Othello by William Shakespeare, written around 1603, is a tragic play that delves into themes of jealousy, betrayal, and racism. Set in the Venetian Republic, the play follows Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his ensign and antagonist, Iago.

The Clown is an often forgotten character from Othello, and his two brief moments on stage seem to have very little impact on the action of the play. He does, however, manage to enhance some of the key themes and moods that permeate the tragedy.

He takes advantage of her promiscuous reputation and leads Othello to believe that Cassio is talking about Desdemona rather than Bianca, a twisting of the truth that convinces him of his …

A short summary of William Shakespeare's Othello. This free synopsis covers all the crucial plot points of Othello.

A Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice, Othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, respected by all those around him. In spite of his elevated status, he is nevertheless easy prey to insecurities because of his age, his life as a soldier, and his race.

Sending Othello and the rest of the play’s primary characters into a foreign land invites chaos and uncertainty to fall upon them. While the Duke certainly does not intend for Othello to suffer, …

Othello, William Shakespeare, scene summary, scene summaries, chapter summary, chapter summaries, short summary, criticism, literary criticism, review, scene synopsis ...

Othello recalls the time when he was blissfully unaware of Desdemona’s alleged betrayal, and as a result he lived in happy ignorance. Now that Iago has awakened jealousy and suspicion in him, he cannot think about anything else.

Othello refers to Iago as “honest” multiple times, showing that he is totally blind to the way Iago is tricking and manipulating him. Othello is so deceived by Iago, he believes Iago is actually incapable of lying: “I know thou’rt full of love and honesty / And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath” (3.3.).

Examples of the significant historical, political, cultural, literary and/or religious references in Othello.