Shakespeare's famous play of love turned bad by unfounded jealousy, begins in Venice with Iago, a soldier under Othello's command arguing with Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian. Roderigo has paid Iago a considerable sum of money to spy on Othello for him, since he wishes to take Othello's girlfriend, Desdemona as his own.
Roderigo fears that Iago has not been telling him enough about Desdemona and that this proves Iago's real loyalty is to Othello not him.
Iago explains his hatred of Othello for choosing Cassio as his officer or lieutenant and not him as he expected.
To regain Roderigo's trust, Iago and Roderigo inform Brabantio, Desdemona's father of her relationship with Othello, the "Moor" which enrages Brabantio into sending parties out at night to apprehend Othello for what must obviously be in Brabantio's eyes, an abuse of his daughter by Othello...
Iago lies that Roderigo and not himself, was responsible for angering Brabantio against Othello, Iago telling Othello that he should watch out for Brabantio's men who are looking for him.
Othello decides not to hide, since he believes his good name will stand him in good stead.
We learn that Othello has married Desdemona. Brabantio and Roderigo arrive, Brabantio accusing Othello of using magic on his daughter.
Othello stops a fight before it can happen but Othello is called away to discuss a crisis in Cypress, much to the anger of Brabantio who wants justice for what he believes Othello has done to his fair Desdemona.
The Duke is in council with several senators discussing their enemy, the Turks (Turkish people). Brabantio complains to the Duke that Othello bewitched his daughter and had intimate relations with her.
Desdemona is brought in to settle the matter, Othello meanwhile explains how he and Desdemona fell in love. Desdemona confirms this and the Duke advises Brabantio that he would be better off accepting the marriage than complaining and changing nothing.
The Duke orders Othello to Cypress to fight the Turks, with Desdemona to follow, accompanied by the trusted Iago.
Roderigo despairs that his quest for Desdemona is over now that she is married, but Iago tells him not to give up and earn money instead; soon Desdemona will bore of Othello.
Alone, Iago reveals his intention to continue using Roderigo for money and his hatred of Othello (Othello picked Cassio and not Iago for his lieutenant).
Iago explains that his plan is avenge Othello is to suggest to Othello that Cassio is sleeping with Desdemona (Othello's wife).
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
A Moor and renowned soldier leads the Venetian army to victory against the Turks. During this war, he marries a senator’s daughter, Desdemona. Many hold Othello in high esteem; however, his Ensign, Iago, resents him and plots a scheme to ruin his happiness. He plans to make Othello believe that Desdemona and his Lieutenant, Cassio, have an affair after Desdemona and Othello marry. Furthermore, Iago gets Cassio drunk and then stages a fight to turn Cassio against Othello. Iago, whom Othello believes to be honorable, plants the idea of the affair in Othello’s mind; consequently, Othello fills with jealousy and plans to murder Cassio and Desdemona for their disloyalty. Iago makes Othello believe that Desdemona gives Cassio her handkerchief which Othello gives her as a present at their wedding. He also stages a conversation between Iago and himself which implies that Cassio never cares for Desdemona. These events enrage Othello. Therefore, he asks Iago to kill Cassio while he murders Desdemona. Desdemona never knows of Othello’s thoughts or intentions. She believes that he appears hostile because of matters from the State or because of his disagreement with Cassio. Iago’s plan to murder Cassio fails; however, during this time, Othello strangles Desdemona. Later, Othello learns about Iago’s scheme and lies. Othello commits suicide out of despair and love for Desdemona. In William…
- 1230 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
When you think of serial killers, Charles Manson and Ted Bundy may come to mind. However in the fall of November 2001, the world was introduced to a man who made both Manson and Bundy look like boy scouts, Gary Leon Ridgway. Ridgway, also know as the Green River Killer, confessed to a total of forty-eight murders, securing him the title of the most heinous serial killer in U.S. history. For over two decades a special task force questioned witnesses, compiled evidence and developed a profile which would ultimately lead to the capture and conviction of Ridgway who some refer to as the Lucifer himself.…
- 1134 Words
- 5 Pages
Better Essays -
