Othello

A detailed Summary of Othello

Othello has killed himself after he realizes that he has "loved not wisely but too well (5.2.404)." Why has he killed his young wife? It was jealousy. A web of jealousy that his formerly good companion, Iago, has spun for him. Yes, it was Iago who plotted the whole scheme which led to Othello killing his wife, Desdemona, because he thought she was cheating on him with Cassio. The clever Iago has got revenge.

To understand the workings of Othello's jealousy, it is necessary to take an objective look at the person showing that emotion. The general, especially one addressed as "Valiant Othello" (1.3.50), was known as brave and honorable. He is, after all, entrusted with the post of military governor based on both his merit and his popularity (1.3.226-28). This confirms Othello's high opinion of himself; "My parts, my title, and my perfect soul / Shall manifest me rightly (1.2.31-32)." There were no major discrepancies in the perceptions of his public life, but what of his inner qualities, those that define the 'self' of the character? The Moor is described as virtuous by the Duke (1.3.292). His wife loves him and calls him "my noble Moor (3.4.26)". Even his enemy Iago said that Othello is "of a

constant, loving, noble nature (2.1.289)". Nobility and love are the two qualities that distinguish the character, and it is through them that his friend betrays him. We will look at this from the end of the play backtracking to the beginning.

Thoughts raced through the mind of Iago. Had Othello topped Emelia? Why not my love the same as Othello's and Desdemona? How could Othello choose Cassio over me for his lieutenant? Jealousy. The "green-eyed monster" was in Iago's head.

Othello was now convinced his wife had affairs with Cassio. He saw the handkerchief in Cassio's hand and heard Cassio laugh when Iago mentioned a relation with Desdemona. Othello had finally seen proof, his wife was certainly untrue.

Othello represents how jealousy, particularly sexual jealousy, is one of the most corrupting and destructive of emotions. It is jealousy (fed by his innate sense of evil) that prompts Iago to plot Othello's downfall. Jealousy, too, is the tool that Iago uses to arouse Othello's passions.

Iago's plan was right on schedule when Othello agreed to commit double murder with Iago. Iago was to kill Cassio, and Othello to kill Desdemona. Othello could not stand for Desdemona living knowing she was a whore; "Ay, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight, for she shall not live (4.1.200)." And Cassio surely deserved to be dead considering he "topped (5.2.167)" Othello's wife.

Iago had convinced Cassio to have just one drink. And we all know the story from there. Soon, Iago had invited others in the vicinity to join them. Iago sings a drinking song and everybody is having a good time enjoying wine with their companions. But as Iago planned, Cassio became drunk and eventually started a quarrel with Rodrigo. Othello is informed of Cassio's inexcusable behavior and denounces his lieutenancy.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1245
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English