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    Othello

    tragedy

    Othello is Shakespeare's tragedy of jealousy. Othello, a respected Black general in the Venetian army, secretly marries Desdemona, and his trusted ensign Iago sets out to destroy him for it. Iago drips poison into Othello's ear, convincing him without a shred of real proof that Desdemona has been unfaithful. It is a play about how easily love turns to suspicion, and how a single manipulative voice can unmake a good man. The ending is one of the most painful Shakespeare ever wrote.

    ▸SCENE I. Venice. A street.▸SCENE II. Another street.▸SCENE III. A council-chamber.

    ▸SCENE I. A Sea-port in Cyprus. An open place near the quay.▸SCENE II. A street.▸SCENE III. A hall in the castle.

    ▸SCENE I. Before the castle.▸SCENE II. A room in the castle.▸SCENE III. The garden of the castle.▸SCENE IV. Before the castle.

    ▸SCENE I. Cyprus. Before the castle.▸SCENE II. A room in the castle.▸SCENE III. Another room In the castle.

    ▸SCENE I. Cyprus. A street.▸SCENE II. A bedchamber in the castle: DESDEMONA in bed asleep;

    Characters

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    OthelloGeneral of the Venetian armyIagoOthello's ensignDesdemonaOthello's wife, daughter of BrabantioCassioOthello's lieutenant

    Famous Quotes

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    “I am not what I am.”

    Iago — Act 1, Scene 1

    “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”

    Iago — Act 3, Scene 3

    “Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice.”

    Othello — Act 5, Scene 2

    Further Reading

    Iago: Why Shakespeare's Greatest Villain Has No Motive

    Samuel Taylor Coleridge called Iago's behaviour "the motive-hunting of a motiveless malignity." Here is what that actually means, and why Iago still unsettles audiences 400 years later.

    Top 10 Shakespearean Insults: Shakespearean Insults Generator, & Quiz

    Discover Shakespeare's most savage insults, try our Shakespearean Insults Generator, and test your knowledge with the Shakespearean Insults Quiz.

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