Othello

Definition

Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, centered around the themes of jealousy, love, betrayal, and racism. It tells the story of Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, whose life unravels due to the manipulations of his envious subordinate, Iago. The play explores the complexity of human emotions and relationships, highlighting how these can lead to devastating consequences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Othello is believed to have been written in 1603 and is considered one of Shakespeare's major tragedies, alongside 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth'.
2. The play is set in Venice and Cyprus, reflecting the cultural tensions between different races and backgrounds.
3. Othello's tragic flaw is his jealousy, which Iago exploits to manipulate him into believing that Desdemona is unfaithful.
4. The relationship between Othello and Desdemona highlights themes of love and societal prejudice, particularly regarding race and gender during the Elizabethan era.
5. The play ends with Othello taking his own life in despair after realizing Iago's treachery and the tragic outcome of his actions.

Review Questions

• How does Iago's manipulation contribute to Othello's downfall throughout the play?
  • Iago's manipulation is central to Othello's tragic downfall. He cleverly plays on Othello's insecurities and jealousy by planting false evidence of Desdemona's infidelity. By feigning loyalty and friendship while secretly plotting against Othello, Iago creates a web of deception that leads Othello to doubt Desdemona's love. This culminates in a series of tragic choices made by Othello, resulting in devastating consequences for both him and those around him.
• Discuss the significance of race in 'Othello' and how it influences the characters' perceptions and actions.
  • Race plays a significant role in 'Othello', impacting how characters perceive Othello and their interactions with him. As a Moor in Venetian society, Othello faces discrimination and prejudice that fuel Iago's schemes. Characters often refer to Othello’s race in derogatory terms, highlighting societal views on race at the time. This underlying racism not only affects Othello’s self-esteem but also influences how others view his marriage to Desdemona, ultimately contributing to the tragedy that unfolds.
• Evaluate the role of trust and betrayal in 'Othello' and how these elements drive the plot forward.
  • Trust and betrayal are pivotal themes that drive the plot of 'Othello'. The initial trust Othello places in Iago becomes the catalyst for his tragic fate, as Iago betrays that trust through deceitful manipulation. This betrayal not only leads Othello to mistrust Desdemona but also erodes his sense of identity and honor. As the plot unfolds, each act of betrayal heightens the tension and urgency within the narrative, ultimately leading to a tragic resolution where trust is irrevocably shattered.

Related terms

Iago: Iago is the main antagonist in 'Othello', known for his cunning and deceitful nature. He manipulates other characters to achieve his own goals and orchestrates Othello's downfall.

Desdemona: Desdemona is Othello's wife and a central character in the play. Her love for Othello and innocence contrast sharply with the themes of jealousy and betrayal that permeate the story.

Tragic Hero: A tragic hero is a character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to their own destruction. Othello fits this mold, as his noble nature is corrupted by Iago's manipulation.