Othello

'Othello' by Shakespeare

I. Exposition
A. Time: Late 16th century. During the wars between Venice and Turkey.
B. Place: Venice early then Cyprus later on.
C. Mood & Atmosphere: Italian atmosphere. Mood is sporadic.
D. Preliminary Situation: Othello is a respected man in Venice as a great general. He is also truly in love with his wife Desdemona.

II. Plot
A. Initial Incident: Othello attempts to build a life with Desdemona. Iago, who is upset at Othello for not making him his lieutenant(and envious of Othello), plots to deceitfully ruin Othello by convincing him Desdemona is unfaithful.
B. Rising Action: Iago continues to plot and reveals his scheme: bring down Cassio, and to continually assert to Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful.
C. Climax: Iago plants a handkerchief to trick Othello in to seeing that Desdemona was unfaithful. Iago unsuccessfully attempts to kill Cassio. Othello kills his wife Desdemona, but later kills himself after Bianca reveals Iago's plot. Iago is taken away to be tortured.
D. Conclusion Othello: Othello kills himself after finding out he was tricked in to killing his innocent wife.
Iago: Iago is taken off to be tortured after his plot is revealed and Othello dies.
Desdemona: Smothered by Othello. Dies.

III. Characters
A. Protagonist: Othello
B. Antagonist: Iago
C. Secondary: Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, Brabantio, Duke of Venice, Emilia, Lodovico
D. Minor: Gratiano, Montano, Clown, Bianca

IV. Theme: The theme of this play is of tragic heroic love, deceit, and hints of racism.

V. Personal Reaction: To be honest I had to gradually adjust myself to be able to read this play. I believe the play was written in Old English, or early modern english after a bit of research. The play involves a lot of scheming, drama, naivety, and then action. How did Iago get away with so much? In the end of it all he receives only torture and his name/rank is removed, but he has successfully tricked the main characters in the play to kill each other and themselves. How can a General be so good yet could not see the trickery? Anyhow, I believe this play has become a standard for which many other people used. Shakespeare is brilliant.

VI. Evidence: Iago in Act 1 talking to Brabantio about Othello and Desdemona's relationship (little bit of racism):
Iago to Brabantio, "Your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs."

Iago exclaiming he hates "the moor"
Iago - "I hate the Moor;
And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets
He has done my office: I know not if 't be true;
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety."

Othello before killing himself:
Othello - "I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss."