holy Trinity Church only give his burial date, April
25.
Desdemona
Desdemona is a woman of strength and purpose. She falls in
h Characters love with Othello and acts on her own to elope with him,
eschewing social conventions. She argues convincingly to go
with him on the military mission to Cyprus. And she is

Othello unwavering in her kindness to Cassio. Through no fault of her

own, her independent spirit and goodness are used against her
by Iago in his plot to ruin Othello. Yet her actions on her
As a tragic hero, Othello is unusual in that he is relatively
deathbed are curious. She seems to take the blame for her
passive and reactionary. His action does not drive the plot. He
own death, and seems quite passive as she is murdered. These
is known as a man of action—a military leader, and a
contradictions may suggest Desdemona's independent spirit is
successful one. His eloquent words and valiant actions in
at odds with the submissive obedience required of her by
battle have given him a reputation. But in the play, he does not
society.
take the most active role in his own character arc. Iago, in
contrast, manipulates behind the scenes from the first
moments of the play. Othello wins Desdemona by his stories of
the adventures he's experienced, and he seems to be more in
Cassio
love with the confidence she gives him by her adoration than
Michael Cassio has recently been appointed as Othello's
with the woman herself. He is not present when the others
second in command, much to the chagrin of Iago: "that never
arrive at Cyprus, and he arrives at the celebration just in time
set a squadron in the field,/Nor the division of a battle knows."
to discipline Cassio. He is more acted upon than actor. In one
Cassio's flaws open him up to exploitation by Iago, who seeks
reading of the play, Iago can be characterized as a Satan
revenge against Cassio for this appointment. Cassio is more
figure, and this, along with the "temptation" that takes place in
brains than brawn, and he doesn't hold his alcohol well. He's
the castle gardens on Cyprus, puts Othello in the role of Adam.
also a flirt, and he tends to characterize the women in his life
as Madonnas (Desdemona) or whores (girlfriend Bianca).

Iago
Iago declares early on in the play, "I am not what I am." And
Roderigo
indeed, the audience might well leave the play wondering, Who
In love with Desdemona, Roderigo is wealthy and foolish. He
is Iago? What is his motivation for causing such utter
provides a steady flow of income to Iago, who has promised to
destruction in the lives of arguably innocent people? Is he
help Roderigo woo Desdemona. His desperation makes him
angry at being passed up for a promotion? Does he think
susceptible to Iago's manipulations, and Iago convinces
Emilia has been sleeping with Othello? These petty motivations
Roderigo to help kill Cassio, who has been positioned by Iago

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Othello Study Guide Characters 4

as a rival suitor for Desdemona. In the end, Iago kills Roderigo.

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Othello Study Guide Characters 5

Character Map

Jealous manipulator
Iago
Intelligent and manipulative

Manipulator Spouses

Adviser

Emilia
Roderigo
Dutiful; blind to
Easily manipulated
Iago's wickedness

Othello
Heroic and honorable;
Venetian soldier

Loves
Spouses Lieutenant

Desdemona Cassio
Loyal and determined; Honorable but easily
Venetian lady coerced

Main character

Other Major Character

Minor Character

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Othello Study Guide Plot Summary 6

Full Character List Lodovico

Lodovico is a Venetian gentleman
related to Brabantio who carries
messages from Venice to Cyprus.
Character Description
Montano is in charge of Cyprus before
Montano
Othello arrives.
Othello is a Moor who has become a
Othello
general in the Venetian army.

k Plot Summary
Iago is Othello's ensign, or third in
Iago
command, and the villain of the play.

Desdemona is Othello's beautiful and The play is set in Venice in the mid-1500s, during a time of
Desdemona kind wife, through whom Iago plans to conflict between the Turks and Venetians. As the play begins,
ruin Othello.
Turkey is preparing for war against Venice and is likely to
attack either the Venetian island of Cyprus or Rhodes. Othello,
Michael Cassio is Othello's young but
Cassio a Moor from North Africa and a successful Venetian general,
devoted second in command.
has eloped with a young Venetian noblewoman named
Desdemona.
Roderigo is a foolish young gentleman
Roderigo who is paying Iago to help him woo
Desdemona. When the news gets out, Roderigo, a gentleman who is in love
with Desdemona, complains to Iago, Othello's ensign (third in
Bianca is a Venetian courtesan who command to Othello), about the secret marriage. Iago had
Bianca
has a special relationship with Cassio. agreed to help Roderigo court and win Desdemona, but only if
Roderigo kept him supplied with money. Iago is irritated at
Brabantio is Desdemona's volatile and Othello for promoting another man to lieutenant (second in
Brabantio
paternalistic father. command), Cassio, instead of himself. Iago and Roderigo go
together to Brabantio's home and reveal that Brabantio's
The Clown is a servant of Othello's daughter Desdemona has gone away secretly with Othello.
Clown and a source of humor in an otherwise
Iago leaves before his identity is known and goes back to
dark and violent play.
Othello. Soon Cassio joins them, bringing a message from the
Duke of Venice that Othello is required to turn back the
The ruler of Venice, the Duke of
Venice summons Othello for military Turkish attack on Cyprus. Othello leaves to go to the Duke,
Duke of Venice service in Cyprus, and takes Othello's and Brabantio follows along, hoping to confront Othello about
side in the disagreement between Desdemona.
Othello and Brabantio.
The Duke, however, takes Othello's side in the matter, partially
Emilia is Iago's wife, but she is also a because Othello is so earnest in his professions of love for
woman with progressive opinions
Desdemona and his description of how they had fallen in love.
Emilia about the ways men and women
interact and the double standards by Desdemona arrives and supports Othello's argument, and
which they are judged. Brabantio is forced to accept the marriage. Othello makes
arrangements to leave right away for Cyprus, and Desdemona
The gentlemen of Cyprus discuss the plans to accompany him.
The gentlemen
major storm at sea that destroys the
of Cyprus
Turkish fleet. The next day, Desdemona, Iago and his wife, Emilia, Roderigo,
and Cassio arrive on Cyprus before Othello. Cassio holds
Graziano is a Venetian gentleman Desdemona's hand for a moment in greeting, and this small
Graziano related to Brabantio who
gesture gives Iago an idea of how to get back at both Cassio
accompanies Lodovico.
and Othello. Then Othello arrives. Miraculously, the Turkish

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Othello Study Guide Plot Summary 7

ships on their way to invade Cyprus have been destroyed by a

storm, so they celebrate this turn of events at a banquet that
evening. At the celebration, Iago encourages Cassio to get
drunk and then encourages Roderigo to fight Cassio. Montano
tries to break up the fight, and Cassio ends up stabbing him in
the leg. When Othello finds out, he takes away Cassio's high
rank. Iago tells Cassio he should appeal to Desdemona, who
can go to Othello on Cassio's behalf. When Cassio leaves, Iago
reveals to the audience he plans to make Othello think Cassio
and Desdemona are having an affair. As Cassio approaches
Desdemona, and Desdemona asks Othello to reconsider
Cassio's case, Iago plants the seeds of suspicion in Othello's
mind.

