Literary Latitude

William Shakespeare’s Othello is a tragedy that explores the destructive nature of jealousy, deception, and revenge. Set against the backdrop of Venice and Cyprus in the late sixteenth century, the play tells the story of Othello, a valiant Moorish general in the Venetian army, whose life takes a tragic turn due to the manipulative machinations of his ensign, Iago.

Act I: Seeds of Deceit and Discord

The play opens in Venice with Iago, Othello’s ensign, expressing his resentment towards his superior. Iago had expected to be promoted to lieutenant, but Othello chose Cassio instead. Driven by envy and a thirst for revenge, Iago vows to destroy Othello. He confides in Roderigo, a wealthy but foolish Venetian nobleman who is infatuated with Desdemona, Othello’s wife. Iago manipulates Roderigo, using his wealth and infatuation to further his own sinister plans.

Iago harbours a deep-seated hatred for Othello, fuelled not only by professional envy but also by a suspicion that Othello has slept with his (Iago’s) wife, Emilia. This suspicion, though never confirmed, adds another layer to Iago’s complex and insidious motivations.

Under the cover of night, Iago and Roderigo awaken Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, with the news of her elopement with Othello. Enraged and heartbroken, Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft to seduce his daughter. The matter is brought before the Duke of Venice, where Othello defends himself eloquently, recounting his courtship of Desdemona. He describes how he captivated Desdemona with tales of his adventurous life and military exploits, winning her heart with his bravery and honesty. Desdemona herself arrives and confirms her love for Othello, defying her father’s wishes. The Duke, recognizing the genuine affection between Othello and Desdemona, intervenes in the dispute and grants his blessing to their union.

Meanwhile, the Turkish fleet poses a threat to Cyprus, a Venetian colony. Othello, renowned for his military prowess, is appointed to lead the Venetian forces against the Turkish invasion. Desdemona, accompanied by Iago’s wife Emilia, joins Othello on his voyage to Cyprus.  

Act II: Iago’s Web of Deception

The Venetian fleet arrives in Cyprus, having weathered a violent storm that has destroyed the Turkish fleet. The storm, while a natural phenomenon, serves as a symbolic foreshadowing of the impending chaos and tragedy that will unfold in the play. Celebrations ensue, but Iago continues to plot Othello’s downfall. He observes Cassio’s fondness for drink and orchestrates a brawl that results in Cassio being dismissed from his position as lieutenant. Iago then persuades Cassio to seek Desdemona’s help in regaining Othello’s favour.

Iago artfully plants seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind, suggesting an illicit relationship between Cassio and Desdemona. He uses Cassio’s pleas to Desdemona and a misplaced handkerchief (a token of Othello’s love for Desdemona, given to him by his mother) as “proof” of their alleged affair. Othello, consumed by jealousy, gradually succumbs to Iago’s poisonous insinuations.

Act III: The Monster of Jealousy Unleashed

Iago continues to manipulate Othello, fuelling his jealousy with fabricated stories and misinterpreted observations. He arranges a conversation between Cassio and Bianca, Cassio’s mistress, in which they discuss the handkerchief (unbeknownst to Cassio, it was planted by Iago). Othello witnesses this conversation from afar and, misinterpreting their words, becomes convinced of Desdemona’s infidelity.

Overwhelmed by jealousy and rage, Othello publicly confronts Desdemona, accusing her of betrayal. Desdemona, bewildered and hurt by her husband’s unfounded accusations, pleads her innocence. However, Othello, blinded by Iago’s deception, refuses to believe her.

Act IV: Descent into Madness and Murder

Othello’s jealousy intensifies, driving him to the brink of madness. He seeks Iago’s advice, who cunningly suggests that Desdemona should be murdered. Iago volunteers to kill Cassio, while Othello decides to take Desdemona’s life himself.

