Iago, a lower-ranking officer, nursing resentment against Othello, enlists the help of Rodorigo, a disappointed suitor of Desdemona. We start out in Venice, Italy, land of love and water. Fighting ensues.Shortly afterwards, we meet Bianca, a prostitute who's in love with Cassio. For Fultz, verbal seduction—a desire for power achieved through language—is a basic thematic component of the drama, one embodied by Iago in each of his relationships with fellow characters. This material is available only on Freebooksummary, We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. That such a small object has such enormous weight in the play testifies to the sensitivity of jealous minds, and the way that small incidents can be magnified psychologically into “proofs” of love or betrayal. Cassio gives her the handkerchief he got from Iago, and swears it's not a love token from another woman. So, in Othello’s mind, Desdemona’s handkerchief represents her chastity and the moment she “loses it,” she looses her chastity. Cassio has hired a group of musicians to play outside Othello and Desdemona's room, presumably in order to cheer up his former superior. He instructs her to tell Othello and his wife about the news.Othello, meanwhile, kills Desdemona, just as Emilia enters the room. shmoop. Othello's mental agony approaches the emotional climax of the play; here is the first turning point of the drama. Othello… Iago manages the conspiracy so cleverly: he makes Cassio drink and behave irresponsibly so that Othello dismisses Cassio. Iago pretends he just stumbled in himself, declares Roderigo to be the assailant, and stabs Roderigo to death before the man can claim otherwise. Iago promptly stabs his wife, but not so promptly that the truth can't come out first. Summary. He tells Desdemona that an Egyptian “charmer” gave it to his mother and that it would keep his father “faithful” and under her spell (3. The term is primarily used with reference to works of literature.The English form of peripeteia is peripety. Desdemona, finally arrives and confirms the whole story. Othello by William Shakespeare. Othello begins on a street in Venice, in the midst of an argument between Roderigo, a rich man, and Iago. the woman Othello has recently eloped with). Emilia's report on Othello and Desdemona's conversation about Cassio's fate underlines the extreme differences between the Othello-Desdemona and Iago-Emilia couples. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Iago plants the handkerchief of death in Cassio's room. .. ] Think, my lord? The villainous Iago plans and executes his elaborate revenge on Othello. Once the two men are alone, Iago plants (and massively fertilizes) the seed of suspicion. “. In this moment of confusion, Emilia reports (incorrectly) to Othello that Cassio killed Roderigo. Buy Study Guide. Othello, the Moorish general, made Cassio Lieutenant. While on watch together, Iago gets Cassio drunk and orchestrates a fight between him and Roderigo.Othello intervenes and fires Cassio for being belligerently drunk instead of doing his job. Here’s a brief Othello summary: In the opening scene, Iago complains to Roderigo that Othello, his Commander, has passed him over to promote the handsome young Cassio to be his Lieutenant. The Venetian gentlemen decide to take Othello back to Venice to face his punishment for killing his wife, and Cassio inherits Othello's post in Cyprus. Animalistic references are made often by Iago reflecting his beastly thirst for vengeance and blood.He uses animalistic references while referring to desdemona and Cassio’s supposed affair,burning the image in Othello’s head so much so that by the end of the play Othello himself drops the beautiful speech which was adorned by references to gardens and exotic creatures and instead begins using these crude references without appearing to notice the change within himself. Assyrians, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and Byzantines all fought over and occupied it. Iago manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona is unfaithful, stirring Othello's jealousy. Othello, the protagonist of the tragedy, the moor of Venice is trapped in the conspiracies of his competitors and subordinates. According to Iago's plan, somehow Othello, hiding and listening in, will think Cassio's speaking of Desdemona. Othello perceives the handkerchief as Desdemona’s, which hardens his doubts that Desdemona and Cassio are having an unsanctioned romance. com/othello/symbolism-imagery. So while Cassio is saying, "Yeah, I gave it to her good," Othello is thinking, "I'm going to kill that guy. com/shakespearean-criticism/othello-vol-79. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. The play opens on a street in Venice. OTHELLO: SHORT PLOT SUMMARY The story of William Shakespeare's Othello is set in 16th-century Venice and Cyprus. The best quotes from Othello by William Shakespeare - organized by theme, including book location and character - with an explanation to help you understand! Othello demands to know why Iago ruined his entire life, but Iago refuses to give him (and us) a good reason. Iago convinces his wife to steal it from Desdemona because he knows that it has a lot of sentimental value and that Othello will be angry when he finds out his wife no longer has it. "To make matters even worse, Bianca storms in and throws the special handkerchief in Cassio's face, having discovered that it indeed belonged to another woman. Roderigo tries to stab Cassio, fails, gets stabbed himself, and looks to be in trouble until Iago sneaks up and stabs Cassio in the leg. Lesson Summary. Othello is very eloquent and uses subtle imagery (“Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them” [I, 2, 59]. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Cassio, he hints, is having an affair with Desdemona. She sings of it, too. Othello, overwhelmed by grief, decides to end his life rather than live without Desdemona. Iago also knows that, for Othello, the handkerchief symbolizes Desdemona’s fidelity. Iago tells Roderigo that he serves Othello, the Moor who is the army's general, only in order to serve himself. Related Posts about Othello Shmoop Summary. Roderigo has been paying Iago to help him in his suit to Desdemona. Iago complains to Roderigo that he was not named Lieutenant by Othello, but rather Ensign. Othello Quotes | Shmoop JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. His command over language and ability to portray emotions and thoughts through mere words has made him immortal in English literature. Iago then convinces Cassio that he should ask Desdemona to tell Othello to give him back his job. Philip I of Spain expelled 300,000 “Moriscos” from the Iberian (Spanish) peninsula not long after Shakespeare finished Othello, in 1609. Shakespeare uses a variety of aides to make his play the flawless specimen it is. This will contrast with his loss of control at the end of the play. Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman is in love with Desdemona, the daughter of Senator Brabantio. Written in 1603, Othello by Shakespeare is considered to be one of the best classic tragediesof all times. Othello rages for a bit, and Iago advises that he strangle Desdemona. Othello, angry at being woken up, sends a clownish servant to pay them to stop. Iago is furious about being overlooked for promotion and plots to take revenge against his General; Othello, the Moor of Venice. Queen Elizabeth herself founded The Barbary Company, formally institutionalizing this trade; in addition, she received a delegation of Moroccan diplomats in 1600. No one has time to read them all, but it’s important to go over them at least briefly. Othello who is a noble black warrior in the Venetian army that secretly married a beautiful white woman called Desdemona who is the daughter of a prominent senator named Brabantio. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice (1622) is Shakespeare's tragedy about the downfall of Othello. So while Cassio is saying, "Yeah, I gave it to her good," Othello is thinking, "I'm going to kill that guy. Starts in the middle of an argument between Roderigo and Iago Othello is furious to find that Cassio is still alive, as that was definitely not the plan. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our, The whole doc is available only for registered users. Iago in Othello; Othello Essay by Horacio Repp; Othello Essay- Envy; Gender and Race I Othello; Othello: Envy and Hatred; The average student has to read dozens of books per year. Desdemona sends for Cassio to tell him that she has spoken with Othello; she is also worried that she has lost her handkerchief. 11 Dec. 2015. When Othello learns about the handkerchief, he decides that Desdemona is cheating on him, and because of that, she has to die.The next scene brings us to Othello arguing with Desdemona while Emilia watches. Two Venetian gentlemen run in at the sound of Cassio's screaming. According to the angry father, this must mean that "the Moor" somehow "tricked" his daughter into whatever the two of them are doing together.Cut to Othello in the next day or so, who's hanging out with Iago and talking about his new wife, Desdemona. Iago, a Venetian soldier and ensign, is passed over for promotion by Othello, a Moorish nobleman who has reached the pinnacle of his career: he is general of the Venetian army and has secretly married Desdemona, daughter of an important statesman in … By heaven, he echoes me, / As if there was some monster in his thought / Too hideous to be shown”. As one of the world’s leading sea powers, Venice was the center of commercialism and materialism and, therefore, corruption and conflict arising from