Full title
The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice
Author
William Shakespeare
Type of work
Play
Genre
Tragedy
Tone
Shakespeare clearly views the events of the play as tragic. He seems to view the marriage between
Desdemona and Othello as noble and heroic, for the most part
Setting time
during the wars between Venice
and Turkey
Setting place
Venice in Act I; the island of Cyprus thereafter
Protagonist
Othello
Major conflict
Othello and Desdemona marry and attempt to build a life together, despite their differences in age, race, and
experience. Their marriage is sabotaged by the envious Iago, who convinces Othello that Desdemona is
unfaithful
Falling action
Iago plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s room and later arranges a conversation with Cassio, which Othello
watches and sees as “proof” that Cassio and Desdemona have slept together. Iago unsuccessfully attempts to
kill Cassio, and Othello smothers Desdemona with a pillow. Emilia exposes Iago’s deceptions, Othello kills
himself, and Iago is taken away to be tortured
Themes
The incompatibility of military heroism and love; the danger
of isolation
Motifs
Sight and blindness; plants; animals; hell, demons, and monsters
Symbols
The handkerchief; the song “Willow
Foreshadowing
Othello and Desdemona’s speeches about love foreshadow the disaster to come; Othello’s deion of his
past and of his wooing of Desdemona foreshadow his suicide speech; Desdemona’s “Willow” song and
remarks to Emilia in Act IV, scene iii, foreshadow her death