Literature Exam text 3

Othello
IGCSE work booklet

Name _______________________
Teacher’s initials ______________

Plot Summary
Summary of Othello | Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Iago is furious about being overlooked for promotion and plots to take revenge against his General;
Othello, the Moor of Venice. Iago manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona is
unfaithful, stirring Othello's jealousy. Othello allows jealousy to consume him, murders Desdemona,
and then kills himself.

Act I
Before Othello begins, Roderigo has been pursuing Desdemona, a Venetian noblewoman. One night,
he hears from his soldier friend, Iago, that Desdemona has secretly married his General, the Moorish
Othello. Iago bears a grudge against Othello for overlooking Iago for a lieutenant position. Instead,
Othello chose Michael Cassio, leaving Iago only at the low rank of ensign. Iago urges Roderigo to
continue his pursuit of Desdemona. He knows Senator Brabantio, Desdemona's father, will dislike
having Othello as a son-in-law. So late at night, Iago and Roderigo wake Brabantio and tell him the
news of Desdemona. Brabantio angrily summons the militia to arrest Othello. At that moment,
officers arrive to summon Brabantio to an urgent meeting of the Senate. The Senate is concerned
about the imminent threat of a Turkish invasion fleet

on Cyprus. Full of fury, Brabantio goes to the council.

Brabantio interrupts the council, claiming vengeance against Othello. Othello is already there
because he has just been put in command of the forces to repel the Turks. Othello explains how his
stories of military prowess have helped him earn Desdemona's love (good storytelling is the most
important trait in a companion, after all). Afterwards, Desdemona is called to reinforce the tale and
defend her marriage. Following Desdemona's defence, her father disowns her, and she chooses to
go with Othello on his campaign. She plans to travel in the care of Lieutenant Cassio and with Emilia,
Iago's wife.

Act II
In Cyprus, Montano, the governor of Cyprus, and his soldiers greet Cassio, Iago, Desdemona, and
Emilia as they disembark. Othello soon arrives with news that storms at sea have dispersed the
Turkish fleet. A night of celebration is proclaimed. Roderigo confesses doubts about his potential to
woo Desdemona, but Iago assures him that there is hope. He urges Roderigo to challenge Cassio to a
duel that night, since (as Iago claims) Desdemona is falling in love with him. When the night comes,
Iago gets Cassio drunk, and Roderigo incites his anger. Montano, the governor, is stabbed during his
attempt to contain Cassio. Othello is angered by the fight and blames Cassio, stripping him of his
recently conferred officer status.

Act III
The next day, Iago convinces Cassio to ask Desdemona for help in regaining his post. When Cassio
asks, Desdemona innocently agrees. Meanwhile, Iago has sown seeds of jealousy in Othello’s mind,
suggesting that Desdemona is overfond of Cassio. With no reason to suspect Iago of bad intentions,
Othello begins to watch his wife. Othello becomes angry when Desdemona cannot find the first gift
(a handkerchief) he had ever given her. The handkerchief is embroidered with strawberries and
especially important to Othello. But Desdemona had not lost the handkerchief. Iago had instructed
Emilia, his wife, to take it. Iago then hid the handkerchief where Cassio would find it. When
 Desdemona urges her husband to reconsider Cassio’s demotion, Othello gets jealous and suspects
her of infidelity.

Act IV
Iago continues to inflame this jealousy. He encourages Othello to listen in on, and misinterpret, part
of a conversation between Cassio and his mistress, Bianca. Cassio and Bianca discuss how Cassio
obtained the embroidered handkerchief that he then gives to Bianca to copy. Othello’s agitation at
what he hears brings on an epileptic fit. After recovering, he orders Iago to kill Cassio. Desdemona
cannot understand Othello's change of attitude towards her. Othello even strikes her in the presence
of her relative, Lodovico, who has arrived as an ambassador from Venice. As she prepares for bed,
she talks with Emilia, singing to relieve the distress she feels at losing the trust of her husband.

Act V
Meanwhile, Roderigo has begun to suspect Iago is not quite the friend he seems. Still Iago persuades
him to attack Cassio that night (again, to be able to court Desdemona). In the fight that ensues, Iago
goes undetected and wounds Cassio. He then enters again as himself to accuse and kill Roderigo for
the act of wounding Cassio.

