Othello by William Shakespeare is a tragedy written in 1603 about the Moorish general Othello who, after promoting Michael Cassio over Iago, becomes the victim of Iago’s malicious scheme. Iago deceives Othello into believing his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful, which leads to jealousy, betrayal, and multiple tragic deaths. The play includes themes of racism, manipulation, and domestic violence.

Othello by William Shakespeare is widely praised for its compelling exploration of jealousy, race, and betrayal. Critics commend its rich character development and timeless themes. However, some find the plot implausible and Iago's motivations unconvincing. Overall, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking tragedy.

Ideal for readers who appreciate intense drama, complex characters, and timeless themes of jealousy, love, and betrayal, Othello by William Shakespeare captivates those who enjoy works like Macbeth and Wuthering Heights. Fans of tragic heroes and classic literature will find it compelling.

Dark / Mysterious / Unnerving / Emotional / Romantic

- Othello features one of Shakespeare's most famous stage directions, "He smothers her," a direction that is both understated and dramatic, occurring at a pivotal moment in the play.
- The character of Othello is unique in Shakespeare's works as he is one of the few protagonists who is a person of color, which has sparked extensive analysis and discussion regarding race and representation in literature.
- The first recorded performance of Othello was on November 1, 1604, at Whitehall Palace in London, making it one of the earlier plays performed during the Jacobean era.

William Shakespeare

Adult

Play

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Othello reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Othello | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Othello and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Othello Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Act Summaries & Analyses

Act I

Othello Act I Summary & Analysis

Act II

Othello Act II Summary & Analysis

Act III

Othello Act III Summary & Analysis

Act IV

Othello Act IV Summary & Analysis

Act V

Othello Act V Summary & Analysis

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

character

Character Analysis

Othello Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Othello Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Othello Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Othello Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Othello Essay Topics

Othello

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Othello?

Reading Age

Book Details