The Tragedy of OthelloWilliam Shakespeare

Introduction

Background

Discussion Starters

The Tragedy of OthelloWilliam Shakespeare

Othello: Introduction

Jealousy…

Hypocrisy… Passion…

Prejudice…

Revenge…

Othello: Introduction

Othello is a general, a military leader, in Venice hundreds of years ago.

But he is an outsider because he is from another country—and of another race.

Othello: Introduction

When Othello secretly marries the young, beautiful and noble Desdemona,

her father, Brabantio, wants Othello to be arrested.

But Desdemona loves Othello and doesn’t care that he is an outsider.

Othello: Introduction

At the same time, the men in the army under Othello can’t be trusted.

Cassio means well but is open to bad influences.

Iago pretends to be Othello’s friend, but secretly resents him for passing him over for promotion.

Othello: Introduction

Iago is determined to get revenge.

He decides to attack Othello in his most vulnerable spot…

his love for Desdemona.

Othello: Introduction

Will Othello be able to see through Iago’s schemes?

Or will jealousy and revenge turn to murder?

Othello: Background

Othello is from North Africa, while Desdemona is from Venice, in Italy.

Their marriage is a meeting of cultures and races.

Othello: Background

Shakespeare included Moorish characters in other plays: The Merchant of Venice and Titus Andronicus. He used them to represent outsiders.

Othello is sometimes referred to as “the Moor.” Moors are people with mixed Berber and Arab groups living in northwestern Africa.

Othello: Background

Racism is an important concept in Othello,

as is the idea of judging others on the basis of their appearance rather than what’s in their hearts.

Desdemona often speaks about her faith.

Othello: Background

Othello often uses animal imagery.

The way a character speaks in Shakespeare’s plays signals the way his or her mind is working. It can also tell you what kind of person the character is.

Othello: Discussion Starters

Discuss (1)

What groups are sometimes treated as outsiders in the United States today?

• Why are they seen by others as outsiders?

• How do others react to them?

Othello: Discussion Starters

Discuss (2)

Othello depicts many problems that arise from jealousy and greed.

• Do these emotions still cause problems today?

• If so, what problems have you seen them create?