Othello comes to his sleeping wife's bedroom to murder her as punishment for her supposed
adultery. He smothers her with a pillow as she asserts her innocence. Emilia alerts the household,
causing Iago and others to come to the scene. Othello defends himself, mentioning the handkerchief
as evidence. Emilia realises what has happened and betrays Iago‘s plots against Othello. Iago,
reacting to his wife's accusations, stabs and kills her. Iago is arrested and sent to trial after Othello
wounds him (he doesn't even die). Othello, facing the inevitability of his own trial, uses a hidden
weapon to commit suicide. The play ends with Cassio reinstated and placed in command as
Governor of Cyprus.
 Scene summaries and key dramatic features
Act + Summary
Scen
e
1:1 The scene opens in a heated
discussion between Roderigo and
Iago. Roderigo feels Iago has failed
him and Iago is also furious that he
has lost out on a promotion to
Cassio. Iago admits he only appears
loyal to his general, Othello, but is
always looking to exploit him for any
advantage. To exact revenge on
Othello the men stand in the street
outside Brabantio’s house and shout
that he has been robbed (of his
daughter (Desdemona), who has
secretly married Othello). Iago also
makes lewd remarks about Othello
and Desdemona’s sex life. Roderigo
informs Brabantio that his daughter
has eloped with Othello. Horrified,
Brabantio leaves to check the truth
of this claim. Iago manages to
maintain anonymity so that Roderigo
looks like the trouble causer rather
than him.
1:2 Iago warns Othello that Brabantio is
likely to challenge the validity of his
marriage to Desdemona and may
even have him arrested. Othello
feels that his service to the state,
honourable reputation and royal
heritage will be enough to convince
Brabantio that he is a suitable match
for Desdemona. Cassio delivers a
summons – Othello has to appear
before the Venetian council. On
route, they are challenged by
Brabantio and some of his
Important dramatic features
Foreshadowing – Othello is the eponymous hero
but he is only referred to in this scene and does
not appear. This creates anticipation for the
audience of what he will be like and what his fate
will be.
Conflict – the play opens in the middle of an
argument and is set against the backdrop of war
as Othello is a general, Cassio a lieutenant and
Iago an ensign (private). Tension is immediately
created.
Line sharing – this is when characters’ dialogue
overlaps with another’s. It suggests they are
interrupting each other because they are angry.
Setting – the opening scene is set at night with
the dark thoughts of characters like Iago reflected
in the shadowy setting.
It is also worth noting the language used to
describe men and women. Write some examples
here
Line sharing – Iago often cuts across Othello in
the opening dialogue of this scene eg L6 and L17.
It creates a combative atmosphere and shows the
urgency with which Iago is tries to provoke
Othello to anger (over Brabantio’s objection to his
relationship with Desdemona). It is seen again in
the intense and bitter exchange between
Brabantio and Othello eg L80 and L85.
Props – attendants enter with torches in the stage
directions. This is to light a dark setting but also
creates a sense of danger.
 supporters. Othello stands his
ground and defends himself against
Brabantio’s accusations that he won
Desdemona using witchcraft. Despite
managing to
1:3 The Duke of Venice and his senators
are discussing the grave threat to
Cyprus posed by the Turkish fleet.
Their council of war discussions are
interrupted by the arrival of Othello
and his accuser, Brabantio (who
claims Othello has drugged and
kidnapped his daughter). Othello
describes how he attracted
Desdemona and, when she enters,
she confirms that her loyalties to
