Othello

Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, likely written around 1603–1604 and first printed in 1622. The drama centers on Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his descent into jealousy orchestrated by his ensign, Iago. After Othello secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian nobleman, Iago resents him for promoting Cassio and for the marriage, and he crafts a meticulous plot to convince Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful.

Iago manipulates circumstances, insinuates infidelity, and exploits Othello’s insecurity, using a stolen handkerchief as supposed proof and turning others, including Desdemona’s loyal confidante Emilia, into instruments of deception. As Iago’s deceit takes hold, Othello’s trust in Desdemona erodes, and he becomes consumed by jealousy and rage. Desdemona maintains her innocence, while Iago’s scheming ignites a chain of violence within the Venetian ranks and on the island of Cyprus.

In the climax, Othello confronts Desdemona, who pleads for understanding. He kills her and, only afterward, learns the truth of her fidelity and Iago’s deceit. Emilia exposes Iago’s plots, leading to Iago’s exposure and capture; Othello wounds Cassio and, overwhelmed by remorse, kills himself. Desdemona’s death is followed by Othello’s self-inflicted demise, marking the play as a tragedy of trust breached and virtue betrayed.

Themes in Othello include jealousy, reputation, racial prejudice, appearance versus reality, and the corrosive power of manipulation. The play remains a central work in the Shakespearean canon, frequently staged and analyzed for its complex psychology and dramatic structure.