Othello

Othello and Desdemona in Venice by Théodore Chassériau

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Otelo e Desdémona - Antonio Muñoz Degraín

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Othello costume

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Othello and Desdemona by Alexandre-Marie Colin

MoorishAmbassador to Elizabeth I

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Title Page of Othello from the First Folio, printed in 1623

Othello 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, first published in 1565. The work revolves around four central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army; his beloved wife, Desdemona; his loyal lieutenant, Cassio; and his trusted but ultimately deceitful ensign, Iago. Given its varied and enduring themes of racism, love, jealousy, and betrayal, Othello is still widely performed in professional and community theatre alike and has been the basis for numerous operatic, film, and literary adaptations.

Plot

The play opens in Venice, where Othello, the Moorish general of the Venetian army, has secretly married Desdemona, the young and beautiful daughter of a prominent senator, Brabantio. Upon discovering the marriage, Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter, but Othello defends his love for Desdemona before the Duke of Venice, and Brabantio is forced to accept the marriage.

Othello is then ordered to Cyprus to defend against a Turkish invasion. Iago, angry at being passed over for promotion in favor of Cassio, plots to destroy Othello by insinuating that Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio. Through a series of manipulations, Iago plants the seed of jealousy in Othello's mind, leading to the tragic downfall of the noble general.

Themes

Othello explores several themes that are still relevant today. The theme of racism is evident through the treatment of Othello by other characters, particularly Iago, who refers to Othello with derogatory terms. The theme of jealousy, often referred to as "the green-eyed monster," is the primary cause of Othello's downfall, showcasing the destructive power of this emotion. Love, as depicted in Othello and Desdemona's relationship, is shown in its most pure and tragic form, ultimately leading to the devastating consequences of betrayal.

Characters

• Othello - The play's protagonist and a Moorish general in the service of Venice.
• Desdemona - Othello's wife, a young Venetian woman of high moral and social standing.
• Iago - Othello's ensign who deceives him into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful.
• Cassio - Othello's loyal lieutenant, who becomes unwittingly embroiled in Iago's schemes.
• Emilia - Iago's wife and Desdemona's attendant, who plays a crucial role in the revelation of Iago's deceit.
• Brabantio - Desdemona's father, a Venetian senator who is initially opposed to her marriage to Othello.

Adaptations

Othello has been adapted into various forms, including opera, film, and literature. Notable adaptations include Verdi's opera Otello, which closely follows the plot of the play, and the film O (2001), which sets the story in a modern-day high school.

Legacy

Othello remains one of Shakespeare's most powerful and moving tragedies. Its exploration of themes such as racism, jealousy, and betrayal, combined with its complex characters and dramatic plot, ensure its continued popularity and relevance. The play is a staple of professional and amateur theatre and is studied extensively in educational settings around the world.

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