Othello supersede what she had for
Brabantio. Reluctantly, Brabantio
accepts Desdemona’s relationship
with Othello. The Duke then puts
Othello in charge of Cyprus’ defence,
which means leaving Venice almost
immediately. It is agreed that
Desdemona will accompany Othello,
who charges Iago with her care. Iago
recruits Roderigo (in love with
Desdemona) to seek revenge against
Othello. At the end of the scene he
reveals his plot to destroy both
Cassio and Othello. He conspires to
turn Othello against Cassio [and
ruining his relationship with
Significant entrances – Othello’s arrival on stage
(delayed from scene 1) has dramatic impact as
the audience wants to meet the eponymous hero.
Cassio (already established as Iago’s enemy) also
appears on stage. This builds tension. Cassio also
brings important news of war (used as a dramatic
backdrop to the conflict between on stage
characters); war is also a catalyst for the central
plot because it prompts Othello’s relocation to
Cyprus in Act 2, which provides Iago with greater
opportunity to bring about Othello’s undoing.
The exchange between Brabantio and Othello is
heated. Note examples of Brabantio’s insults and
accusations.
This is a long and complex scene. Shakespeare
uses it to firmly establish Othello as the tragic
hero (he has precious success, respect for his
achievements, promotion and a desirable wife [of
high status – all of this will be undone during the
course of the play and his fall.
Iago is also established as a scheming villain,
plotting against Othello and manipulating others
for his own ends.
Othello’s monologue – despite claiming that he is
a solider and not an orator “little blessed with the
soft phrase of peace” Othello is eloquent in his
speech. He reveals that it was his life story that
attracted Desdemona to him. There are many
persuasive features including listing “battles,
sieges, fortunes” and “ antres vast and deserts
idle, rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads
touch heaven”; emotive language “distressful…
suffered…pains…disastrous…deadly”; alliteration
“devour up my discourse”
Iago’s soliloquy – animal imagery is used “snipe”
“asses” to reveal his distain for Othello, who he
states is easily manipulated due to his “free and
 Desdemona] by convincing him that
Cassio and Desdemona are illicitly
involved.
2:1 The characters relocate to Cyprus in
this scene. This episode opens with
two a dialogue between Montano
and three gentleman about a
devastating storm. What happens
when the Venetians arrive?
open nature”. Hypophora (Q+A) format engages
the audience with Iago’s plan “…double knavery.
How? How? Let’s see…” The final couplet is
melodramatic and creates forbidding atmosphere
“Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to
the world’s light” Images of hell / darkness
reinforce image of Iago as devilish.
Dramatic irony – the audience are made aware of
Iago’s plot to usurp Cassio and ruin Othello. The
other characters have no idea of his feelings “I
hate the Moor” or scheme to “abuse Othello’s
ear” with lies about Desdemona’s relationship
with Cassio. This creates anticipation for trouble
and dramatic developments ahead.
Prose lines – When Iago plots with Roderigo
Shakespeare switches his lines from blank verse
to prose (L302-355). This suggests his changing
identity – adapted to suit his purpose / who he is
talking to. It also suggests his words are really
beneath him (as he is up to no good) because
poetic lines are usually spoken by nobles).
What other devices has Shakespeare used to
engage the audience in this scene? Note them
here.
The storm – consider its literal role and symbolic
significance.
What images does Cassio use to describe Othello
and Desdemona? Why are they depicted this way
at this point in the drama?

