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| Neb English Support Class 12 |
Othello by William Shakespeare
SHORT STORYLINE
Othello by William Shakespeare
Iago manipulates everyone. Othello gets really jealous of him. (Almost everyone dies.)
SHORT SUMMARY
Othello by William Shakespeare
Iago is quite furious about being overlooked for promotion and plots to avenge his general, Othello, the Moor of Venice. Iago manipulates Othello, makes him believe his wife Desdemona is unfaithful, and stirs Othello's jealousy. Othello allows envy to consume him, kills Desdemona, and later kills himself.
DETAILED SUMMARY
Othello by William Shakespeare
Act I
Before the start of Othello, Roderigo is pursuing Desdemona, a Venetian noblewoman. One night, he hears from his army friend Iago that Desdemona has secretly married his general, the Moorish Othello. Iago holds a grudge against Othello for ignoring Iago for the rank of lieutenant. Instead, Othello chooses Michael Cassio, leaving Iago only in the low rank of ensign. Iago urges Roderigo to keep on his pursuit of Desdemona. He knows that Desdemona's father, Senator Brabantio, would not like Othello as a son-in-law. So late at night, both Iago and Roderigo wake up Brabantio and relate to him the news of Desdemona. An angry Brabantio summons the militia to arrest Othello. At that moment, officials arrive to summon Brabantio to an immediate meeting of the Senate. The Senate is mainly concerned about the threat of a Turkish invasion fleet on Cyprus. Filled with fury, Brabantio goes to the council.
Brabantio interrupts the running council, claiming vengeance against Othello. Othello is already present there, as he has just been put in command of the army to repel (turn away) the Turks. Othello explains how his tales of military prowess have helped him earn Desdemona's love (after all, a good story is the most important trait in a mate). Later, Desdemona is summoned to reinforce the story and defend her marriage. Following Desdemona's rescue, her father disowns her, and she chooses to accompany Othello on his campaign. She decides to travel in the care of Lieutenant Cassio and with Iago's wife, Emilia.
Act II
In Cyprus, the Cypriot governor Montano and his soldiers greet Cassio, Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia as they disembark. Soon Othello arrives with news that a storm at sea has scattered the Turkish fleet. The night of the celebration is announced. Roderigo admits to having doubts about his ability to woo Desdemona, but Iago assures him that there is hope left. He urges Roderigo to challenge Cassio to a duel that night because, as Iago claims, Desdemona is actually falling in love with him. When night falls, Iago gets Cassio drunk, and Roderigo incurs his anger. The governor, Montano, is stabbed during his efforts to stop Cassio. Othello is angered by the fight and blames Cassio, removing his recently honoured officer status.
Act III
The following day, Iago starts convincing Cassio to ask Desdemona for help in regaining his position. When Cassio asks, Desdemona innocently shows her agreement. Meanwhile, Iago plants seeds of jealousy in Othello's mind, suggesting that Desdemona is overfond of Cassio. With no reason to suspect Iago's evil intentions, Othello begins watching his wife. Othello is furious when Desdemona doesn't find the first gift (a handkerchief) that he had given her. The handkerchief is embroidered with strawberries, and it is especially important to Othello. But Desdemona had not lost the handkerchief. Iago commanded his wife, Emilia, to take it. Later, Iago hides the handkerchief where Cassio would find it easily. When Desdemona urges her husband to reconsider Cassio's demotion, Othello is jealous and suspects her of unfaithfulness.
Act IV
Iago keeps on fueling this jealousy. He encourages Othello to overhear and misinterpret part of a conversation between Cassio and his mistress Bianca. Cassio and Bianca discuss how Cassio obtained the embroidered handkerchief, which he gave later to Bianca to copy. Othello's excitement at whatever he hears brings on an epileptic fit. After recovering, he commands Iago to kill Cassio. Desdemona cannot understand Othello's changing attitude towards her. Othello hits on her even in the presence of his relative, Lodovico, who has come as an ambassador from Venice. As she prepares for bed, he talks with Emilia, singing to overcome the distress of losing her husband's trust.
Act V
Meanwhile, Roderigo begins to doubt that Iago is not the friend he appears to be. Nevertheless, Iago convinces him to attack Cassio that particular night (again, to be able to court Desdemona). In the fight that follows, Iago is undetected and wounds Cassio. He then re-enters as himself to accuse and kill Roderigo for the act of wounding Cassio.
Othello arrives in his bedroom to murder his sleeping wife as punishment for her alleged adultery. When she claims her innocence, he smothers her with a pillow. Emilia alerts the household, bringing Iago and the others to the scene. Othello defends himself, citing the handkerchief as evidence. Emilia learns what has happened and betrays Iago's plot against Othello. Iago, reacting to his wife's accusations, stabs her to death. After Othello wounds Iago, Iago is arrested and sent to trial (he doesn't even die). Othello, facing the inevitability of his own trial, makes use of a hidden weapon to commit suicide. The play ends with Cassio being reinstated and given command as governor of Cyprus.
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