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Annotated by:
- Willms, Janice
- Date of entry: May-02-2006
- Last revised: Nov-28-2006
Summary
This is a play about gullibility, evil, and jealousy. Iago, the embodiment of evil intent, resents not having been promoted. In the opening scene, he announces his intention to avenge the wrong done him by Othello and Cassio. He devises elaborate schemes to turn Othello against Cassio by implicating Cassio in tryst with Desdemona, Othello's bride.
The scapegoating plan works and in a jealous rage Othello smothers his beloved. When he learns he has been duped, Othello kills himself. The author of the tragic deaths, Iago, is ordered by the new general, Cassio, to torture and execution.
Miscellaneous
First performed 1604; appears in print in First Folio of 1623. Also known as The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice.
Publisher
Signet
Place Published
New York
Edition
1963
Editor
Alvin Kernan
Page Count
124
Commentary