Full Title: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice
Author: William Shakespeare
Type Of Work: Play
Genre: Tragedy
Language: English
Time And Place Written: Between 1601 and 1604, England
Date Of First Publication: 1622
Publisher: Thomas Walkley
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): Late sixteenth century, 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.
Rising Action: Iago tells the audience of his scheme, arranges for Cassio to lose his
position as lieutenant, and gradually insinuates to Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful.
Climax: The climax occurs at the end of Act III, scene iii, when Othello kneels with Iago
and vows not to change course until he has achieved bloody revenge.
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 description 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.