Othello Summary

“Othello”

By William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Key facts

Full title: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice.

Genre: Intrigue Tragedy or Tragedy of Intrigues.

Time of composition: Most probably 1603.

First performance: 1 November, 1604.

Published date: 1622

Number of acts: This is a five acts tragedy well matched with Aristotelian imitation.

Source of the plot: The plot of “Othello” was taken from the seventh novel of Geraldi Cinthio “UN Capitano More” which is a Latin name in English “A Moorish Captain” first published in 1565.

Geraldi Cinthio: He was a Sicilian novelist and poet. His life duration was from 1504 to 1573.

Setting: The place and time setting of “Othello” are:

Time setting: Jacobean Period of Renaissance.

Place setting:

       i.          Venice, a city of Italy

     ii.          Cyprus, an Island in Mediterranean

    iii.          Castle in Cyprus

Themes: Theme means purpose of the literary work. Whenever we can understand the purpose of the writer, we can easily pick up the deeper meaning of any literary work. So, before going to discuss characters and summary, here we have mentioned the themes of the tragedy so that anybody can very smoothly go through the tragedy without any hesitation.

       i.          Revenge

     ii.          Racism

    iii.          Love

    iv.          magic

      v.          Manipulation

    vi.          jealousy

  vii.          Betrayal

 viii.          Repentance

Characters: There are a number of characters in the tragedy “Othello”. The characters are limned here.

Major characters

Othello

He is a Moor and general in the Venetian military. He is very loveable to his wife Desdemona and a very good man. He has two main failings in his character – jealous and pride. He is also a middle-aged man.

Desdemona

She is the most beautiful and pure Shakespearean heroin. She falls in love with Othello because of his heroism. She is very meek and tame to everyone which becomes the cause of her death. Desdemona is also very young comparing to her husband.

Brabantio

He is a Venetian senator and Desdemona's father.

Iago

He is the villain of intrigue of the greatest tragedy “Othello”. He is also Othello's trusted, but jealous and traitorous ensign. He possesses all the capability to manipulate someone. Finally, he is taken to accusation.

The followings are the strong reasons for Iago to take revenge on Othello:

1. Othello’s favor for Cassio to make him lieutenant instead of Iago.
2. His suspicion of the illicit affair between his wife Emilia and Othello.
3. His financial advantage from Roderigo.

Michael Cassio

He is one of the major characters of the tragedy. He is Othello's loyal and most beloved captain. Iago plots to insinuate and manipulate Othello by a baseless illegal love affair with Desdemona and Cassio. Cassio is made the leader of Venetian army in Cyprus by the end of the drama.

Minor but significant characters

Bianca

She is Cassio’s beloved and also a local courtesan or street girl of Cyprus.

Emilia

She is Iago's wife and Desdemona's maidservant.

Roderigo

He is a rich dissolute Venetian who loves Desdemona untold or madly and wants to get her favor so that he becomes a pawn of Iago’s intrigue. He dies at a fight with Cassio at last.

Duke of Venice

He allows Othello and Desdemona to stay together in Cyprus nonetheless her father's protests.

Montano

He is the Governor of Cyprus who pronounces judgment on Iago at the end of the play.

Gratiano and Lodovico

Gratiano is Brabantio's brother and Lodovico is Brabantio's kinsman and Desdemona's cousin's brother. These two Venetian noblemen carry the news of tragedy to the Duke of Venice.

Barbary –  The maidservant of Desdemona’s mother.

Others: Clown – servant, Senators, Sailor, Officers, Gentlemen, Messenger, Herald, Attendants, Musicians, etc.

Synopsis of the tragedy: The plot of the tragedy starts on the street of Venice where two bloody gentlemen talk to each other about their hate and revenge on the hero of the tragedy. The duke of Venice orders Othello to defend Cyprus from the attack of Turkish soldiers. Othello reaches Cyprus with the good news that a tempest has destroyed the Turkish Ships and they are returning to Turkey. To celebrate this victory without any fight and the marriage of Othello and Desdemona, a party is arranged in the castle of Cyprus from where the intrigues get started. Iago who is the villain of the tragedy incites Othello by a series of false evidence about the illicit love affair between good Cassio and pure Desdemona. He gets convinced by Iago because of his tragic flaw which is jealousy. Finally, Othello kills his angel like pure and obedient wife. After the truth is exposed by Emilia, Othello has been flooded by the grief and kills himself by his sword.

 Summary

The tragedy “Othello” begins on the street of Venice with the dialogue of Rodrigo and Iago. They are talking to each other. Roderigo tells Iago that you can no more please me by your witty tricks and never take any financial advantage too. Iago tells Rodrigo that he is very dissatisfied to Othello because Othello has favored Cassio as his lieutenant instead   of him. Roderigo is also angry to Othello because of the marriage between Othello and Desdemona.