Meanwhile, Emilia begins to suspect Iago’s treachery. She discovers that the handkerchief, which Iago claimed to have seen in Cassio’s possession, is actually missing from Desdemona. She confronts Iago, but he manages to silence her and escape.

Othello confronts Desdemona in their bedchamber, accusing her of infidelity and ultimately suffocating her.

Act V: Truth Revealed, Tragedy Consummated

Emilia arrives at the scene, revealing Iago’s deception and Desdemona’s innocence. She explains how Iago had urged her to steal the handkerchief, unknowingly making her an accomplice in his wicked scheme. Othello, realizing the magnitude of his error and the depth of Iago’s treachery, is overcome with remorse. He attacks Iago, wounding him, but Cassio delivers the final blow, killing Iago.  

Lodovico, a kinsman of Brabantio who has arrived in Cyprus with letters from Venice, reveals the contents of the letters, exposing Iago’s villainy and announcing Cassio’s appointment as Othello’s successor. He orders Iago to be taken away and tortured for his crimes.

In a final act of despair and self-reproach, Othello takes his own life, falling upon Desdemona’s lifeless body. The play concludes with Cassio assuming command and vowing to punish Iago for his crimes. Before dying, Roderigo reveals Iago’s treachery, further solidifying Iago’s guilt.  

Characters

Character	Description
Othello	A Moorish general in the Venetian army, valiant and respected but susceptible to jealousy. A skilled military leader with a strong sense of honour. Possesses a deep-seated insecurity due to his race and outsider status. Tragically falls victim to Iago’s manipulative schemes.
Desdemona	Othello’s wife, beautiful, innocent, and devoted to her husband. A woman of strong character and unwavering loyalty. Unjustly accused of infidelity and murdered by her husband. Represents the ideal of feminine virtue and purity.
Iago	Othello’s ensign, a manipulative and malevolent character driven by envy and a desire for revenge. A master of deception and psychological manipulation. Exploits the prejudices of others to achieve his goals. Represents the embodiment of evil and motiveless malignity.
Cassio	Othello’s lieutenant, an honourable and loyal soldier who becomes a victim of Iago’s schemes. Respected by Othello and Desdemona for his honesty and integrity. Falsely accused of having an affair with Desdemona. Ultimately appointed as Othello’s successor.
Emilia	Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s attendant, a loyal and ultimately courageous woman who exposes Iago’s treachery. Initially unaware of her husband’s true nature. Plays a crucial role in revealing Iago’s deception. Sacrifices her own life to expose the truth.
Roderigo	A wealthy but foolish Venetian nobleman infatuated with Desdemona. Manipulated by Iago into participating in his schemes. Ultimately killed by Cassio after attempting to murder him. Represents the dangers of blind infatuation and misplaced trust.
Brabantio	Desdemona’s father, a Venetian senator who opposes her marriage to Othello. Initially disapproves of Othello due to his race and outsider status. Reconciles with his daughter before his death. Represents the societal prejudices that Othello faces.
Duke of Venice	The ruler of Venice, who presides over the dispute between Brabantio and Othello. A wise and just leader who recognizes the genuine love between Othello and Desdemona. Sends Othello to Cyprus to defend against the Turkish invasion. Represents the authority and order of the Venetian state.
Montano	The governor of Cyprus, who is wounded in the brawl instigated by Iago. A respected figure in Cyprus who represents the island’s stability. Injured while trying to restore order during the brawl. Serves as a witness to Iago’s treachery.
Bianca	Cassio’s mistress, a courtesan who unwittingly becomes entangled in Iago’s plot. Used by Iago to further his manipulation of Othello. Unknowingly contributes to Othello’s belief in Desdemona’s infidelity. Represents the social and moral complexities of the play’s world.
Lodovico	A kinsman of Brabantio who arrives in Cyprus with letters from Venice. Brings news of Cassio’s appointment as Othello’s successor. Plays a crucial role in revealing Iago’s villainy. Represents the restoration of order and justice at the end of the play.