The founder of the CanGo Company had given little thought to the long range plans and direction of the company beyond the basic steps required to get the business in place. The organization’s successes could be attributed to the unique niche the CEO was able to fill for consumers mixed with old fashioned luck. Yes However, relying on these attributes to carry the business indefinitely would be ill advised. The largest risk in not utilizing strategic planning is failing to anticipate for fundamental changes in customer expectations, employee morale, regulatory requirements, competitive pressures, and economic changes. The company may lose valuable lead time and momentum when trying to catch up to these changes that could be severely detrimental to the company (Olsen). The first order of business for CanGo to move the company to the next stages and build a sustainable business would be to generate a vision statement, mission statement, and a specific strategic plan that can be used as roadmaps for the company’s next two to five years of operation. These elements should be considered the most important and immediate objectives for the top management of the company. They will form the basis of all other business…
- 1575 Words
- 5 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Othello is a Shakespearean tragedy, set in Elizabethan Times that present the relationship between, Othello, a ‘moor’ who’s an official in the Venetian army and Desdemona, the daughter of a noble Venetian Senator, Brabantio, and how despite their different experiences in love, a strong relationship can occur, without any initial external input. Desdemona’s assertive behaviour towards romantically pursing Othello, demonstrates her confidence and power, which she maintains throughout the play. Most significantly, the fact that Othello did not ask for Brabantio’s permission to marry Desdemona, demonstrates how Othello did not consider the traditional values of Elizabeth society. However as they play develops, Iago’s manipulation of Othello’s insecurities, leads to the relationship between Othello and Desdemona falling apart.…
- 486 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
"Othello" and "O" tell the story of a great man who suffers terrible destruction as a result of external evil. "Othello" is a tale that weaves an intricate pattern of lies and deceit, beginning with the main character, Othello, being questioned by Brabanzio, the father of his new wife Desdemona who Othello had just married in secret. Brabanzio is not happy with this as not only is Othello a middle-aged man while Desdemona a young women, but Othello is a Moor, (a black man) and the thought of a white women marrying a black man was looked down upon, despite that fact that Othello was a prized general and diplomat, the pride of Venice. Iago, a man Othello trusts is secretly extremely jealous of Othello's happiness, and plotting his downfall behind his back, with the help of Roderigo who is very much in love with Desdemona, but is only a source of money for Iago. Iago manipulates everyone around Othello, including his own friends and makes Othello believe Desdemona is betraying him by seeing Othello's friend Michael Cassio. At Othello's orders, Iago is told to make sure Cassio is dead, and with the help of willing Roderigo who dies as well, Cassio is killed. Desdemona is confiding her unhappiness in her friend Emilia, who is Iago's wife. When Othello comes to Desdemona's bedroom he strangles her, believing Iago's tales of lies out to destroy him. Emilia comes to stop him and tells of what her husband has done, which is silenced when Iago comes and murders her. Othello realises what has happened and finally, draws a knife and takes his own life.…
- 1304 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Many characters in the Shakespearian play, Othello, are deceived by the clever and flattering Iago. Early on in the play, Iago is trying to get his plans against Othello into motion. He meticulously chooses vulnerable characters to help carry out his vengeful scheme. Roderigo is one of the many susceptible characters who fall for Iago’s tricks. Iago catches Roderigo in a very vulnerable state and carefully plants his own scheme into Roderigo’s mind. Iago wants Roderigo to keep fighting for Desdemona despite her marriage to Othello. He tells him “Seek thou rather be hazed in compassing thy joy then to be drowned without her” (1.3 353-355). Iago flatters Roderigo by making him believe he has a chance with Desdemona and to fight for her using…
- 174 Words
- 1 Page
Good Essays -
Roderigo was a very gullible man and he is jealous for what wasn’t his. He believes whatever Iago told him. Roderigo loves Desdemona so when he heard the news from Iago he was heartbroken. “What a full fortune does the Thick-lips owe If he can carry’t thus” (1.1.68)! Roderigo was jealous of Othello for getting marry to Desdemona. Iago used this time to tell Roderigo that they can break Othello and Desdemona up by calling for her father. “Call up her father. Rouse him. Make after…
- 749 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