Iago and Roderigo go to Desdemona’s father Brabantio to inform him that his daughter has eloped with the moor Othello. Brabantio with his soldiers start to fetch Desdemona meanwhile Iago reaches to Othello and makes him concern that his father in law is coming to him. At this very moment, Michael Cassio has come to Othello with a news  that Duke of Venice has called Othello to his palace.

In the meantime, Roderigo informs Brabantio that there is the moor. Othello tells Brabantio that this is not the time for quarrel as the duke has summoned him to the palace.

The scene now turns to palace where duke can know via a messenger from Cyprus that 30 Turkish ships has sailed to Cyprus to take the island under their control.

In the meantime, Othello arrives at the palace and the duke orders him to go Cyprus for the purpose of defending Turkish soldiers. But Brabantio complains against Othello who has bewitched his daughter. Othello requests to the kind knowledge and honor of the duke to allow him saying about his love and secret marriage. The duke sends some soldiers to fetch Desdemona.

Now, Othello narrates the story of his love before the duke and all the attendees that Brabantio invited him to his castle or home to listen to his heroic stories. He went there and told about his heroism and Desdemona fell in love. The duke whispers hearing this that my own daughter must fall in love after listening Othello’s heroism. Desdemona comes and supports Othello’s speech but she shows glowing tribute to her father. She tells her father that you are a great father certainly but I have to be like mother to my husband too.

Brabantio accepts the marriage. The Duke orders to go to Cyprus and also suggests that if you want to keep your wife to your father in law, you can do this. Brabantio tells that he does not want to keep Desdemona to him. Desdemona also shows her logic that she has loved Othello for his heroism or if her husband and she are separated, they will not be satisfied. The duke allows them to stay together. Othello orders Cassio to come with him and Iago to take Desdemona in Cyprus.

He also tells Iago to serve Desdemona by his wife Emilia. All leaves the stage except Iago and Roderigo. Roderigo blames Iago that all is finished and he can never get Desdemona. Iago rebukes Roderigo saying that the man who does not have patience is the biggest fool and also gives hope that the marriage will be broken within few days.

The scene now turns to the harbor of Cyprus where Montano who is the governor of Cyprus is talking about Othello’s arrival. In the meantime, Cassio reaches to Cyprus and informs the governor that the newly married general will arrive very soon though they were together, they got separated by the tempest on the sea. Desdemona, Iago, Emilia and others also arrive.

Desdemona asks Cassio about Othello and Cassio informs her that he will arrive very soon. Othello enters the scene and informs that the ships of Turkey have been broken by storm and there will be no battle. Othello orders for a party in the castle of Cyprus from after five to eleven at night. The function has been very well for refreshment of the soldiers. Othello leaves the party ordering Cassio that he must take care of everyone.

Here in this time, Iago starts his conspiracy and tells Roderigo to excite Cassio. Roderigo excites Cassio and they engage in duel, tussle or scuffle. Montano tries to settle the matter but drunken Cassio accidentally stabs him and at that time Iago tells Roderigo for help loudly. Roderigo does it and Othello comes out of his bed room. After hearing from Iago, Othello dismisses Cassio from his post, lieutenant.

Now Iago suggests Cassio, who could not remember about Iago’s betrayal because of his heavy drink, to talk Desdemona to get back his reputation. At next afternoon, Cassio talks to Desdemona with smiling at the garden of the castle. Iago informs Othello in a different way that his wife has an illegal love affair with Cassio. He also asserts before general that Desdemona has betrayed her father to marry him and the venetian ladies are not faithful enough at all. So, she can cheat her too.

Iago leaves and Othello in his soliloquies thinks his ensign is an honest friend. Desdemona comes with Emilia and summons her husband for dinner. Othello tells her that he has a headache. She offers to bind his head with her handkerchief but the Moor declares it is too small and hits at her hand slightly. The handkerchief falls in the ground of the garden and Emilia picks it up.

Now, Emilia thinks alone that this the handkerchief which is the first gift of Othello to Desdemona. She also remembers that her wayward husband Iago urges her many times to steal this handkerchief but Desdemona takes care of or cherishes it very cordially.

Iago joins his wife and come learn that she has gained possession of the handkerchief. Emilia asks why he wants it so badly. Iago says nothing and snatches it from her. He also sends her away.

Iago plans to keep the handkerchief at Cassio’s chamber so that he can convince the Moor fully. Othello comes to Iago with a depressed mind and threatens Iago. If Desdemona’s faithlessness and dishonesty is not proved by Iago, he will punish Iago mercilessly. At the same time, he also admits before Iago that he has a doubt in mind as to Desdemona’s fidelity.

Iago adds fuel to the fire of Othello’s anguish or torment by asserting that it will be difficult to discover Cassio in the act of love making with Desdemona if you, Othello, does not accept the incidental or circumstantial evidence.

Iago explains that recently, while sharing quarters with Cassio, he overheard Cassio in his sleep speak lovingly of Desdemona and cry out “Cursed fate that gave thee to the moor”. Hearing this groans that he will tear Desdemona into pieces. Iago more cautiously informs Othello about the embroidered handkerchief that he has seen Cassio to wipe his beard with it.