Places

• Venice: A prosperous city-state in Italy, known for its trade and maritime power. Venice represents the civilized world, with its established laws and social order. However, it is also a place where racial prejudice exists, as evidenced by Brabantio’s initial opposition to Othello’s marriage to Desdemona.
• Cyprus: An island in the Mediterranean Sea, a Venetian colony that serves as the primary setting for the play’s tragic events. Cyprus, with its remote location and vulnerability to external threats, symbolizes a world of instability and chaos, where Iago’s manipulative schemes can thrive.

Key Events and Scenes

• Othello’s elopement with Desdemona: This event sets the stage for the conflict between Othello and Brabantio and highlights the social prejudices against Othello’s race. Othello, a Moor, faces resistance from Desdemona’s father due to his racial background. This elopement challenges the social norms of Venetian society and foreshadows the challenges Othello will face throughout the play.
• Iago’s manipulation of Othello: Iago’s cunning and manipulative nature is evident throughout the play as he gradually poisons Othello’s mind with suspicions of Desdemona’s infidelity. Iago masterfully uses language and insinuation to exploit Othello’s insecurities and vulnerabilities, leading him down a path of jealousy and destruction.
• The handkerchief incident: The misplaced handkerchief, a symbol of Othello’s love for Desdemona, becomes a crucial piece of “evidence” in Iago’s plot to convince Othello of Desdemona’s betrayal. The handkerchief, originally a token of love and fidelity, is transformed by Iago into a symbol of suspicion and infidelity, highlighting the power of manipulation and the fragility of trust.
• Desdemona’s murder: This tragic event marks the culmination of Othello’s jealousy and Iago’s deception. Driven to madness by Iago’s lies, Othello suffocates Desdemona in their bedchamber, believing that he is enacting justice. This act of violence represents the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions and the destructive power of jealousy.
• Emilia’s confrontation with Iago: Emilia’s courageous act of exposing Iago’s treachery reveals the truth and leads to Othello’s realization of his tragic error. Despite the risks, Emilia confronts her husband, revealing his lies and condemning his actions. Her bravery ultimately leads to the unravelling of Iago’s plot and the exposure of his true nature.
• Othello’s suicide: Othello’s suicide is a final act of despair and self-reproach, highlighting the devastating consequences of jealousy and deception. Realizing the enormity of his crime and the depth of his betrayal, Othello takes his own life, unable to bear the weight of his guilt and remorse. This act of self-destruction emphasizes the tragic consequences of Iago’s manipulation and the destructive power of unchecked emotions.

Themes

• Jealousy: The play explores the destructive power of jealousy, which consumes Othello and drives him to murder his innocent wife. Jealousy is presented as a monstrous force that can distort perception, erode trust, and ultimately lead to violence and destruction. Othello’s descent into jealousy is fuelled by Iago’s manipulative insinuations and his own insecurities, highlighting the vulnerability of even the strongest individuals to this destructive emotion.
• Deception: Iago’s manipulative nature and his ability to deceive those around him are central to the play’s tragic events. Iago is a master of deception, using language, insinuation, and fabricated evidence to manipulate those around him. His ability to exploit the vulnerabilities and prejudices of others highlights the destructive power of deception and the fragility of trust.
• Racism: Othello’s race and his status as an outsider in Venetian society contribute to the prejudices and suspicions he faces. Othello, a Moor, is subjected to racial slurs and stereotypes throughout the play. This prejudice contributes to his sense of isolation and vulnerability, making him more susceptible to Iago’s manipulative tactics.
• Love: The play depicts both the passionate love between Othello and Desdemona and the destructive consequences of love distorted by jealousy and mistrust. The love between Othello and Desdemona is initially presented as a powerful and genuine connection that transcends social boundaries. However, this love is ultimately destroyed by Iago’s manipulation and Othello’s consuming jealousy, highlighting the fragility of love in the face of deception and mistrust.
• Betrayal: The play explores the theme of betrayal on multiple levels, including Iago’s betrayal of Othello, Othello’s perceived betrayal by Desdemona, and Emilia’s betrayal by her husband. Betrayal is presented as a fundamental violation of trust that can have devastating consequences. Iago’s betrayal of Othello is driven by envy and a desire for revenge, while Othello’s perceived betrayal by Desdemona is a product of Iago’s manipulation and his own jealousy. Emilia’s betrayal by her husband highlights the complexities of loyalty and the difficult choices individuals face when confronted with moral dilemmas.