Bl

Action – comment on Cassio’s kiss.

What does Desdemona say aside? ( L121-9) What

effect does this device have? What does Iago say
aside? (L163-171) What effect do his lines have?

Shakespeare’s audience loved word play. Revisit

p57 and find examples of PUNS, PARADOXES and
EPIGRAMS. These devices are defined on P56.

Verbal irony – when Iago declares himself

“honest” in L193 how is irony created?

Irony is created as the audience knows that Iago

intiates all the conflict in the play mainly through
lies and deception so that makes him having the
title ironic.
 Also note down what insights the audience gains
into Iago’s view of Cassio in his words to
Roderigo.

Iago's words to Roderigo provide insights into his

view of Cassio. Iago expresses a deep resentment
and disdain toward Cassio, suggesting that he
sees Cassio as a rival and someone who has been
promoted over him unfairly. Iago's jealousy and
desire for revenge become apparent as he
manipulates Roderigo to further his own plans.
The audience gains insight into Iago's evil nature
and the extent of his devious plans to undermine
Cassio.

2:2 What news does the herald bring? What is the role of this 10 line scene?

The herald brings

2:3 By contrast to 2:2 this scene is very What is the role of alcohol in this episode?
long. Iago schemes to get Cassio into
trouble by getting him drunk.

Shakespeare’s plays often involve characters

singing. Iago initiates the party songs (L59and
L76). What do the songs contribute to the drama
and what is the significance of the lyrics?
 Staging a fight. Note down the methods uses to
escalate the fight eg insults / threats / sound
effects / weapons / numbers etc

Irony – how do Iago’s words about Cassio create

irony? (L201-3)

Key plot developments – what happens to Cassio

in this scene / who is responsible for this / who
does Cassio turn to for advice / what is the
significance of that decision?

Honesty – this word is repeatedly used in 2:3 (and

in the play as a whole). Note at least 3 quotations
where it features and the reason characters refer
 to it so often – what is Shakespeare’s intention?

3:1 What happens? What makes this scene dramatic?

3:2 What happens? What role does this short scene have?

3:3 What happens? How does Shakespeare make this scene

impactful?
3:4 What happens? The handkerchief is repeatedly referred to in this
scene. What is its role in the drama?
4:1 What happens? This is a tense and ultimately shocking scene –
how does Shakespeare create that effect? How is
the plot’s final outcome foreshadowed at this
point?

4:2 What happens? Emilia’s role is important in this scene. In what

ways?

4:3 What happens? This melancholy scene creates a powerful sense

of foreboding (impending doom). How does
Shakespeare achieve this?
5:1 What happens? This is an action packed scene – how does
Shakespeare make it engaging for the audience?

5:2 What happens? Consider how the plot is resolved. How does
Shakespeare make this a dramatic and
memorable scene? What is the significance of the
setting and which characters survive the cull?
What emotional response is expected from the
audience and why?
 Add any notes here that you could not fit into the table.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Setting

The play is set in a number of locations and each one has dramatic significance.

In Act 1 the drama is set in wealthy Venice. It is used to suggest control and the law. On the surface
it appears secure (thanks to Othello’s recent battle success). A hierarchical society is established to
set the scene for a power struggle – the Duke’s council chamber and the meeting with the senators
in 1:3 helps this). Iago is used to establish an atmosphere of mistrust (of outsiders), suspicion and
secrecy (when his revenge plot is set in motion on a dark Street). Renaissance Venice was associated
with Machiavelli an Italian politician renowned for his ruthless scheming (befitting of Iago’s evil
plans).

Shakespeare consciously relocates the central characters to the wilder outpost of Cyprus so that
order is undermined and chaos (which makes for better drama) is created; Iago’s destructive
schemes are far more effective in this context. The change of location is essential to the tragic
development of the plot. Everything goes wrong for Othello after he is appointed governor of Cyprus
– the location is essential to his tragic downfall. Isolated and out of their comfort zones, Othello and
Desdemona are easy for Iago to manipulate. Cyprus is an alien and hostile location and well
matched to the dark dramatic turn of events. Shakespeare foreshadows this with an ominous storm
and an off stage battle at the start of Act 2. The characters are depicted as doomed with
Desdemona’s bed chamber depicted as a prison from which she and Othello cannot escape . Like in
Venice key events take place at night (with all its symbolic significance) .

Key quotations for setting You could comment on what they mean / suggest / contribute to the
drama as part of your exam preparation.
“a (Venice) street at night” (1:1)
“a (Cyprus) street at night” (5:2)

“this warlike isle” (2:1)

“banning shore…wind shaked surge…high monstrous mane…enchafèd flood” (2:1)

“this barbarous brawl…frights the isle from her propriety”

Iago with a light “O treacherous villain! Kill men I’th’dark!” (5:1)

Desdemona in bed…He kisses…smothers her” [5:2]

 [Emilia sings] “Willow, willow, willow” [5:2]

“the time, the place, the torture” [5:2]

“The bed curtains are drawn”

The choice of location, small cast and (unusual for a Shakespearean tragedy) single plot help create
an intense and claustrophobic quality to the drama.

Characters

Make notes for each of the characters. Choose a format that works for you. Make sure you address
the following questions: What qualities does X have? What are X’s relationships like? How is X’s story
concluded? What is X’s role in the drama? How does Shakespeare want the audience to feel about /
respond to X? Which quotations best reflect this character?

Principals

Othello (eponymous tragic hero)

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Iago (scheming villain)

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………

Desdemona (Othello’s wife and the play’s victim)

 Perhaps the most striking feature of Desdemona’s character is that she other’s perceptions of her
are false. She is the daughter of Brabantio, a wealthy Venetian merchant; he sees her as a modest,
naïve, innocent child “never bold” or “of spirit”, which suggests she does not really have a mind of
her own or the courage of her convictions. This view is immediately undermined by her actions (she
elopes with Othello rather than conforming to convention and marrying a Venetian noble of her
father’s choosing like Roderigo. Her lines also demonstrate how she is more than capable of
speaking up and defending her choice. She acknowledges her “duty” to her father but explains that
her commitment to her husband now usurps that. She describes her actions as “downright violence
(open rebellion) and storm of fortunes [that] may trumpet to the world” (there for everyone to see),
which suggests she is more than capable of independent thought and action.

Desdemona is depicted as devoted to Othello in every way. Despite other characters questioning the
connection between them (they cannot fathom why she would be attracted to him because of his
age and race), it is clear that Desdemona’s dedication is unshakeable.

Desdemona is often depicted in terms typical of Shakespeare’s era: “divine” (goddess-like and
virtuous) and a “jewel” (objectified according to her status / value). Perhaps most interesting is the
polarised view Othello has of his wife: his “soul’s joy” and “that cunning whore”. This reflects a
typical concern in Shakespeare’s plays that of the Jacobean man’s fear of cuckolding (being made a
fool of by an unfaithful wife). Like Brabantio, Othello misjudges Desdemona, assumes she is capable
of infidelity and has betrayed him with Cassio The demise of their relationship (at the hands of the
three principal male characters) is central to the drama.

Although Shakespeare depicts Desdemona as courageous – she continues to defend herself against
her husband’s accusations and argues that she should be spared from death in Act 5 scene 2 –
ultimately, she is one of the play’s tragic victims: manipulated by Iago, betrayed by Emilia and
murdered by her husband in her bedchamber (what should have been her sanctuary). It is likely that
Shakespeare wanted the audience to feel sympathy for her, perhaps reflected in Emilia’s reflection
that Desdemona “was too find of her most filthy bargain” (paid a high price for her choice of
husband). The “willow” song (about a woman who is betrayed by her husband) was originally sung
by Desdemona to reflect the misery of her marriage and foreshadow her unjust death; it is then sung
again by Emilia to add to the atmosphere of grief and tragic loss in the final scene.

Although Desdemona is can be interpreted as the victim of male manipulation and brutality, she
describes that her experiences are down to fate “wretched fortune”. This was designed to reflect the
Shakespearean audience’s fervent belief in fate and the conventions of tragedy where characters’
outcomes are deliberately pre-ordained with the audience waiting for an inevitable resolution.

What is your view of Desdemona’s character?

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
What important contributions does she make to the play?

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Cassio (Othello’s lieutenant)

“Handsome, young” and the kind of man who is the envy of others, Cassio is important to the play in
many ways:

1) His backstory (promoted by Othello and also a matchmaker in Othello and Desdemona’s
relationship) helps lay the foundations to the plot’s driving force (Iago and then Othello’s
jealousy and mistrust of him).
2) Shakespeare builds anticipation by delaying Cassio’s on stage arrival (as he does with
Othello) so the audience’s first impression of him is through Iago’s bitter complaints. Iago
resents Cassio’s promotion because he believes he is not a real soldier “mere prattle without
practice in all his soldiership.” Therefore, Cassio is the source of tension and conflict from
the outset.
3) His changing status and situation is a parallel to (and dramatically reinforces) Othello’s. They
are both outsiders in Venice (Othello is a Moor and Cassio is a Florentine). They have both
enjoyed military success and earned admirable reputations, which they are fiercely proud of
and fight to protect. Whilst Cassio’s situation deteriorates more quickly than Othello’s they
suffer a similar fall from grace at the hands of the villainous Iago. However, as Cassio is not
the tragic hero, he overcomes adversity whereas Othello is lost to it.
 4) Cassio’s drunken behaviour is the source of violent action in Act 2 scene 3. Conscious of his
audience’s blood thirsty nature, Shakespeare often built fights into his plays (for example,
the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet). The stage directions reveal the shocking escalation
of Cassio’s conflict with Roderigo “Enter Cassio, pursuing Roderigo…he strikes Roderigo…
They fight” and the dialogue conveys the level of Cassio’s aggression “I’ll beat the knave into
a twiggen bottle” Montano “Zounds, I bleed still…I am hurt to th’death.”
5) Shakespeare uses Cassio to develop important themes in the play, particularly that of
honour and reputation. He is depicted as devastated when he is stripped of his position
shortly after arriving in Cyprus and he spends the rest of the play’s duration on a mission to
restore what has been lost.
6) In a tragedy it is important that the hero is partially redeemed at the end of the play. They
audience could completely lose sympathy and respect for Othello after he murders
Desdemona in a quest to protect his ego. However, Cassio is kept alive to eulogise Othello,
who begs for his full story to be told after he is dead. In his final lines Cassio prays tribute to
Othello as “great of heart” to ensure the audience’s final impression of him is a positive one.
7) He is used to reflect contemporary attitudes to women that will probably create
ambivalence towards him in a modern audience. Although Cassio is presented as a
sophisticate and a gentleman, his treatment of women is less than honourable. He is
repeatedly dismissive of and insulting about his mistress, Bianca. The most telling image is
that of a “bauble”, which objectifies her as gaudy decoration. This parallels / contrasts with
the “jewel” image used to depict Desdemona (still a possession but one of greater value).
Furthermore, he uses women (Emilia and Desdemona) to help restore his reputation rather
than boldly and openly fighting his own corner. It can be argued that quite cowardly
approach helps open those female characters up to Iago’s manipulation and ultimately costs
them their lives.

Make sure you gather 3 more quotations that best reflect his character and role.
“O, I have lost my reputation, I have lost the immortal part of myself- what remains is
bestial”

Emilia (Iago’s wife)

Who is she? What impression is created of her? What is his role in the drama? Make sure you have 2
quotations to reflect her character / role.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………

Secondary and Minor Characters

Brabantio

Who is he? What impression is created of him? What is his role in the drama? Make sure you have 2
quotations to reflect his character / role.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………

Roderigo

Who is he? What impression is created of him? What is his role in the drama? Make sure you have 2
quotations to reflect his character / role.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………

Bianca

Who is she? What impression is created of her? What is his role in the drama? Make sure you have 2
quotations to reflect her character / role.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Clown

The clown is one of Othello’s servants. He appears only briefly in the play (in Act 3) and is a stock
Shakespearean character. His crude puns and witty wordplay (often sexual innuendo and toilet
humour) are designed to create light relief in a dark tragedy eg in Act 3 scene 1 he asks the musician
if their instruments have been in Naples (suggesting they have a sexually transmitted disease) and
his comments about “wind instruments” such as bagpipes can be interpreted as fart jokes. However,
he also has another function. His comments reflect the more serious aspects of the play and his
misinterpretations are designed to foreshadow future misunderstandings that bring about
disastrous and dramatic consequences later in the drama. For example, in Act 3 scene 4 the clown
puns on the verb “lie” – playing on its meaning (to rest / remain or to be deceitful). However, he
alludes to the danger of dishonesty and foreshadows the plot’s bloody resolution, which sees
characters dead as a result of Iago’s untruths. “I dare not say he lies anywhere…to say a soldier lies is
stabbing”.
 Themes

A theme is “an idea that recurs in or pervades a work of art or literature”

1. IGCSE pupils are expected to know the play’s central concerns and be confident to write about
how they are conveyed and the perspective they presented from e.g. LOVE is a theme in
Othello.

2. You have to know and write about the methods the playwrights use to depict love (e.g. the
behaviour and speech of the characters, props imagery + symbolism etc “I shall but love thee
better – after death!”

