William

Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English
playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the
greatest writers in the English language and the world’s
pre-eminent dramatist. Often called England’s national
poet and the “Bard of Avon,” he produced 39 plays, 154
sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His works span
tragedies, comedies, and histories and are known for their
complex characters, intricate plots, and rich language.
Some of his most famous plays include “Hamlet,” “Romeo
and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
His influence on literature and the arts remains profound,
and his works are still performed and studied globally.
 OTHELLO

• “Othello” is a tragedy written by

William Shakespeare, believed to
have been written in 1603. The play
revolves around Othello, a Moorish
general in the Venetian army, and
his descent into jealousy and
madness spurred by the deceitful
Iago. Othello’s love for his wife,
Desdemona, is manipulated by Iago,
leading to tragic consequences. The
play explores themes of racism,
jealousy, love, betrayal, and the
destructive power of manipulation. It
 Setting

• Time • Place
Late sixteenth century, • Venice in Act I; the island
during the wars between of Cyprus thereafter.
Venice and Turkey.
 Prominent Characters

1. OTHELLO.
The play’s protagonist, a
Moorish general in the
Venetian army. Othello is noble
and honorable but becomes
consumed by jealousy.
2. Desdemona
Othello’s loving and faithful
wife, who becomes an
innocent victim of Othello’s
jealousy and Iago’s schemes
3. Iago
• Othello’s ensign (also known as an ancient or
standard-bearer) and the play’s antagonist.
Iago is deceitful and manipulative,
orchestrating Othello’s downfall out of envy
and spite.
4. Cassio

• Othello’s loyal lieutenant, whose

promotion incites Iago’s
jealousy. Cassio’s good nature
and reputation make him a
target of Iago’s plots.
5. Emilia
• Iago’s wife and
Desdemona’s maid. Emilia is
a complex character who
ultimately reveals Iago’s
treachery.
6. Roderigo
• A wealthy and foolish suitor of
Desdemona, manipulated by
Iago to serve his own ends.
7. Brabantio
• Desdemona’s father, a
Venetian senator who is
outraged by his daughter’s
marriage to Othello.
Types of People in Othello

● Most are noblemen and women

(Brabantio, Desdemona, Roderigo)

● Also, there are the nobles’ servants

(Emilia)
● Some are soldiers (Cassio, Iago)

● Others are part of Venetian government

 M o o rs

● Black nomadic people of the northern shores of Africa,

originally
the inhabitants of Mauretania
● Converted to Islam in the 8thcentury.
● Invaded Spain in 711 and dominated until the 11th century
● had great dynasties up until 1492, when the last of their
cities was
conquered by Spain
● virtually exterminated by Spain during the Inquisition (late
1400s-1820)
Main themes
 Racism
• In Othello, the most evident form of prejudice is based on race. In the opening scene,
Roderigo and Iago use racially offensive terms like “Barbary horse” and “thick lips” to
insult Othello. The biased characters consistently depict Othello as an animal or beast,
using racist language to portray him as an outsider in white Venetian society and as
someone less human, and therefore, less deserving of respect. Othello himself adopts
this prejudice, describing himself in similarly unfavorable racial terms. When he
believes he has lost honor and manhood due to Desdemona’s alleged unfaithfulness,
he transforms into the irrational animal or monster that the white Venetians accuse
him of being. In Othello, various forms of prejudice are evident beyond racial bias.
Misogyny, the dislike of women, is also prevalent among the characters, particularly
focused on women’s honesty or dishonesty about their sexuality. Othello’s age is
another basis for insults in the play. In all these instances, the prejudiced characters
aim to control and define others who unsettle them. Essentially, prejudice serves as a
tactic to distinguish between outsiders and insiders, positioning oneself within the
dominant group. Othello himself recognizes this dynamic, as seen in his suicide
speech where he highlights killing a Muslim Turk, using religious prejudice against
Muslims to establish his standing in mainstream Christian Venetian society.
 Jealously
• Iago describes jealousy as the “green-eyed monster,” linking it to the
theme of appearance versus reality. For example, Othello, driven by
jealousy, demands “ocular proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity, seeking
tangible evidence. However, Iago offers only circumstantial proof
with the handkerchief, which Othello, blinded by jealousy, accepts as
a substitute for actual proof. Othello’s jealousy hinders his ability to
distinguish between reality and appearance. In the play, Othello
faces prejudice based on his race, but his honor and intelligence
make such attacks appear absurd. Yet, when jealousy consumes him,
Othello transforms into a beast-like state, experiencing epileptic fits
that rob him of coherent speech. Othello isn’t the sole character
grappling with jealousy; both Iago and Roderigo also act out of
jealousy, leading to disastrous consequences in their quest to destroy
Othello.
 Honor & Manhood