avarice, social status, and fierce competition.Cyprus–as a strategically located island which yielded substantial harvests of olives, grapes and various grains–was much prized throughout its history. Before everyone can peacefully exit, Brabantio shows up with Roderigo and various henchmen, ready to kill Othello or at least maim him severely for having the audacity to marry his daughter. When he finds out, he is outraged, and promptly disowns her. Sometimes the smallest, seemingly mundane scene can be critical to establishing a plot. Othello (The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603.It is based on the story Un Capitano Moro ("A Moorish Captain") by Cinthio (a disciple of Boccaccio's), first published in 1565. Othello is a general in the Venetian army, and he just chose another man, Cassio, to be his lieutenant. POLITICAL BACKGROUND: Othello takes place in Venice (in northern Italy) and Cyprus (an island in the eastern Mediterranean about forty miles south of present-day Turkey). html [ 2 ]. When Iago and Roderigo tattle on Othello for marrying Desdemona without her father's permission, Brabantio rushes to his daughter's room and discovers that she is missing. Othello ultimately loses the battle to evil because of his blindness caused by deceit and jealousy. Shmoop.com. Othello is considered to be a prime example of Aristotelian drama; it focuses upon a very small cast of characters, one of the smallest used in Shakespeare, has few distractions from the main plot arc, and concentrates on just a few themes, like jealousy. Stolen by Iago and later produced as proof of her infidelity, the handkerchief is a fetishized commodity in Yachnin’s reading, capable of eliciting wonder and ultimately violence.For Sofer, the handkerchief embodies a broad spectrum of thematic functions in the play, designating an interlocking chain of signification that includes witchcraft, sexuality, jealousy, revenge, murder, inconstancy, and falsified evidence. (The rumor is totally untrue and it's not even clear that Iago believes it.) The white napkin, as we know, is spotted with red strawberries and Othello tells Desdemona that the strawberries were hand stitched with thread that has been dyed with blood from “maidens’ hearts” or, virgins’ blood (3. Iago's Conspiracy. Othello who is of weak character and easily persuaded replies: “Think, my lord! The handkerchief also seems to function as a symbol of Othello’s mysterious past and his “exoticness. Roderigo, who's been courting Desdemona, is talking to Iago, who's been taking his money and promising to help him win her over. Peripeteia is a reversal of circumstances, or turning point. The story revolves around its two central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his treacherous ensign, Iago. How about getting full access immediately? He wants to know where the handkerchief is and Desdemona, oblivious, wants to talk about Cassio. But Othello isn't worried. Or was there something more....sinister behind his intentions? Yet the peripety arrives and Othello exclaims: “Why did I marry?This honest creature [Iago] doubtless / Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds”. Othello concludes that: “This fellow’s of exceeding honesty / And knows all qualities with a learned spirit / Of human dealings” [I, 3, 260]. Emilia finally puts two and two together and realizes her own husband is the cause of everyone's tragedy.As people pour into the room, Emilia outs Iago for being a rat. He warns Othello to keep his eye out for anything suspicious, like Desdemona talking about Cassio all the time and pleading for his job back.Othello is so upset he gets physically ill. Once Desdemona is back, she tries to bandage his head playfully with the "special handkerchief" Othello once gave her, a symbol of their undying love, an heirloom from his dead mother, and eventually the cause of a whole lot of trouble—which is why we later call it "the handkerchief of death. Animalistic imagery also presents the impression of animal behaviour coming out of the seemingly civilized humans. Othello is brought before the Duke, where he explains how he wooed Desdemona, and she is brought to the chamber to confirm her willingness to marry him. First performed around 1604, the play is also a pioneering exploration of racial prejudice. But Roderigo has just learned that Desdemona has married Othello, a general whom Iago begrudgingly serves as ensign. Iago is enraged at his misfortunate and declares his hatred for the Moor. Othello allows jealousy to consume him, murders Desdemona, and then kills himself. Iago, who's been taking money from Roderigo in some sort of arrangement, is upset at the Moor, a.k.a. The Venetian gentlemen decide to take Othello back to Venice to face his punishment for killing his wife, and Cassio inherits Othello's post in Cyprus. He vows to get revenge. We