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Othello

The Moore of Venice
Pages
144
Published
1603
Language
English

Synopsis

Othello, a Moorish general in the service of Venice, has won both military glory and the heart of Desdemona, whose father opposes their marriage. Sent to defend Cyprus, the couple seem poised for happiness, until Othello's trusted ensign Iago sets out to destroy him. Passed over for promotion and consumed by a resentment he barely explains, Iago becomes one of literature's great villains, weaving a web of insinuation and false evidence.

Drop by poisoned drop, Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful with his lieutenant Cassio. The general's noble self-command collapses into obsessive jealousy, and the tragedy accelerates toward a devastating conclusion. Around them, Iago manipulates everyone he touches, including his own wife Emilia and the foolish Roderigo.

Shakespeare's tragedy is a searing study of jealousy, trust, manipulation, and the racism Othello faces in Venetian society. Intimate where his other tragedies are vast, Othello turns on the terrible ease with which love can be turned into a weapon.

How it reads

Prose complexity 10/10
Content warnings (3)
ViolenceSuicideRacism

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