SCENE SUMMARIES AND NOTES Act I, Scene 1 The play opens late at night on a street in Venice. ... He is confident that his service to Venice and his noble descent will cause everything to smooth over. ...

• Word Count: 6585
• Approx Pages: 26
• Grade Level: High School

Although Othello is a cultural and racial outsider in Venice, his skill as a soldier and leader is nevertheless valuable and necessary to the state, and he is an integral part of Venetian civic society. ...

• Word Count: 2512
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

The Duke of Venice, the most authoritative and powerful figure in the play, promised Brabantio to punish the offender "yea, though our proper son/Stood in your action- [1.3.68-69] Yet upon realizing the offender was indeed Othello, the much-needed general, sharply changes his attitude to that of sympathy to Othello and respect. ...

• Word Count: 3595
• Approx Pages: 14
• Grade Level: High School