Othello Study Guide PDF

Othello Study Guide by Course Hero shortened version of the title, Othello, d...

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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. Othello Study Guide Characters 4 as a rival suitor for Desdemona. In the end, Iago kills Roderigo. Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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. Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. Othello Study Guide Plot Summary 8 Plot Diagram Climax 9 8 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. Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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. Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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. Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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?" Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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, Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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. Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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. Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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 Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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. Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. 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