When Desdemona accidentally drops her handkerchief, Emilia

picks it up and gives it to her husband. Iago drops the
handkerchief in Cassio's room, and Cassio finds it. Later, Iago
stages a scene with Cassio meant to convince Othello,
observing from a hidden place just out of earshot, that Cassio
is sleeping with Desdemona. As a result, Othello becomes wild
with jealousy.

As Iago orchestrates another fight between Cassio and

Roderigo, and ends up killing Roderigo, Othello plans
Desdemona's death. That night, he smothers Desdemona in
her bed. Emilia reveals that she was the one who picked up the
handkerchief and gave it to Iago, and Othello realizes he has
been manipulated. He tries to kill Iago, but Iago kills Emilia
instead. Then Othello kills himself, and Iago is arrested.

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Othello Study Guide Plot Summary 8

Plot Diagram

Climax

7
10 Falling Action
Rising Action
6
11
5

4 12

3 Resolution

2
1

Introduction

8. Iago uses the handkerchief to show Desdemona's infidelity.

Introduction

1. Desdemona elopes with Othello, a Moor and Venetian

Climax
general.

9. Othello commits to killing Desdemona.

Rising Action
Falling Action
2. Desdemona goes with Othello and his soldiers to Cyprus.

3. Iago plots to convince Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful. 10. Othello kills Desdemona.

4. Iago gets Cassio drunk. Cassio is demoted. 11. Emilia betrays Iago, who kills her; Othello kills himself.

5. Cassio asks Desdemona to speak to Othello; she agrees.

6. Desdemona loses a handkerchief given to her by Othello. Resolution

7. Emilia finds the handkerchief and gives it to Iago.
12. Iago is arrested.

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Othello Study Guide Plot Summary 9

Timeline of Events

Night

Iago and Roderigo meet and commiserate about Othello.

Early morning

Othello is summoned by the Duke of Venice.

That day

Othello, his soldiers, and Desdemona go to Cyprus.

That evening

Cassio gets drunk at the banquet.

Next morning

Cassio asks Desdemona to appeal to Othello on his

behalf.

During the day

Desdemona's handkerchief is lost, found, and given to

Iago.

Later that day

Othello questions Desdemona about the handkerchief.

After dark

Roderigo attacks Cassio; Iago wounds Cassio; Iago kills

Roderigo.

That night

Othello kills Desdemona; Iago kills Emilia; Othello

commits suicide.

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 10

Setting is very important in this play, especially because it

c Scene Summaries begins with an expansive setting (as characters move easily
from place to place) and ends in a very constricted one. The
Shakespeare wrote Othello in five acts, further divided into play begins outdoors, in the public sphere: on a street in
scenes. This study guide provides summary and analysis for Venice.
each scene.
Finally, right away in the play the audience meets Iago, one of
Shakespeare's most famous villains. He tells the audience what

Act 1, Scene 1 he is up to: "I am not what I am," he says, drawing upon the
biblical description God gives himself in the book of Exodus
(Exodus 3:14), "I am who I am" (New Revised Standard version).
Adding not to this formula suggests Iago is a Satan figure, and
Summary so he proves to be. Iago never identifies himself to Brabantio.
As his identity is concealed, his true self is concealed.
The play opens on a street in Venice in the latter half of the
16th century; Roderigo is arguing with Iago, an ensign (or Iago's method of villainy is also revealed in this scene. He
ancient, the third in command) under Othello's command. appeals to different people by pretending to have something in
Roderigo is a silly young gentleman who has been trying common with them, or by framing himself as a trusted friend,
unsuccessfully to court Desdemona. Iago has been taking helper, and confidante. He finds what motivates them—what
Roderigo's money and promising him help to win over drives them to act—and leverages it for his own ends. He
Desdemona (and her father). But Roderigo has just heard of commiserates with Roderigo's sense of outrage and envy, by
the elopement Desdemona and Othello, and he is outraged. explaining that he, too, has been wronged by Othello. He
Iago plays along with the outrage, saying he hates the "Moor" appeals to Brabantio's paternalism and racial prejudice,
(Othello) for promoting Cassio to lieutenant ahead of him. Iago comparing Othello to an animal and using the crudest language
convinces Roderigo he can still win Desdemona, if he keeps to cause Brabantio to visualize Othello and Desdemona having
letting Iago help. sex: "an old black ram/is tupping your white ewe" and "your
daughter and the Moor are (now) making the beast with/two
Iago suggests to Roderigo that they should work together to
backs." Iago will continue to show a flair for quickly identifying
get back at Othello. They first go to the home of Desdemona's
what will cause a person to take the action he desires.
father, Brabantio, and from the darkness outside, crudely
describe how Othello has made away with Desdemona,
enraging Brabantio. Iago leaves before his identity can be
revealed, because he wants to keep up appearances that he is
Act 1, Scene 2
Othello's friend. Brabantio confirms that Desdemona has run
away and insists on going with Roderigo to find her and
Othello. Summary
Iago, acting as a "friend" to Othello, warns him an angry

Analysis Brabantio is on his way. However, Cassio arrives with a

message from the Duke of Venice: Othello must go and fight
The first scene establishes the situation and setting of the play, off a Turkish invasion. Before Othello can leave, Brabantio
as well as the character that will drive the action of the play. An arrives and accuses Othello of using witchcraft on his
event previous to the first scene is very important to the daughter. Brabantio then follows Othello and the others to see
situation, or context, of the plot: Brabantio's daughter, the Duke, hoping to air his grievance there.
Desdemona, has eloped with a "Moor" who has not yet been
named aloud (but is Othello of the title). This inciting event sets
into motion the rest of the play, as Othello's relationship with
Desdemona becomes the focus of the drama.