With these final words, Othello stabs himself in the chest. In this farewell speech, Othello reaffirms his position as a figure who is simultaneously a part of and excluded from Venetian society. The smooth eloquence of the speech and its references to “Arabian trees,” “Aleppo,” and a “malignant and a turbaned Turk” remind us of Othello’s long speech in Act I, scene iii, lines127–168, and of the tales of adventure and war with which he wooed Desdemona. No longer inarticulate with grief as he was when he cried, “O fool! fool! fool!,” Othello seems to have calmed himself and regained his dignity and, consequently, our respect (V.ii.332). He reminds us once again of his martial prowess, the quality that made him famous in Venice. At the same time,…
- 705 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
She promises to restore Othello and Cassius to good terms. Othello and Iago enter and Desdemona tells Cassio to stay and hear her speak. Cassio however refuses and leaves. Iago and Othello see Cassio leave and Iago plants seeds of doubts by describing Cassio’s departure as suspicious. Desdemona pleads with Othello to forgive Cassio and call him back.…
- 1835 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays -
Finally, power does not result in success, and only strips people of their previous power. Meanwhile, Othello and Desdemona are in court explaining the truth of their marriage. Brabantio questions the couple’s love for each other. However, Brabantio failed with his plan to manipulate Othello and Desdemona. “I am hitherto your daughter.…
- 306 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Desdemona is often seen as William Shakespeare’s ideal woman; she is pure, beautiful, loyal, insightful, and at times audacious when she feels she must be. In her first scene with her father, the Duke, she explains, “My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty… You are the lord of my duty; I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband… I challenge that I may profess, Due to the Moor my lord.” (I.iii.179-188) her speech not only shows her audacity before the Venetian senate, but also her insightful nature as she does not insist on her commitment to Othello is at the expense of respect for her father. Next she displays her loyalty as close friend Michael Cassio has lost his position beneath her husband after a drunken brawl. Seeing his grief, she repeatedly reminds her husband of his good nature. She continued to do so even when confronted with Othello’s aggravation, because of how much she cared for Cassio. Desdemona’s loyalty is definitively challenged Othello accused her of adultery and struck her face in front of Lodovico. Although she had been publicly humiliated, she followed Othello’s orders and left his sight. Finally she is a victim to Othello as he concludes that he will murder her…
- 1079 Words
- 5 Pages
Better Essays -
In the play ,Iago comes off as a diabolical character who sets everyone's lives on fire .However, his motives are often questioned as they seem relatively vague in the play.Throughout the play he cites various reasons to hate Othello.Firstly, he is upset by the fact that Iago chose Cassio over him and promoted Cassio.He feels that he was the perfect candidate for Cassio's position and feels insulted by Othello's choice.He confesses this to Roderigo in the following lines:…
- 1897 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays -
Othello, the Moor is accused for alluring Desdemona with the help of drugs and black magic. The lovers are cited to the Viennese senate. However stands up and tells her father that she totally loves his husband not because he wants to respect his father but because her duty is divided. While saying this Desdemona is standing in front of his father and denying his will in…
- 68 Words
- 1 Page
Satisfactory Essays -
Othello is the almighty, respected, and victorious General of the Venetian forces, but finds himself defeated in his most important battle. Othello past triumphs are proof of his strength and reputation, “For since these arms of mine had seven years’ pith” (Act I, Scene 3). Othello loyalty to the people of Venice is shown throughout the play, and the trust he…
- 1236 Words
- 4 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Brabanzio’s plan backfires. The duke and senate are very sympathetic toward Othello. Given a chance to speak for himself, Othello explains that he wooed and won Desdemona not by witchcraft but with the stories of his adventures in travel and war. The duke finds Othello’s explanation convincing, and Desdemona herself enters at this point to defend her choice in marriage and to announce to her father that her allegiance is now to her husband. Brabanzio is frustrated, but acquiesces and allows the senate meeting to resume. The duke says that Othello must go to Cyprus to aid in the defense against the Turks, who are headed for the island. Desdemona insists that she accompany her husband on his trip, and preparations are made for them to depart that night.…
- 1761 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays