What is the basic story of Othello?

The play is set in motion when Othello, a heroic black general in the service of Venice, appoints Cassio and not Iago as his chief lieutenant. Jealous of Othello’s success and envious of Cassio, Iago plots Othello’s downfall by falsely implicating Othello’s wife, Desdemona, and Cassio in a love affair.

What is the main point of Othello?

Some of the major themes in this play include racial prejudice, manipulation, and jealousy. Specifically, Othello is regarded as a beast by other characters because he is black. Iago is jealous of Cassio because Othello promotes him to a higher military position.

What are the 5 themes of Othello?

Othello Themes

• Prejudice. The most prominent form of prejudice on display in Othello is racial prejudice.
• Appearance vs. Reality.
• Jealousy.
• Manhood and Honor.
• Womanhood and Sexuality.

How do you write a good Othello essay?

When working on your Othello essay introduction, you should get a clear understanding of The Moor character and its origin. Your intro should thoroughly explain the subject to your audience. Don’t forget to include a thesis which discloses the central message of your paper. Put it at the end of your intro.

Why is Iago so evil?

In the play Othello, by William Shakespeare, Iago appears to be evil, very clever, and ruthless when manipulating other characters and using their weaknesses to his advantage. Iago is aware of Roderigo’s disappointment over her marriage, so he knows he can manipulate Roderigo to create problems for Othello.

Did Othello slept with Iago’s wife?

At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets / He has done my office” (I. iii. 369–370 ).

Who is the most jealous in Othello?

Iago
Iago is jealous of both Othello’s success and the fact that Othello made Cassio a lieutenant. Iago claims that Cassio has never set a foot on the battlefield and that in promoting Cassio Othello has chosen by letter and affection and not by old gradation (Act 1. Scene 1).

How is jealousy a theme in Othello?

In essence, jealousy is a paramount theme that runs throughout Othello. It is propagated by Iago who goes to all lengths to make everybody envious and angry. He literarily destroys Othello by making him jealous of his wife. As it has come out from the study, almost all characters are affected by this theme.

What does thick lips mean in Othello?

Thick-lips. “Thick-lips” is a racial slur toward the Moor, Othello. Thick-lips sure is lucky if he can pull this off! IAGO. Call up her father.

Is Iago an evil character?

The Evil Iago of Shakespeare’s Othello He lies and deceives with half-truths, to achieve his revenge, causing distrust and ultimately murder and suicide. This makes Iago one of the most evil, but most memorable characters, if not in all of literature, at least in all of Shakespeare.

Who is the most evil character in Othello?

Iago is the play’s main antagonist, and Othello’s standard-bearer. He is the husband of Emilia, who is in turn the attendant of Othello’s wife Desdemona.

What is the summary of Othello?

“Othello” is a play, better said a tragedy, in which the main theme it Othello’s jealousy and revenge and the main motives are racism, love, jealousy, betrayal and fraud in the main conflict between Othello and Cassio. The plot is settled in Cyprus between 1489 and 1570. The objective narrator is in the third person.

What are the character traits of Othello?

Error of Judgement (hamartia).

What does Othello fear?

Love and ultimately the fear of rejection, shame, loss of reputation and self-worth intertwine in Othello to create an almost personal tragedy. The circumstances are real and an audience can relate…

What does Othello think of Iago?

Iago has a reputation for honesty , for reliability and direct speaking. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as “honest Iago .” He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character who acts against his reputation.