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 11

dangers he experienced, and his bravery. The fact that his

Analysis words have such power to convince Desdemona to love him,
and to convince the Duke and senators to believe him, is an
Iago's nature as a master manipulator is further demonstrated
important character point. Later in the play, as he begins to
as he tries to manipulate Othello into getting angry at
deteriorate, he will lose some of this eloquence; at one point,
Roderigo, and as he acts like Othello's friend just after insulting
being unable to express his wishes in any more compelling way
him in such crude terms at Brabantio's. Othello, at this point, is
than to say "the handkerchief" over and over.
full of confidence and doesn't take the bait. He's confident he
performed admirably in the military, and his love for Desdemona shows she is an intelligent and strong woman in
Desdemona is real, so he doesn't fear Brabantio. As if to this scene, as she argues quite logically for why she sees her
validate Othello's confidence, Cassio arrives with his summons duty to Othello as more important than her duty to her father.
from the Duke of Venice. This scene sets up Othello as a truly Then she insists on going with Othello on his mission to
important leader and an admirable military man. Cyprus, saying, "I love the Moor to live with him." And the
strength of her love and admiration for Othello are clearly part
of his sense of self-confidence.
Act 1, Scene 3
Act 2, Scene 1
Summary
The Duke of Venice and his senators are meeting in the middle Summary
of the night and trying to figure out what the Turkish army is up
to based on messages that arrive. When Othello and Brabantio Cassio has arrived on the island of Cyprus and is talking to
arrive, Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter Montano, who was governor of the island before the war.
into marrying him. Othello denies this, describing how Cassio and Montano are concerned because the ships
Desdemona fell in love with him because of stories he told her carrying the others have not arrived, and there has been word
about his military career and his many adventures. When of a storm out at sea. But then the ship carrying Desdemona
Desdemona arrives, having been summoned, she supports and Iago lands safely, and Cassio, Iago, Desdemona, and Iago's
Othello's account. Brabantio is still angry but knows he is wife, Emilia, banter together. Iago notices that Cassio takes
defeated. The Duke and senators instruct Othello to go to Desdemona's hand as he talks to her, and this gives him an
Cyprus to fend off the invasion. Desdemona says she will go idea to make Othello dislike Cassio: "With as little a web as this
with her new husband. Roderigo is upset at the way all this has will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio," he explains. Then
turned out, but Iago tells Roderigo not to worry. He says Othello arrives, greets Desdemona, and announces that the
Roderigo should go to Cyprus too, taking along a purse full of Turkish fleet is destroyed.
money, which Iago likely intends to relieve him of.

Analysis
Analysis
This scene serves the plot by getting all the main characters
As Othello speaks to the Duke of Venice and the senators, together in Cyprus. Until now, the focus of the story has been
defending his actions, he is very compelling and earnest. It is on Othello, so this scene allows the audience to get to know
clear that he is not only successful in military actions, but he is the other characters without Othello's presence. It shows that
also a charismatic man who has earned the admiration of his Iago can seem charming even when he is being somewhat
men, the Duke, and Desdemona. He's a man of action, but also crude: women "rise to play, and go to bed to work," he says, to
a man of eloquence. It is his stories of adventure that win general amusement. The scene also introduces Emilia, Iago's
Desdemona over. She fell in love after listening to hours and wife. It is important to notice the marriage of Iago and Emilia
hours of stories about his travels in exotic locations, the has some tension in it, but also Emilia goes along with her

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 12

husband's joking even as he makes fun of her, suggesting she forward or resolve inconsistencies.
nags him and she annoys him by talking when he wants to
sleep. Emilia tolerates and even seems to encourage his joking
about women. Act 2, Scene 3
This general bantering fleshes out the characters and
relationships, so the audience can better understand the
material Iago has to work with as he begins his masterful
Summary
manipulations. By the end of the play, Iago will have
As the party begins, Iago encourages Cassio to drink wine,
manipulated each one of the assembled characters.
hoping to get Cassio drunk so that he gets into trouble with
Desdemona is good and kind; he will exploit that. He will exploit
Othello. Cassio does get drunk, and then Iago urges Roderigo
Emilia's willingness to go along with his "games." He will exploit
to pick a fight with him. A drunken brawl breaks out, by the end
Cassio's fondness for and trust in Desdemona.
of which Cassio beats up Roderigo; Montano, who tries to
More importantly, when he sees Cassio hold Desdemona's break it up, also gets wounded. Othello arrives and angrily
hand, Iago seems to find the kernel of the plan that will demotes Cassio from his rank of lieutenant.
eventually bring Othello down. Iago sees the friendliness
Afterward, Cassio, alone with Iago, bemoans his own stupidity
between Cassio and Desdemona, and realizes at once that this
for getting drunk. Iago, all friendliness, tells him he has a plan to
can be leverage. It is an epiphany for Iago. First, he plans to
help Cassio regain his rank. He suggests Cassio ask
use this friendliness to get back at Cassio, but soon this plan
Desdemona to speak to Othello on his behalf. Iago has an
will be woven together with his plan to get back at Othello.
ulterior motive, however: he plans to make Othello think Cassio
and Desdemona are having an affair. Cassio, believing Iago is

Act 2, Scene 2 "honest," agrees with the suggested course of action. After
Cassio leaves, Iago reveals that the best way to do the worst
evils is to pretend to be good.

Summary Then Roderigo enters, outraged again. He's been paying Iago
to help him win Desdemona, and all he's gotten for it is a
A short while later, a herald brings a message from Othello. beating. Iago again reassures him, telling him to be patient.
There will be a feast to celebrate the destruction of the Turkish After Roderigo leaves, Iago plans to bring Othello where he
fleet and Othello's recent marriage to Desdemona: "It is can see Desdemona and Cassio together.
Othello's pleasure ... /that upon ... the mere perdition of the
Turkish fleet,/every man put himself into triumph: some to
dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what/sport and Analysis
revels his addition leads him. For besides/these beneficial
news, it is the celebration of his/nuptial." The theme of honor is developed through Cassio's extreme
concern about his reputation. "Reputation, reputation,
reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal
Analysis part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago,
my reputation!" he cries, after he drunkenly humiliates himself
In an amazing occurrence, the storm Cassio was so worried at the celebration and is stripped of his rank. Iago replies,
about destroyed the Turkish fleet but allowed the ships from "Reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without
Venice to arrive quickly and safely. The Turkish invasion was merit and lost without deserving." He says this, not because it
important as a plot point, because it got everyone to the island is true, but because he's going to suggest that Cassio can
of Cyprus. Now that they are all there, however, the Turkish regain his "reputation" by appealing to Othello through
threat is no longer important. So Shakespeare dispenses with Desdemona.
it in a storm. Shakespeare doesn't worry too much about
realism, and often relies on odd coincidences to move his plots At this point, Iago has accomplished what he told Roderigo he

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 13

wanted at the beginning of the play: Cassio's demotion. It lovers.