Othello is now fully convinced of Desdemona’s dishonesty or infidelity. He vows for black vengeance. Here Iago shows his honestly more convincingly by requesting Othello to be kind or to spare Desdemona’s life. He also urges the Moor to promote him in the post of lieutenant. Othello instructs Iago to ensure him that Cassio is killed within three days.

Now the plot turns to in front of the castle where Desdemona and Emilia talk to each other. She laments before Emilia about the losing of her handkerchief. At that very moment, Othello goes to Desdemona who requests him to talk to Cassio. The Moor wants the handkerchief from Desdemona pretending to be suffering for distressing head cold.

Desdemona tells her husband that she has lost it. Othello explains that this was a very precious one possessed by his mother from an Egyptian and also angrily relates that losing of it means crating trouble. She is very surprised by Othello’s such behavior.

After a long discussion between Desdemona and Emilia and their departure from the stage, Cassio is joined by the local street girl Bianca. She blames him for not meeting her for a week. He tells her that he is in sundry troubles and request her to forgive him. He then gives her the embroidered handkerchief to make a copy form before the original owner claims it because he has got it accidentally in his bedroom. Bianca goes off with it.

A little later, Iago and Othello are seen together before the castle. Iago continues to inflame Othello’s anguish of jealousy. This time he pictures Desdemona passionately or lewdly in the bed with her lover and asserting that Cassio has even boasted of his success. On hearing this, Othello becomes senseless or epileptic trance.

Seeing this, Cassio comes to Iago and Othello questioning how it happens. Iago tells Cassio to come sometime later when the General returns to sense. Cassio leaves and Othello returns to sense. Othello asks Iago whether Cassio has confessed him or not. Iago tells Othello that few minutes ago Cassio came here when you were out of sense. I told him come and he promised me that he would return but you have to hide yourself and be patient while I talk to him about the matter.

Cassio returns and Othello hides a little far so that he can overhear them. Iago questions Cassio to mention name of Desdemona for once “How are you now lieutenant?” Cassio frustratingly replies that this title is very painful now to me. Then Iago loudly and trickily says to Cassio that work on Desdemona actively and you must get result. Then Cassio laughs. Hearing this tricky speech, Othello becomes absent minded.

Then Iago negotiates with Cassio about his love affair with Bianca. Cassio tells that she indeed loves me. Iago asks Cassio whether he will marry her or not. Cassio with a ridiculous laughter questions Iago “Do you think I will marry a prostitute?” In the meantime, Bianca enters angrily and returns the handkerchief to Cassio asserting that she cannot copy Cassio’s new mistress’s handkerchief. Now Othello is totally convinced about the illicit love affair between Desdemona and Cassio.

She also tells Cassio that if you do not come to dinner tonight, I will never invite and she leaves hurriedly. Iago suggests Cassio to after her. Cassio leaves with Bianca. Now Iago tells Othello that the truth is in front of you. Othello decides to kill Desdemona tonight.

Meanwhile Lodovico has come from Venice to Cyprus with a letter that gives instructions Othello to return to Venice making Cassio the leader of Cyprus. Desdemona comes here and talks about Cassio’s misfortune. Then Othello behaves with Desdemona very rough publicly. Desdemona becomes surprised and leaves the place.

Now the plot turns to a room of the castle where Othello talks to Emilia to be ensured about the dishonesty of his wife. Emilia declares that Desdemona is out and out pure like angel. Othello does not trust in Emilia’s speech.

Here Roderigo enters the scene and blames Iago for looting him in the name of Desdemona. Iago convinces Roderigo that the Duke has ordered Othello to return to Venice making Cassio commander of Cyprus but Cassio does not know it.

They together will kill Cassio on the way his coming back from Bianca’s home so that Othello and Desdemona cannot go back to Venice. Then Iago assures Roderigo that will manage everything so that he can enjoy Desdemona’s favor.

Othello orders Desdemona to take preparation to go to bed. While Emilia is arranging for sleeping of Desdemona and Othello, Desdemona sing a sad song remembering her mother and the maidservant of her Barbary. Emilia tries to console her but Desdemona could realize that she is to be killed by her husband very soon.

At night, Othello enters the bed room and tells Desdemona to get ready for her punishment. She requests her husband to leave her or banish her but he is such a moron that he could not listen anything. He kills his wife and, in the meantime, Iago has killed Roderigo when Cassio and Roderigo fight with each other, Rodrigo is stabbed by Cassio and Iago once again takes the advantage and finishes Rodrigo so that truth does not come out.

When Emilia discloses the truth, Iago stabs Emilia and she dies too. Othello fills with grief and kills himself. Iago is taken to custody for trial.  Gratiano reveals that Desdemona’s father Brabantio has also died. Cassio becomes the temporary leader at Cyprus. Gratiano and Lodovico carry the news of tragedy to the Venice.