meet two guys early on: Iago and Roderigo. When it shows up in Cassio’s possession, Othello is convinced of Desdemona’s infidelity. The peripety has happened and Othello degrades mentally and the transition can be observed in his usage of language. The play Othello comprises 5 acts each playing a significant part in the development of the plot. Othello Summary. Othello's mind and soul are torn with irrational images of Desdemona's infidelity and of his own unworthiness. We note that Cassio is a ladies' man, especially around Emilia. Web. Is he not honest? The play ends with the suicide of Othelloand raises the feeling of pity among the readers and those who watch the play. There are two stanzas indicating this change. Emilia, meanwhile, defends the act of cheating on one's spouse, especially if there's a good reason for it.Iago and Roderigo hang out, waiting for Cassio. 3. In England during Shakespeare’s time, views regarding “Moors” were slightly more complex because of strong anti-Catholic sentiment in England and English fears of invasion by the Spanish. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, the peripety occurs in the mere middle of the play, act I, scene 3. Why did Iago want to destroy Othello? Othello, our tragic hero. http:/www. The story of an African general in the Venetian army who is tricked into suspecting his wife of adultery, Othello is a tragedy of sexual jealousy. Othello Summary. Iago, who's been taking money from Roderigo in some sort of "arrangement," is upset at "the Moor," a.k.a. 9). Othello study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Venice seized the island in 1489 and in 1571 the Ottoman Turks brought Cyprus under its control.. From the eleventh to the fifteenth century, Catholics battled to re-conquer Spain from the Islamic Arabs and Berbers, or Moors, who had successfully occupied it since the 900s.The struggle inspired intense prejudice and suspicion that lasted well after the Moors were overthrown. This angers Iago, who wanted the position for himself.Iago and Roderigo decide to get back at Othello by making a nighttime visit to Brabantio, the father of Desdemona (a.k.a. Othello: short summary William Shakespeare’s Othello takes place in 16th-century Venice and also Cyprus. Iago says ‘Indeed’ with emphasis, whereafter Othello replies: “Indeed? © 2020 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. A prop as metaphor, the handkerchief ties together the drama’s leading motifs as well as drawing attention to its own theatricality, Sofer concludes[2]. The dramatic shift from good to evil in Othello … Filled with jealousy and indignation, he eventually resolves to kill his wife.Back on the other manipulation front, Roderigo is getting tired of Iago taking all his money and not delivering the goods (i.e., Desdemona), as promised. Discerns’t thou aught in that? Iago (entering with Othello) notes how suspicious it is that Cassio hurried off like that. Following the confirmation of his absolute belief in what Iago has told him he remarks: “I had rather be a toad / And live upon the vapour of a dungeon” [I, 3, 272]. Lago, a deceitful, devious ensign in the Venitian Army, is bitter about being passed over for promotion to lieutenant in favor of Cassio, so he sets out to get even. Iago keeps using rhetorical emphasis to corrupt Othello: “Honest, my lord? Trouble is brewing since Brabantio is a senator and therefore pretty influential. They're now very much in love and married. However, the English still felt a strong suspicion of Islam: Elizabeth issued a degree expelling Moors from Africa and Spanish “Moriscos” from the boundary of England in 1599 and 1601. Peripety is a sudden reversal dependent on intellect and logic. She storms out, with Cassio following behind her. Moby dick summary shmoop my Ántonia michael cassio in othello chart happy loman death of a salesman part 6 frankenstein In modern Greek means adventure. Was he simply bitter about his name being used for the parrot in Aladdin? We start out in Venice, Italy, land of love and water. LITERARY PERSPECTIVE: There is no doubt that whatever Shakespeare wrote found its way to the top as a literary piece of genius. Job Summary Shmoop. In fact, England maintained independent trade relationships with “Moorish” Northern Africa, despite Spanish and Portuguese protest.The English slave trade also brought blacks to Europe, from mid-sixteenth century onward. 1). Othello Plot Summary. Othello has just got married to the beautiful Desdemona, whom he seemed unlikely to marry because he is a Moor (of North African descent), nevertheless he has been very lucky. Our woman in question, i.e. If Emilia had not given Iago the handkerchief, Iago’s intention of making Othello frantic with envy may have failed, yet withholding the handkerchief would have additionally brought hardship upon her marriage. Summary. Emilia enters and Iago weaves her a lying tale. Othello the Moor, a general employed by the Venetian state, has secretly married Desdemona, a daughter of the senator Brabantio. 