would seem this should satisfy Iago's grievance; Iago, however,
is not satisfied. He wants to create more destruction, and here,
it all finally comes together. Iago's soliloquy in this scene maps Analysis
out his plan. He has identified Othello's main
strength—Desdemona—and how he can turn it to a weakness: Cassio is trying to make up for his blunder and get back in
"His soul is so enfettered to her love/That she may make, Othello's good graces by hiring some musicians to play for the
unmake, do what she list,/Even as her appetite shall play the newly wedded couple on their first real night together. It
god/With his weak function." He also shows that he will use doesn't seem to work.
Desdemona's own strength—her goodness—against her: "And
Iago continues to put his plan into motion. He's already
by how much she strives to do [Cassio] good,/She shall undo
convinced Cassio to contact Emilia, and now he sends Emilia
her credit with the Moor./So will I turn her virtue into pitch,/And
to Cassio to report back on his suit in person. Iago knows that
out of her own goodness make the net/That shall enmesh
his goal of incriminating Cassio will be furthered by a meeting
them all."
between Desdemona and Cassio (one that Othello could,
The last two lines of this soliloquy uses the image of a net perhaps, walk in on—which is exactly what happens). But he
enmeshing all of Iago's victims in the same trap. This is an cannot be the one to set up such a meeting, because there
important image, because it foreshadows the way that, by the isn't any way he could go directly to Desdemona without giving
end of the play, the setting reflects this sense of a trap, or net, away his role in the whole plot. At times, he can take direct
slowly closing on its victims. The play begins in Venice, where action—as when he encourages Cassio to get drunk—while
the characters roam freely. But the setting shifts to an maintaining his persona as a trusted friend and fellow soldier,
island—a smaller setting with more limitations on motion. Then but he can't go in secret to Othello's wife without arousing
the setting moves to the castle, then to a garden and the suspicion. So, he manipulates Cassio in making the first
private rooms of the castle, then to the bedroom, and then to overture to Emilia, then escalates the situation by sending
the bed, where the net closes. Emilia to Cassio for a meeting where Cassio can speak more
freely of what he wants (which is "access" to Desdemona) than
he could in a message. The growing gap between what the
Act 3, Scene 1 characters know about Iago's nature and what the audience
knows is a stunning example of dramatic irony. The fact is,
from the start, Iago has identified himself as the villain of the
story and then keeps the audience apprised of all his nefarious
Summary plots and plans, which builds suspense. It also causes the
audience to wonder who the main character of the play really
Cassio has hired musicians to play in the street near the castle
is: Othello or Iago?
where Othello and Desdemona are staying. But a Clown,
Othello's servant, tells the musicians they may play only silent
music. Iago has convinced Cassio to ask Emilia, Desdemona's
gentlewoman, for help in getting Desdemona to plead his case Act 3, Scene 2
to Othello. Cassio has done this, by sending a message to
Emilia. Iago then tells Cassio he will send Emilia to hear what
Cassio has to say in person, and Cassio is very grateful. Iago Summary
exits, and shortly Emilia enters, with reports that Desdemona is
already speaking to Othello about the situation. Cassio, At the citadel, Othello, Iago, and some gentlemen stroll
apparently concerned that this may not be enough, asks Emilia together. Othello gives Iago some letters to deliver for him, and
to arrange a meeting between himself and Desdemona. Emilia Iago takes the letters: "These letters give, Iago, to the pilot/And
thinks Iago is just trying to help Cassio. However, with dramatic by him do my duties to the Senate." Othello tells the gentlemen
irony common to Shakespeare, the audience knows that this is that he is ready to see the fortification: "This fortification,
to make Othello believe Desdemona and Cassio are secret gentlemen, shall we see 't?"

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 14

sign that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him with Cassio.

Analysis Othello swears he will kill Desdemona. Iago says he will kill
Cassio.
This interaction shows two things about Iago. First, he is
trusted by Othello. While Othello's trust has already been made
known, it is important to reiterate it just before Scene 3, in
which Iago uses that trust to undermine Othello's faith in his
Analysis
wife's fidelity. Second, Othello uses Iago as a conveyor of
This scene is very long and advances the plot dramatically. It
information. This is significant because Iago manipulates
includes a "temptation" in which Iago manipulates Othello into
others by inventing and spreading misinformation to influence
thinking Desdemona is unfaithful. It also includes the whole
their behavior, rather than taking a more direct action. His role
affair of the losing and finding of the handkerchief: Desdemona
as a person who controls information is an essential piece of
accidentally drops her handkerchief, and Emilia retrieves it and
his operation.
gives it to Iago. It is this point that will, later, allow Emilia to put
two and two together and figure out that her own husband is
behind all the suffering. (Also, this is the only time Iago and
Act 3, Scene 3 Emilia are alone together in the play.) The scene ends as Iago
and Othello are alone again, with Othello demanding "ocular
proof," and Iago acting as trusted partner in avenging this
Summary (untrue) betrayal. It is at this time that Othello promotes Iago to
lieutenant, rather than restoring the rank to Cassio.
Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia are talking about Cassio's
desire that Othello give him his rank back when Iago and The setting here is very important: the garden of the castle,
Othello enter. Cassio leaves in a rush, feeling uneasy about his which is more confining than the island of Cyprus, as Iago's net
standing with Othello. Iago remarks that Cassio looks like a begins to close. It further parallels the biblical story of the
guilty man, leaving so quickly. Garden of Eden and Fall of Man. Iago plays the part of Satan,
planting the seed of suspicion about Desdemona's fidelity just
Desdemona asks Othello to give Cassio his rank back, and the way the snake piqued interest in the forbidden fruit and
Othello seems to agree. Then Iago speaks to Othello alone. He sowed the seeds of temptation in Adam and Eve. In addition,
hints that Desdemona and Cassio are lovers, and Othello, who the snake (Satan) in the Garden of Eden uses Eve to get to
trusts Iago, begins to have suspicions. Iago, still acting like Adam, just as Iago uses Desdemona to ultimately cause
Othello's friend, tells him to watch out for jealousy, "the green- Othello to fall. In Genesis 2:17, God says of the forbidden tree,
eyed monster which doth mock/the meat it feeds on." But even "in the day that you eat of it you shall die." In fact, Othello
in warning Othello in this way, he arouses Othello's suspicions. murders Desdemona later that evening. In the biblical story, the
Iago keeps dropping hints until Othello demands to know what serpent tempts Eve first; here, "Adam" is the target.
he truly thinks. Iago suggests that Othello watch Desdemona
and Cassio interact. Othello's language begins to contain elements of Iago's animal-
infused language in this scene, showing that Iago's poison has
Desdemona accidentally drops a handkerchief Othello had begun to take hold. Iago uses a great deal of bestial language
given her, and Emilia picks it up it, remembering Iago had from the beginning of the play, and here, Othello begins to
asked her many times to get it for him. At first, she plans to get mimic this habit. For example, he says of Desdemona, "Though
a copy made and give Iago the copy. Instead, Iago takes the that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,/I'd whistle her off
handkerchief from her and tells her to say nothing. He plans to and let her down the wind/To prey at fortune." This is a
drop it in Cassio's room to make Othello believe all the lies. reference to the jesses, or straps, that hold a trained falcon to
its leash, and to the way the falcon owner would direct the
Meanwhile, Othello becomes increasingly mad with jealousy.
falcon's flight. And at the end of the scene, he calls
Iago tells him he has heard Cassio talk in his sleep about
Desdemona a "lewd minx."
having sex with Desdemona. He also tells Othello he has seen
Cassio with Desdemona's handkerchief. Othello takes this as a Strangely enough, Iago has asked Emilia to do some of his