3. They also want you to draw conclusions about the view of that theme conveyed e.g. as it is a
tragedy in Othello Shakespeare depicts love as doomed to failure The relationships of the 3
prominent ‘couples’ in Othello end in disaster

4. Finally you need to reflect on (draw conclusions about / give a personal response to) how the
writers want the audience to feel / react to the development of the theme (remember
tragedies are meant to be cathartic). Audiences may be shocked that Iago kills Emilia and
horrified when Othello kills Desdemona even when she pleads for her life. Pathos would be
created by Othello’s final words about Desdemona [his] “jewel” because he really loved her.

When you come to revise a concept map is one way to synthesise your knowledge of how
characters are used as devices to convey important ideas eg
 Jealousy (and its destructive effects)

The “green eyed monster” of jealousy is a powerful driving force in the plot. Iago’s scheming against
Cassio and Othello is motivated by envy – they hold positions he feels passed over for and he also
suspects that Othello had an affair with his wife, Emilia. His manipulation of Othello (into believing
that Cassio and Desdemona are involved in an illicit relationship) enrages Othello and it is his
jealousy that leads him to kill Desdemona at the end of the play. Iago is able to enlist Roderigo’s help
because he is lovesick for Desdemona and jealous of Othello’s claim on her. Cassio’s mistress,
Bianca, is also depicted as suspicious of he relationship with Desdemona. What adds to the tragic
nature of the play is that almost all of the suspicions are baseless so characters suffer and die for no
reason.

Iago describes Othello as “eaten up by passion [jealousy]”

Make sure you have 2 more quotations that highlight jealousy in the play.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Consider the dramatic impact of this theme.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………

Draw conclusions about how human nature is reflected through this theme and what the
playwright’s possible message is.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
 Honour and reputation

Make sure you have examples of characters who behave honourably / dishonourably. Consider who
has a good reputation and why. Reflect on whether those reputations are richly deserved or based
on misunderstanding.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Perhaps more important to the play’s dramatic impact is the loss of reputation / honour. Give
examples of how some characters’ reputations are lost and the point Shakespeare may be making
about their fragility (and the reasons for it).

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Appearance and Reality

So often in the play reality does not match outward appearance. This theme allows Shakespeare to
create dramatic irony where the audience can see the inner truth (eg Iago is dishonest rather than
honest) when the characters on stage are fooled by an appearance. Identify a number of moments
in the play where Shakespeare develops this idea and draw conclusions about its dramatic effect.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………

Power

Consider which characters have power. What power do they have. How is this power used and what
effect does this have?

You could consider the power afforded to those with class and status, the power of the mind or
persuasive language and physical power.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
You should also consider who is powerless and why.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Race and gender

Prejudice on the grounds of race and gender is evident in the attitudes of many characters. Iago, for
example, speaks pejoratively about women – to him they are “guinea hens” (whores). Emilia
describes how in marriage men are “all but stomachs” and women “all but food” as if they exist only
to be consumed by men. Even ‘civilised’ Venice is patriarchal. Women have no power and their value
/ status is determined by their fathers and, in turn, their husbands. It can be suggested that
Shakespeare uses this foreign and exotic location to allow his audience to reflect on the nature of
their own (English) society and the way women were subordinated by it.

Othello is repeatedly referred to as “the Moor” even before his name features in the play, which
suggests his race contributes to Iago and Roderigo’s disdain for him. His “black” skin is also often
referenced (including by Othello himself who seems surprised that Desdemona “had eyes and chose
[him]. Despite many characters’ negative attitude towards him (seen in Brabantio’s objections to
Othello’s match to Desdemona), Shakespeare subverts the stereotypical figure of an untrustworthy,
lascivious and even threatening dark skinned ‘foreigner’; instead he presents his audience with an
 accomplished, eloquent, noble (and tortured) character. It does suggest that, like in so many of
Shakespeare’s plays, he is challenging his audience to reflect on prevailing attitudes and values.

Key images and symbols

The language of the play is rich with imagery and symbolism, but there are some which recur eg

Animals and monsters eg Iago described as an “inhuman dog” / Othello depicts his unhappy
existence as “ a toad..liv[ing] upon this vapour in a dungeon” and later “a monster, a beast” who
murders his wife because of jealousy. Iago demeans Othello and Desdemona’s romantic relationship
by comparing them to “an old black ram…tupping …[a] white ewe”

Black /white or light and darkness

Gather examples of these polarised images and consider why they are prominent in the play.

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Poison

Othello describes the effect of Iago’s ‘lies’ about Desdemona as like “poison” and when Lodovico is
confronted with dead bodies in the final scene he comments that it “poisons sight”. Why do you
think poison is an effective image to use to reflect the events of the play and the actions of some of
the characters?

……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Religion and superstition
Desdemona is often depicted as “divine” “a heavenly angel”, whereas Iago and Othello are both compared to
the “devil”. There are also allusions to magic and witchcraft. Othello is accused of bewitching Desdemona into
falling for him and he describes his mother as a “charmer”, which implies she had magical powers. This is a
play about temptation and sin (lust, envy, wrath and pride), so it draws on the Christian values of
Shakespeare’s audience.

Othello’s handkerchief

As well as an actual prop on stage, the handkerchief that Othello gifts to Desdemona has changing
symbolic significance. Initially it is suggestive of loyalty and commitment but when it is ‘mislaid’ it
comes to represent Othello’s suspicion and jealousy. As it is acquired by Emilia for Iago and used to
convince Othello of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, it is the ultimate symbol of betrayal.

Make a note of any other important images or symbols you have encountered in the play.

Context

It is always helpful to have some knowledge and understanding of the contextual factors that would
have influenced Shakespeare when he wrote Othello. It is also good to have some awareness of his
audience, their culture and attitudes and how that would shape their response to the play.

Social / historical

Reflected in the play are many of the values and practices of Shakespeare’s Jacobean audience eg a
xenophobic mistrust of foreigners, the subordination of women, a powerful belief in fate, arranged marriages,
faith in a Christian God and fear of the supernatural / magic. Once you have finished studying the play, make
sure you have examples of where Shakespeare either reflected or challenged this ideals.

Contextual feature example Outcome / effect

(Shakespeare’s purpose)

xenophobic mistrust of
foreigners

subordination of women

arranged marriages
 a powerful belief in fate

faith in a Christian God

and fear of the
supernatural / magic

Literary

Othello conforms to the following conventions of tragedy (which originated in the theatre of ancient
Greece):

A tragic hero, who is fatally flawed. This means that the flaw / weakness in his character is
responsible for his death at the end of the play. After smothering Desdemona out of jealousy,
Othello stabs himself and dies in Act 5 scene 2.

The course of the hero’s downfall is at the heart of a tragedy (and the subject of the main plot). He
must begin with status, which is lost by the end of the play. Despite being ‘a foreigner’(and subject
to prejudice) Othello has an impressive reputation as a military leader, is promoted by the Venetian
council and has a desirable wife from a respectable family. The admiration he initially commands is
lost by the play’s final episode – Cassio has replaced him, he is put under arrest and his wife is dead.

A tragedy will usually open with some kind of disruption to the social order. Order will be restored
by the end of the play. On a grand scale the Turkish fleet advancing on Cyprus is a threat to the
Venetian order of things, but the Turks are defeated. A nobleman’s daughter(Desdemona) rebelling
against her father and marrying for love rather than according to her father’s wishes also
undermines the usual order (and as with other tragedies like Romeo and Juliet, the sanction for this
is severe.)

Greek tragedies were designed to create catharsis. At the very least the audience should be appalled
by Iago’s scheming, shocked by Othello’s murder and sympathetic to Desdemona for his suffering.

Roman writer, Seneca, reworked many of the original Greek tragedies to include long speeches,
which were designed to fill narrative gaps. This is reflected in the soliloquies Shakespeare assigns to
his principal characters such as Iago and Othello. However, these speeches are not simply for
storytelling purposes, they provide a deep insight into the nature of the character concerned.

Some helpful websites

BBC Radio 3 - The Shakespeare Sessions, Full Length Play: Othello

BBC Radio 4 - Shakespeare: Love Across the Racial Divide, Othello

Othello Plot Summary | Shakespeare Learning Zone (rsc.org.uk)

Articles listing page - The British Library (bl.uk)

Play Summary (cliffsnotes.com)

Othello: Study Guide | SparkNotes

Othello Study Guide | Literature Guide | LitCharts