Symbolism

• The Handkerchief: This seemingly insignificant object becomes a central symbol in the play, representing Othello and Desdemona’s love and trust. Iago manipulates the handkerchief, using it as a tool to plant seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind and ultimately convince him of Desdemona’s infidelity. The handkerchief’s journey from a symbol of love to a symbol of betrayal highlights the fragility of trust and the destructive power of deception.
• The Storm: The storm that destroys the Turkish fleet upon Othello’s arrival in Cyprus serves as a powerful symbol of the impending chaos and tragedy that will unfold in the play. The storm foreshadows the emotional turmoil and violence that will consume the characters, mirroring the destructive forces at play in their lives.
• Othello’s Race: Othello’s race, as a Moor, serves as a constant reminder of his outsider status in Venetian society. His blackness becomes a symbol of difference and otherness, contributing to the prejudices and suspicions he faces. This symbolism highlights the play’s exploration of racism and the challenges faced by those who are marginalized and excluded.

Different Versions of Othello

It is worth noting that there are two main versions of Othello in existence: the Quarto version, published in 1622, and the Folio version, published in 1623 as part of the First Folio collection of Shakespeare’s plays. The two versions differ in length and in some details of the text. For example, the Quarto version contains some passages that are not found in the Folio version, and vice versa. Scholars have debated the reasons for these differences, with some suggesting that the Quarto may represent an earlier version of the play or that it may have been based on a different source text. Regardless of the reasons for the variations, both versions offer valuable insights into Shakespeare’s creative process and the evolution of this iconic tragedy.

Insights

• Iago’s Manipulation of Language and Societal Prejudices: Iago’s mastery of language is central to his ability to manipulate Othello. He uses subtle insinuations, veiled accusations, and racist language to exploit Othello’s insecurities and fuel his jealousy. Iago plays on societal prejudices against Othello’s race, suggesting that Desdemona’s love for him is unnatural and that she is likely to betray him with a man of her own race. This manipulation of language and exploitation of societal prejudices contribute significantly to Othello’s downfall.
• The Nature of Evil: Iago’s character embodies the concept of motiveless malignity. While he offers various justifications for his actions, such as professional envy and suspicion of infidelity, his true motivations remain ambiguous. He seems to revel in causing suffering and chaos, suggesting a deeper, more inherent evil within him. Iago’s character raises questions about the origins and nature of evil, suggesting that it can exist without clear cause or purpose.
• Tragic Structure and Aristotelian Tragedy: Othello conforms to the conventions of Aristotelian tragedy. Othello, a noble and respected figure, possesses a tragic flaw – his jealousy – which ultimately leads to his downfall. He experiences a reversal of fortune, falling from a position of power and respect to a state of madness and despair. The play evokes pity and fear in the audience, as they witness the destruction of a noble man due to his own flaws and the manipulative actions of others.

Conclusion

Shakespeare’s Othello is a timeless tragedy that explores the darkest aspects of human nature. Through the interplay of jealousy, deception, and revenge, the play depicts the downfall of a noble man and the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions. The characters of Othello, Desdemona, and Iago remain some of the most compelling and enduring figures in English literature. The play’s enduring relevance lies in its exploration of universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. Jealousy, racism, and deception are still prevalent in contemporary society, making Othello a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to challenge and captivate audiences centuries after its creation.