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 15

dirty work, and this shows that he trusts she will not betray the help of Iago to help her deal with Othello's increasing
him. Most of the time Iago convinces people they are doing the anger. This gives Iago an opportunity to appear to help her: He
right thing, but here, Emilia knows stealing is wrong, even if it offers, "I will go meet him./There's matter in 't indeed if he be
seems like a small theft. At the end of the play, Emilia is the angry." She accepts, making her own deal with the devil: "I
only one who has all the pieces of the puzzle. Iago makes prithee do so."
himself just a little vulnerable to her, because he needs her to
do this task for him. She does ultimately betray Iago with this
information, but not in time to save Desdemona. Act 4, Scene 1

Act 3, Scene 4 Summary

Iago continues to stoke Othello's jealousy. He tells him that
Summary Cassio has admitted to an affair with Desdemona. Othello is so
upset he faints, and while he is unconscious, Iago sees Cassio
The next time Othello speaks to Desdemona, he becomes and tells him to come back in a few minutes. When Othello
angry because she does not have the handkerchief. She recovers, Iago tells him to hide and observe as Iago and Cassio
doesn't understand why he is so upset, not realizing he talk. Iago talks about Bianca with Cassio, and makes Cassio
suspects she and Cassio are having an affair, and so continues laugh, while Othello watches them but cannot hear the entire
to ask him to restore Cassio's rank. This only makes Othello conversation. Othello believes Cassio is talking about
even more furious. Desdemona, and becomes enraged. Then Bianca enters with
the handkerchief Cassio told her to copy. To Othello, this
Cassio meets his lover, Bianca, and gives her the handkerchief, seems like final proof that Desdemona has been unfaithful to
which he has found in his room but doesn't know is him.
Desdemona's. He asks Bianca to copy the stitching on it.
Two noblemen, Lodovico and Graziano, arrive from Venice,
bringing messages from the Duke of Venice. These contain
Analysis orders for Othello to return to Venice, leaving Cassio in charge
in Cyprus. Desdemona is glad to hear of Cassio's good fortune,
Othello can hardly contain his emotions as he greets but Othello interprets her reaction all wrong. He yells and
Desdemona and holds her hand. His self-control is crumbling strikes her. Lodovico is shocked at how Othello has changed,
quickly, and his language reflects it. As he speaks to her, his and Iago acts shocked as well. However, Iago says he is loyal
eloquence disappears, and he resorts to demands such as "Is 't to Othello and doesn't want to speak badly of him.
lost? Is 't gone? Speak, is 't out o' th' way?" "Fetch 't. Let me
see 't," and also, the thrice-repeated "The handkerchief!" In
addition to this loss of eloquence, and the animal references Analysis
introduced in the previous scene, Othello refers more often to
hell and the devil. For example, he tells Desdemona her hand is As Iago sees jealousy take hold of Othello, he escalates the
a "young and sweating devil ... /That commonly rebels." Iago's situation, manufacturing evidence of an affair. He builds a false
influence continues to grow in him. case against Desdemona bit by bit, and now he plays his final
card: He gives Othello the "ocular proof" Othello has
As he loses his reason and is overtaken by his jealousy, the demanded. The ocular, or visible, proof is the handkerchief
handkerchief becomes disproportionately important to Othello Cassio has given to Bianca, his lover.
as a symbol of Desdemona's faithfulness. In his mind, it
represents her fidelity to him. By losing it, her infidelity is At best, Othello only hears part of the conversation between
confirmed. Cassio and Iago. At first, Iago positions Othello too far away to
hear clearly what Iago and Cassio say, for they refer to Bianca
Desdemona seals her own fate in this scene, as she accepts by name. But then the conversation becomes more ambiguous,

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 16

using pronouns instead of names, so that the "she" they are

speaking of could be any woman: "She was here even now. Act 4, Scene 2
She haunts me in every place." At this point, Iago motions for
Othello to come closer: Othello says, "Iago beckons me. Now
he begins the story." So by the time Othello can hear any Summary
words spoken—and it is somewhat unclear just how much of
the conversation he does hear—the two men could be talking Othello, nearly insane with jealousy, aggressively questions
about Desdemona. And this is how Othello takes it. Emilia about Desdemona and Cassio's relationship. Emilia
vehemently denies any wrongdoing, but Othello doesn't believe
Eavesdropping is a common device used in Shakespeare's her. He speaks cruelly to Desdemona, and he accuses her of
plays. Famously, both Benedick and Beatrice eavesdrop in being a "strumpet," although he also says he loves her. She is
Much Ado About Nothing, and hilarity ensues. Although they confused and sad, so she asks Emilia to fetch Iago. Iago plays
are being tricked, ultimately the information they learn is close the friend, and tries to cheer her up.
to the truth. In Hamlet, both Polonius and Hamlet eavesdrop,
Polonius on Hamlet and his mother, and Hamlet on Claudius's After Desdemona and Emilia leave, Roderigo arrives and
prayers. In both of these cases, the eavesdroppers are privy to angrily confronts Iago. He complains once again that he has
secret information that is basically true. For Polonius, the given Iago wealth, and yet Iago has failed to get Desdemona
eavesdropping ends badly. Othello's eavesdropping results in for him. Iago, as he has done before, calms him down and
his belief in a lie, and the results are tragic. presents a solution to the problem. He tells him that Othello
and Desdemona will leave Cyprus shortly, and Cassio will be in
Iago's actions show that his plan includes not just the death of charge. He suggests Roderigo kill Cassio.
Desdemona and the madness of Othello, but the undermining
of Othello's reputation with his men. Iago digs and digs at
Othello, forcing him to visualize his wife with Cassio in bed Analysis
together, until Othello's language becomes disjointed, and then
he finally falls unconscious. When Othello falls "into a trance," Othello's questioning of both Emilia and Desdemona would
Iago tells Cassio it is his second epileptic fit (not true), and seem to suggest he's open to an alternate explanation, but this
"The lethargy must have his quiet course./If not, he foams at does not prove to be the case. In fact, although both argue
mouth, and by and by/Breaks out to savage madness" (also quite eloquently for Desdemona's innocence, Othello obviously
not true). By inventing a history of "fits," Iago sets the stage for is unwilling to give up his belief—based all on lies and
people to believe that Othello is not a noble military leader but insinuations—that Desdemona is unfaithful. This may be
a mad savage. And when Lodovico asks, "Is this the noble because he loves her passionately and cannot bear the
Moor, whom our full senate/Call all in all sufficient? Is this the thought of her with another man, or it may be because he feels
nature/Whom passion could not shake, whose solid virtue/The his reputation depends on her fidelity to him. It also may be
shot of accident nor dart of chance/Could neither graze nor that, without her undivided admiration, his own identity and
pierce?" Iago replies, "He is much changed." He will destroy sanity are crumbling. It has been clear from the beginning that
Othello the man. But he will also destroy Othello the legendary her regard, respect, and devotion are a great part of what he
military leader, whom readers met in Act 1 as a calm and finds lovable about her.
strong, yet gentle, hero.
Desdemona continues to trust Iago, to her own destruction. At
At the end of the scene, when Othello is at his most vulnerable, the end of his interaction with her in this scene, he says, "Go in
Iago actually suggests to Othello the exact method of and weep not. All things shall be well." In reality, he knows
murdering Desdemona: "Do it not with poison. Strangle her in things will not be well. It is also notable that he sends her into
her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated." No longer is her bedroom, where she will be murdered just a short time
Iago the soldier under Othello's command. Othello is now later.
taking Iago's commands.
Emilia angrily denounces whoever is behind the lies that have
led Othello to his jealous rage; she doesn't know it, but she is

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 17

railing against—in the most furious terms—her own husband: "I women would learn to have affairs from them: "The ills we do,
will be hanged if some eternal villain,/Some busy and their ills instruct us so." Perhaps Emilia, having seen the cruel
insinuating rogue,/Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some treatment of Desdemona by Othello, is encouraging
office,/Have not devised this slander" and "The Moor's abused Desdemona to take a lover, for her own satisfaction and
by some most villainous knave,/Some base notorious knave, happiness. Or perhaps, as Iago wondered, Emilia has already
some scurvy fellow." This is the height of dramatic irony, had affairs. There's no conclusive evidence for this, but it
because the audience knows she is talking about Iago, her remains a possibility, and certainly Emilia's attitude here is
husband, and she has actually assisted him with his evil plan more sexually liberated than Desdemona's.
without realizing it. Her words here also foreshadow the fact
that she will be the one who brings Iago's plan down in the end,
as she finally realizes later he is the very "scurvy fellow" she Act 5, Scene 1
knew had to be at the bottom of it.

Summary
Act 4, Scene 3
Meanwhile, in a Cyprus street Iago gives Roderigo a weapon
and tells him to wait for Cassio, then kill him. Iago retreats to
Summary wait under cover of darkness as Roderigo attempts, and fails,
to kill Cassio. Instead, Roderigo is wounded by Cassio. Hidden
That night, Othello tells Desdemona to go to bed, and to send by the dark, Iago darts into the midst of this action, wounds
Emilia and her other servants away for the night. As Emilia Cassio, and exits. Othello hears Cassio's cry and believes Iago
helps get her ready for bed, Desdemona remembers a song has done what he said he would do; Othello runs off to
her mother's servant (named "Barbary" just as Iago called complete his part of the plan. Then Graziano and Lodovico
Othello a "Barbary horse" in Act 1, Scene 1) used to sing: "a enter, looking for the source of all the commotion. Iago also
song of Willow" about a woman whose lover left her. Emilia enters, and pretends he is just coming by for the first time. He
tries to comfort Desdemona, saying men are often jealous and acts concerned about Cassio, and then murders Roderigo, as if
treat their wives unfairly. Desdemona finds Emilia's attitude a in retaliation for the attack on Cassio. Bianca arrives and is
little shocking, and she is incredulous that wives would be worried about Cassio's wound. Iago tries to blame Bianca for
unfaithful. Emilia, however, suggests that women are unfaithful the attack on Cassio. Then Lodovico, Graziano, and some
because their husbands were unfaithful first. others help take Cassio away to have his wound treated.

Analysis Analysis
In this scene, Othello coldly dismisses Desdemona to the bed This scene takes place in the dark, which is important because
in which he plans to kill her. In the intimate scene between the Iago wounds Cassio in the dark, but then can pretend to
two women that follows, Desdemona expresses her confusion respond to Cassio's cries for help as if he has just arrived.
about why Othello thinks she could possibly be unfaithful. Then, he can kill Roderigo out of justice for Cassio's injury
Emilia, more worldly wise, protests that many women have (which Iago actually has caused). In the confusion, Iago can
affairs, and she blames this on the husbands, who probably are direct this fight, cleaning up the loose end of Roderigo, who
out there having all kinds of affairs rather than attending to has suddenly become an unnecessary complication in Iago's
their wives. She calls out the double standard that men are life.
allowed to have affairs, while women are expected to be
faithful. She gives a compelling argument for the humanity, It is interesting that until this fight, Iago's plans have gone off

equality, agency, and sexual needs of women. She also turns perfectly. He's controlled every detail. However, Roderigo's

the traditional leadership role of men back on itself, noting that incompetence at killing Cassio, even with a weapon and

because men are supposed to be leaders, it is no surprise coaching from Iago, forces Iago to think quickly of another way

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Othello Study Guide Scene Summaries 18

to achieve his ends and still keep his true nature concealed.
After all, he has a reputation as an honest man, and he doesn't
Analysis
want to lose that. So, Iago quickly wounds Cassio and then kills
This scene begins with Desdemona asleep, having said her
Roderigo so he can't give away Iago's role in the trouble. While
prayers (as she says later in the scene) and lit a candle near
Iago comes out looking like an upstanding gentleman, this
her bed—perhaps in anticipation of Othello's arrival. She has,
small breakdown of his plan foreshadows Emilia's revelation of
after all, prepared the bed for a "wedding night," having had the
his involvement and his eventual unmasking.
wedding sheets put on as she anticipates being able to have
an uninterrupted night with Othello. In one reading of the
timeline of the play, Othello and Desdemona have not yet
Act 5, Scene 2 consummated their marriage. Only about two days have gone
by since their wedding, and on both nights, Othello has been
summoned by duty. If they have not consummated their
Summary marriage, Desdemona's words "Kill me tomorrow: let me live
tonight!" take on a greater meaning.
In her bedroom at the castle, Desdemona sleeps. A candle
burns. Othello enters, and speaks of his love for her but also As Othello enters, he uses the lit candle as a metaphor in
what he plans to do. He will not shed her blood, he says, but he which he compares blowing out a candle to snuffing out
must kill her or else "she'll betray more men." He kisses her, Desdemona's life: "Put out the light, and then put out the light,"
and when she wakes up, he encourages her to confess her he says, describing first the physical act of blowing out the
sins to God. He tells her is going to kill her and again brings up candle and then the symbolic act of snuffing out the "light" of
the matter of the handkerchief, but she pleads with him, saying, Desdemona: her life. But, with a patience and eloquence at
"I never did/Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio/But with odds with the frantic state he was in just a short time previous,
such general warranty of heaven/As I might love: I never gave he takes his time to develop this thought: he can relight a
him token." But he refuses to believe her, and smothers her. candle, but he cannot give back a life. He even goes on to use
a flower metaphor to express the same idea: "When I have
Emilia comes in, and discovers Desdemona nearly dead. plucked the rose,/I cannot give it vital growth again." Yet
Desdemona professes her love for Othello, and tries to take despite what seem like reservations, in the end he decides to
the blame for her death; after proclaiming her guilt, she dies. go through with the murder.
Then Othello tells Emilia he killed Desdemona because
Desdemona and Cassio were lovers, which Emilia knows is a A few interesting inconsistencies in the play are highlighted in
lie. She realizes her husband is the one who has been lying to this scene. One is Othello's explanation of where the fateful
Othello, and she cries out "murder!" Iago, Montano, and handkerchief came from. Previously, Othello claimed that it
Graziano come running, and when they arrive, Emilia begins to came to his mother from a "charmer" (Act 3, Scene 4). In this
accuse her husband. As Emilia speaks, Othello finally realizes scene he states, "It was a handkerchief, an antique token/My
the truth, and tries to attack Iago. In the confusion, Iago stabs father gave my mother." Another is the contradictory timeline
Emilia and deals her a fatal wound. He tries to get away but is of the play. While the play's events seem to take place over a
caught. Othello again attacks him, wounding him. few days, Othello claims here that "she with Cassio hath the
act of shame/A thousand times committed."
Iago, when pressed, refuses to explain why he did the evil
things he did. Othello admits his fault, and asks them all to To close the play, Lodovico dispenses with the practical
think of him as "one that loved not wisely, but too well." Then considerations (dealing with Othello's possessions and
he stabs himself, falls upon the bed, and dies kissing bringing word to the Duke), and he brings the audience's
Desdemona: "I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but attention to the bodies on the bed. "Look on the tragic loading
this,/Killing myself, to die upon a kiss." of this bed," he says, addressing Iago but forcing the audience
to direct attention there as well. There are three dead bodies
Lodovico chastises Iago, and he puts Graziano in charge of on the bed: Desdemona's, because she was smothered there;
Othello's possessions. He tells Montano to make sure Iago is Emilia's, because she begged "lay me by my mistress' side" as
tortured, and says he will bring the sad news to Venice. she died; and Othello's, because he died kissing Desdemona.

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Othello Study Guide Quotes 19

This final image shows that Iago's net has tightened all the
"He takes her by the palm. Ay, well
way, trapping his victims inside.
said, whisper. With as little a web
The main themes of the play resurface in its final scene.
Desdemona's love for Othello motivates her to try to shield him as this will I ensnare as great a fly
from blame for her death. Iago's reputation for honesty, his
as Cassio."
honor, proves to be an issue through the end of the play. From
the moment Othello reveals that Iago is the one who told him
— Iago, Act 2, Scene 1
Cassio and Desdemona were having an affair, it begins to
dawn on Emilia that her husband is at the bottom of the whole
scheme. Othello calls him "honest, honest Iago," while Emilia As Iago looks on, Cassio greets Desdemona, taking her hand.
replies "He lies to th' heart!" and Lodovico calls him both This moment gives Iago the idea to use Cassio to get to
"hellish villain" and "viper." Iago's betrayal of his honesty, and Othello, through Desdemona. In this aside, Iago tells the
his devilishness, resurface in the final scene of the play. audience what he is going to do.

g Quotes "So will I turn her virtue into

pitch,/And out of her own
"I am not what I am." goodness make the net/That shall
enmesh them all."
— Iago, Act 1, Scene 1

— Iago, Act 2, Scene 3

Early in the play, Iago admits his deceptive nature. He will
deceive and manipulate. He is an actor of skill—one who can
Iago lays out his plan. Desdemona's goodness will lead her to
convince others of his absolute earnestness and
be kind to Cassio, and it is this attention to Cassio that will
trustworthiness. Yet he is neither trustworthy nor earnest. It is
cause Othello to believe Iago's story that Cassio and
important to note that in Exodus 3:14, God described himself
Desdemona are having an affair.
as "I am what I am." By turning this statement into its opposite,
Iago sets himself up as the Devil.

"Reputation is an idle and most

"I saw Othello's visage in his false imposition, oft got without
mind,/And to his honors and his merit and lost without deserving."
valiant parts/Did I my soul and
— Iago, Act 2, Scene 3
fortunes consecrate."
Iago reassures Cassio after Cassio has lost his rank due to his
— Desdemona, Act 1, Scene 3
drunken actions, saying a man's reputation is not really that
important. Of note, other men in the play find reputation to be
Desdemona says this to explain why she wants to go with very important, including Othello. But Iago will say anything to
Othello to Cyprus. She is referring to the fact that through get Cassio to do as he wants. Here, he wants him to feel that
Othello's stories she has seen his adventures, picturing them in there is hope of regaining his status with Othello by appealing
her own imagination. This is what won her love. to Desdemona.

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Othello Study Guide Symbols 20

"Excellent wretch! Perdition catch I should venture purgatory for 't."

my soul/But I do love thee! And
— Emilia, Act 4, Scene 3
when I love thee not,/Chaos is
come again." While Desdemona cannot see any motivation that would cause
her to have an extramarital affair, Emilia is more practical. She
— Othello, Act 3, Scene 3 suggests there are reasons—and some of them might be good
ones—for being unfaithful. It also suggests that Emilia's ethical
standards are less pure than Desdemona's, which could
Othello says this about Desdemona just before Iago "tempts"
explain why she is willing to go along with Iago's plotting for
him in the garden. It is an expression of Othello's love for her,
such a long time.
but also foreshadows the "perdition" or damnation to which
Othello falls when he gives in to Iago's temptation.

"Look on the tragic loading of this

"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!/It bed./This is thy work."
is the green-eyed monster which
— Lodovico, Act 5, Scene 2
doth mock/The meat it feeds on."
Lodovico observes Iago's "work" has resulted in dead bodies
— Iago, Act 3, Scene 3 covering the bed. Each of the deaths in the final scene adds to
the tragic pile. This final image shows the net that Iago set has
Iago says this as part of his temptation of Othello in the tightened to one very small point in space: a bed.
garden. He is warning Othello of being jealous at the same time
he, Iago, is planting the seed of jealousy in Othello's mind. He's
warning Othello of jealousy, but he is also pointing out how
Cassio and Desdemona are so friendly. l Symbols

"She did deceive her father, Handkerchief

marrying you."