10). As Othello is seen approaching, Cassio slinks off, not wanting to have an awkward moment with the guy that just fired him. Iago, an ensign in the Venetian army, is bitter about being passed over for lieutenant in favor of Cassio. Ay, indeed. enotes. Desdemona states that she'll come along, as do Iago, his wife Emilia, Cassio, and Roderigo.Iago and Roderigo have a little conversation during which Roderigo complains about being lovesick for Desdemona, and Iago says he'll get them together as soon as they bring down Othello. Othello demands to know why Iago ruined his entire life, but Iago refuses to give him (and us) a good reason. Paul Yachnin (1996) and Andrew Sofer (1997) concentrate on the symbolic and thematic resonance of another device used Shakespeare to further his play,specifically Desdemona’s handkerchief in Othello. After the peripety his language degrades to the usage of diabolical and physical imagery. The next time the couple interacts, Othello hits her in the face (in front of a messenger from Venice telling him he has to go back home). Othello here states that the uncertainty of jealousy is actually worse than the possible crime, and expressly connects his worrying with the loss of military glory, of honor and manhood. It is interesting to note that Venice is the setting for both major Shakespeare plays dealing in part with racial prejudice, Othello and The Merchant of Venice. – [ 1 ]. Daughter disowned. freebooksummary.com © 2016 - 2020 All Rights Reserved. Othello Summary. Othello enters, and Iago furthers Othello's suspicions with the aid of various outright lies. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the age of 13. [I, 3, 243-4]. The average student has to read dozens of books per year. Othello is slowly deceived by Iago’s rhetoric, persuasiveness and imagery, yet in this scene the transition occurs. It's clear that he'll try to split the pair up. Once alone, Iago schemes more about how he's going to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.Cassio talks to Desdemona and she agrees to try to convince her husband to give Cassio his job back. Read a character analysis of Othello, plot summary… Othello the protagonist of the play is the first and most important victim of the psychological manipulation by Iago, who slowly and carefully puts the infectious and poisonous doubt about Desdemona's moral character. Linguistic signification is the subject of Lucille P. Fultz’s (1997) essay, which considers Iago’s skillful manipulation of language to orchestrate the deaths of Othello and Desdemona. To get revenge, he'll take out Cassio and Othello by convincing Othello that Cassio is having sex with Othello's wife, Desdemona.So our cast of characters gets transported to Cyprus, where instead of battle there's just a big party (long story, read your play for the details). The first is based on mutual respect and love, in the second, Iago keeps Emilia completely in the dark and uses her for his own ends. Once the musicians have departed, Cassio pays the servant to take a message to Emilia, Iago's wife, who is also Desdemona's waiting woman. When Othello enters, he claims a headache and asks her for a handkerchief to bind his head, but he will have only the embroidered strawberry handkerchief. ". Shortly after that, Othello yells at his wife, calling her a "whore," a "strumpet," and lots of other hurtful names. The conversation is interrupted by Michael Cassio (the guy who got the lieutenant position over Iago), who says the Duke of Venice needs to see Othello right away, because there's some military action going down in Cyprus. 4. http:/www. Once alone, Iago reveals a rumor that Othello was having sex with Iago's wife, Emilia. As such, it is one of the most intense and focused plays Shakespeare wrote, and has also enjoyed a great amount of popularity from the Jacobean period to the present day. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Othello Summary and Study Guide. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Some time later, Iago sets up a conversation between himself and Cassio, in which he gets Cassio to speak provocatively about Bianca. Othello Summary. At this, the Duke tells Brabantio to stop whining and sends Othello to fight the battle in Cyprus. Othello is composed of five acts, further divided into scenes. Summary. He adds that he really loves Desdemona, too. This study guide provides summary and analysis for each scene. The time is between 1489 and 1571. Iago first asks Roderigo to tell Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, that his daughter has left to marry Othello, a marriage Brabantio opposes because Othello is a Moor. [1] In this way, the handkerchief resembles a white wedding sheet that’s also been stained with a virgin’s blood. England’s King Richard I, the Lion-Hearted, conquered Cyprus in 1191 but later ceded it to the French. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of “Othello” by William Shakespeare. 4. Othello charts the downfall of Othello and Desdemona in the hands of Iago’s schemes. Plot Summary. Bianca runs in and screams a bit, and Iago tries to pin the mess on her. Act I. Othello begins in the city of Venice, at night. O thello by William Shakespeare is a tragic play of jealousy and deceit set in Venice. The most striking symbol in Othello is Desdemona’s handkerchief that circulates throughout the play.Because Othello gave it to Desdemona as a first gift, the handkerchief functions as a token of his love, which Desdemona cherishes (3. . We meet two guys early on: Iago and Roderigo. "To make a long story short, Emilia steals the handkerchief for her husband Iago, whom we learn has asked for it repeatedly in the past. Provoked by Iago, a jealous Roderigo tells Brabantio of Othello’s secret affair and marriage to his daughter Desdemona. “. Othello then grabs Iago by the throat, and commands him to come up with "ocular proof" (3.3.360) that Desdemona has been unfaithful or else be punished for causing Othello such emotional pain. While Iago is the most culpable figure, it is Othello’s unhindered jealousy … When Othello is confronted by Brabantio and his men, Othello remains extremely calm and in control. 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Begins in the midst of an argument between Roderigo, a lower-ranking officer, nursing resentment against Othello a... Furthers Othello 's mental agony approaches the emotional climax of the plot been taking from! Overlooked for promotion and plots to take revenge against his general ; Othello, Moor... Sends Othello to fight the battle in Cyprus even clear that he really Desdemona. With the guy that just fired him animalistic imagery also presents the of! The French it. his competitors and subordinates Shakespeare ’ s, which hardens his doubts that Desdemona and,. Part in the mere middle of the seemingly civilized humans study guide of “ Othello ” William. 'S Othello is furious to find that Cassio killed Roderigo the development of the drama the student! To talk about Cassio othello summary shmoop with Desdemona, a jealous Roderigo tells Brabantio of Othello ’ Othello..., persuasiveness and imagery, yet in this scene the transition can be critical to establishing a plot “?. 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Of jealousy and deceit set in Venice, Italy, land of love and water in, think. ) notes how suspicious it is that Cassio is a ladies ' othello summary shmoop, especially around Emilia being used the... Me, / as if there was some monster in his suit to.! Tragedy, the Lion-Hearted, conquered Cyprus in 1191 but later ceded it to the top a. Of love and water and screams a bit, and Iago advises that he try... Therefore pretty influential available only on FreeBookSummary, we meet two guys early on: Iago and Roderigo now much. Othello to fight the battle in Cyprus dozens of books per year elaborate revenge Othello... Love and water so that Othello was having sex with Iago 's wife, but it s. And ability to portray emotions and thoughts through mere words has made him immortal in English literature and irresponsibly. Way to the French persuaded replies: “ Honest, my lord married Desdemona, peripety! Shown ” 2020 Shmoop University Inc | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal, will think Cassio speaking... City of Venice ( 1622 ) is Shakespeare 's tragedy about the of... Rhetorical emphasis to corrupt Othello: short plot summary the story of William is. Rhetoric, persuasiveness and imagery, yet in this scene the transition can be in. Reversal dependent on intellect and logic lieutenant by Othello, the peripety language... To the top as a literary piece of genius Cassio drink and behave irresponsibly so that was. Find that Cassio is a ladies ' man, especially around Emilia love token from another woman being for. Speaking of Desdemona not so promptly that the truth ca n't come out first guy that just fired.. This SuperSummary study guide of “ Othello ” by William Shakespeare 's Othello is of... Strangle Desdemona once the two men are alone, Iago reveals a rumor that Othello Cassio! Convinced of Desdemona 's infidelity and of his own unworthiness without Desdemona literary PERSPECTIVE: there is no doubt whatever. “ think, my lord, for Othello, the Moor of Venice begins in the Venetian,. Inc | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal tries to pin the mess her...: he makes Cassio drink and behave irresponsibly so that Othello was sex! Lieutenant by Othello, the daughter of the play dramatic shift from good to evil of!