Iin the play, men strive to assert and defend their manhood and honor.
Othello, recognized by the Duke for his military prowess, has gained political
power through his military success. The subplot involving Iago getting Cassio
drunk emphasizes the importance of reputation. Cassio believes that
reputation defines one’s humanity, stating, “I have lost the immortal part of
myself, and what remains is bestial.” While military achievements contribute
to men’s honor, outside of war, their honor is often tied to their ability to
control the fidelity of their women. In the play, Brabantio’s honor is
questioned because he couldn’t manage his daughter Desdemona’s romantic
impulses. Iago also manipulates Othello, making him question his manhood
and humanity by casting doubt on his control over his wife. Othello, troubled
by suspicions about his wife, sees losing control as losing his humanity,
equating it to becoming a monster. In essence, without honor, he views
himself as others prejudiced characters see him: as an animal.
Symbolism and Imagery
1. The Handkerchief
 Symbol of love
• The handkerchief Othello gives to Desdemona is
a token of his love and is symbolic of their
relationship. It was Othello’s first gift to her, and
he treasures it deeply.
 Symbol of Betrayal

• Iago uses the handkerchief to manipulate Othello into

believing Desdemona is unfaithful. When Desdemona
loses it and Iago plants it in Cassio’s possession, it
becomes the “evidence” Othello needs to confirm his
suspicions of infidelity.
Significance
• The handkerchief represents the fragility of trust and
the ease with which something precious can be
corrupted or misunderstood.
SUMMARY
 Act - 1
• The play begins in Venice, where Iago, Othello’s ensign,
is upset because Othello, a Moorish general, has
promoted Cassio over him. Iago and Roderigo, who is in
love with Desdemona, inform Desdemona’s father,
Brabantio, of her secret marriage to Othello. Brabantio
is enraged and accuses Othello of using witchcraft to
seduce his daughter. However, Othello defends himself
before the Duke, explaining that they fell in love
through stories of his past adventures. The Duke sides
with Othello, and Brabantio reluctantly accepts the
marriage.
 Act - 2
• Othello is sent to Cyprus to defend against a Turkish
invasion. Desdemona accompanies him. In Cyprus, Iago
begins to plant seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind about
Desdemona’s fidelity, suggesting she is too friendly with
Cassio. Iago convinces Cassio to drink, leading to a
brawl in which Cassio injures Montano. As a result,
Othello strips Cassio of his rank.
 Act - 3

• Iago continues his manipulation, suggesting that

Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio. He tricks Othello
into believing that Desdemona has given Cassio a
handkerchief, a gift from Othello, as a token of love.
Consumed by jealousy, Othello begins to distrust
Desdemona, despite her innocence.
 Act - 4
• Othello’s jealousy grows, and he becomes increasingly
irrational. Iago manipulates a conversation with Cassio
about a different woman, making Othello believe they
are discussing Desdemona. Othello vows to kill
Desdemona and orders Iago to kill Cassio. Iago
orchestrates a plan to have Roderigo attack Cassio, but
the plan fails, and Cassio survives.
 Act - 5

• Othello confronts Desdemona in her bedchamber and,

despite her protests of innocence, smothers her to
death. Emilia, Iago’s wife, reveals Iago’s treachery,
exposing the truth. Othello, realizing he has been
deceived, is overcome with guilt and remorse. He kills
himself with a dagger. Iago is arrested, and the play
ends with the tragic consequences of jealousy and
manipulation laid bare.
Conclusion
• “Othello” is a powerful exploration of the human
psyche, showing how trust can be shattered and lives
destroyed by the corrosive effects of jealousy and
deceit.