— Iago, Act 3, Scene 3 Desdemona's handkerchief, given to her as a gift from Othello,
is a potent symbol of love and trust. Originally it had been
Othello's mother's, and his gift of it to Desdemona shows his
Iago manipulates Othello by pointing out that Desdemona
love for and trust in her. Othello even explains to Desdemona
disobeyed her own father to marry the Moor. In this way, he
that the handkerchief allowed his mother to make her husband
uses reason to convince Othello that Desdemona is the kind of
faithful in their marriage. The handkerchief, then, represents
woman who might be unfaithful.
fidelity. Because Othello sees great symbolic importance in the
handkerchief, Iago has good reason to use it for his own
nefarious purposes. When Desdemona accidentally loses it,
"Who would not make her husband and Emilia gives it to Iago, Iago controls the symbolism of the
handkerchief. He makes this symbol of love and trust into one
a cuckold to make him a monarch?
of unfaithfulness and betrayal. And so Othello is completely
undone by the loss of the handkerchief, because it represents

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Othello Study Guide Themes 21

the loss of Desdemona; he crumbles into incoherent shouts of

"the handkerchief!" as he is overwhelmed by Iago's lies. Love

Love is a powerful force in the lives of Desdemona and Othello,

Willow Tree whose secret marriage is the spark that ignites the plot. A
great deal of time is spent as Othello explains to the Duke of
Venice and to Brabantio how Desdemona came to love him by
As Desdemona and Emilia prepare for bed, Desdemona shares his stories. Desdemona is utterly devoted to Othello, even to
a "song of 'willow.'" Here, the willow tree becomes a symbol of the point of wanting to take the blame when he murders her,
Desdemona's sadness and emotion over her lost love, rather than have him suffer. Yet Othello's love for Desdemona
foreshadowing the impending death of this love as well as proves to be his undoing, as it causes him to be easily
Desdemona's own physical death. In Shakespeare's plays, manipulated by Iago, who sees it as a point of weakness in
willow trees often signify deserted women. In Hamlet, Ophelia Othello's otherwise strict military demeanor.
falls from a willow tree after being abandoned by Hamlet. Here,
The two couples—Othello and Desdemona, Iago and
increasingly abandoned by Othello's trust, Desdemona sings,
Emilia—have very different relationships. Othello and
"Let nobody blame him, his scorn I approve" and "I called my
Desdemona have a romantic relationship that is, perhaps, too
love false love, but what said he then?/... If I court more women,
good to last. In contrast, Iago and Emilia's relationship is
you'll couch with more men." In fact, Desdemona, though
plagued by mistrust and misogyny.
innocent, will try to accept the blame for her own death: "his
scorn I approve." In addition, the topic of infidelity provides
Desdemona a chance to express her belief that nothing, even
Othello's betrayal, could make her unfaithful to Othello, and
provides Emilia with a chance to state the opposite.
Betrayal

Trust and betrayal are features of nearly every relationship in

The Color Green Othello. Iago is a trusted officer, adviser, and friend, and his
position of trust allows him the opportunity to manipulate
others. Othello entrusts Iago with important correspondence,
and never questions his intent. Roderigo confides to Iago his
Iago tells Othello to beware of jealousy because it is "the
love for Desdemona and accepts his help. Cassio takes Iago's
green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on."
advice willingly, and even Desdemona seeks out his advice
Green symbolizes the jealousy that will ultimately undo
when Othello seems to be acting strangely. Iago betrays all this
Othello's marriage, sanity, and life. Iago also uses plant images
trust in spectacular fashion.
to explain his own role in the action of the play. He sees the will
of a person as the gardener of the body: "Our bodies are our Trust between Othello and Desdemona is also an important
gardens, to which our wills are gardeners." feature of the play. As the play begins, Othello unquestioningly
accepts Desdemona's love and fidelity. He is convinced of it,
and it gives him confidence and security. She, in turn, trusts
him utterly. Yet due to Iago's manipulations, Othello loses trust
m Themes in Desdemona. And ultimately, Othello betrays Desdemona's
trust by murdering her.

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Othello Study Guide Motifs 22

Honor Animals and Demons

Iago (as the devil figure in the play) frequently uses beast and
demon imagery to extend the negative associations with
Honor is a driving force in the lives of the men of Othello. Iago
blackness he uses to manipulate the racial tensions in the play.
appeals to Brabantio's sense of being dishonored by his
In the very beginning of the play, he suggests to Brabantio that
daughter's elopement and sparks outrage in Roderigo by
Othello and Desdemona are making "the beast with two
suggesting that it is unfair for Desdemona to have married
backs," and Othello is "an old black ram." These beast
Othello. Although Iago's own motivation for his villainous
references are like a pestilence that is contagious, and careful
actions is murky at best, he does suggest his plot against
readers can track the moments in which the contagion is
Othello is motivated in part by Cassio's promotion and rumors
passed to others. Cassio, after getting drunk at Iago's
Emilia was unfaithful with Othello. Cassio, after getting into a
encouragement, declares he is "by and by a fool, and presently
drunken brawl, bemoans the loss of his reputation more so
a beast." And when Iago plants the seed of suspicion in
than the loss of his rank. This provides Iago with the leverage
Othello's mind, Othello, too, begins to use animal and hell
he needs to manipulate Cassio and make him a key part of the
references. When Emilia finds out Iago has used her, she
plot to destroy Othello. Othello's honor is wounded by the idea
declares in the final scene that she will "play the swan."
that Desdemona might be unfaithful, leading him to murder.

e Suggested Reading
b Motifs
Bloom, Harold, ed. Iago. New York: Chelsea House Publishers,
1992. Print.

Darkness and Light Heilman, Robert B. Magic in the Web: Action & Language in
Othello. Lexington: UP of Kentucky, 2015. Print.
Iago often hides in darkness to prevent people from knowing
his identity. He stays out of sight in the wee hours of the Kaul, Mythili, ed. Othello: New Essays by Black Writers.
morning as he and Roderigo goad Brabantio about Washington, DC: Howard UP, 1997. Print.
Desdemona's elopement. He hides in shadows while Cassio
Kolin, Philip C. Othello: New Critical Essays. New York:
and Roderigo confront each other, using the darkness as cover
Routledge, 2002. Print.
as he deals blows to both sides of the fight. Othello enters
Desdemona's bedchamber by the light of a candle, and uses Potter, Lois. Shakespeare in Performance: Othello. Manchester,
the light as a metaphor for her life, which he plans to snuff out UK: Manchester UP, 2002. Print.
as he would a candle.

Desdemona's and Othello's opposing skin colors are also

illustrated through the text: Desdemona is called (rudely) a
"white ewe" (Act 1, Scene 1) and "fair Desdemona" (Act 4,
Scene 2), while Othello is referred to as a "black ram" (Act 1,
Scene 1) and "black Othello" (Act 2, Scene 3). In addition, the
contrast of Othello's dark skin and Iago's light skin brings
situational irony to their portrayals in the play. Despite
conventional associations of dark with evil and light with good,
Iago, the light-skinned one—not the Moor Othello—plays the
devil, which undercuts racial stereotyping of the day.

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