Othello is trusted by everyone in Venice being called, "valiant Othello" and "brave Othello" and described as "...more fair than black" (I, iii, 286). ... In the stories he tells her and he father Brabantio, he tries to "shape an image of himself [that is] acceptable in Venice". He has an anxiety about his blackness, and is alienated within Venice (and always will be), very rarely being referred to as Othello, but more commonly given the title of "the Moor", "thick-lips", "the devil", "an old black ram" and "the beast with two backs". ... Iago tells Othello that he knows the "...country dis...

• Word Count: 1078
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Othello is trusted by everyone in Venice being called, "valiant Othello" and "brave Othello" and described as "...more fair than black" (I, iii, 286). ... In the stories he tells her and he father Brabantio, he tries to "shape an image of himself [that is] acceptable in Venice". He has an anxiety about his blackness, and is alienated within Venice (and always will be), very rarely being referred to as Othello, but more commonly given the title of "the Moor", "thick-lips", "the devil", "an old black ram" and "the beast with two backs". ... Iago tells Othello that he knows the "...country dis...

• Word Count: 1159
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

It can be inferred from the text that Venice (and Cyprus) were extremely patriarchal at the time that the play took place. ... Secondly, Desdemona can be said to be a very brave person, who would not be afraid of death. ... As Venice was evidently even more patriarchal and socially conservative than we are today, it must have been even more taboo at the time of the play. ... This is a young woman speaking in front of established older gentlemen who control the city of Venice. ... She has plenty of courage, and no reason to fear death. ...

• Word Count: 1219
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Venice is a commercial city centered on commerce and trade, the Duke being the somewhat haughty ruler of it all. Venice treats outsiders as well as women with a degree of disrespect. ... As the setting changes from Venice to Cypress, the tension of the story increases. ... Desdemona's death was completely useless and unfair. ...

• Word Count: 800
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Othello sends his letters back to Venice. ... Desdemona, meanwhile, brings Lodovico, who carries a letter ordering Othello back to Venice and giving the governorship of Cyprus to Cassio. ... Desdemona discusses fidelity and death with Emilia, singing a doleful song. ... Othello wounds Iago, but leaves his death to others, who can torture him, then kills himself. ...

• Word Count: 707
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

The opening act of Othello establishes that Othello takes an important position in Venice that gives him high status and the privileges that come from it. ... The people of Venice, especially Iago and Brabantio, refer to Othello as a Moor: "I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor/ are now making the beast with two backs" their references to Othello as "a moor" are said with a derogatory tone. ... Iago then manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona had been unfaithful to him which results in disastrous tragedy – death. ... Desdemo...

• Word Count: 944
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Referred to as "The Moor- due to his diverse race and is also the general of the armies of Venice, Othello sometimes presents himself as an outsider as well as a respectable and essential part of Venetian society. ... Othello easily fits this definition as he is the General of Venice. ... The act of kissing Desdemona as she lay on her death bed emphasizes his remorse and regret of what he has done, outlining that he realises and regrets his mistake to such a point that he kills himself over it. ...

• Word Count: 1235
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

As shown in the quote "Something sure of state, Either from Venice or some unhatch"d practice made to demonstrate here in Cyprus to him, Hath puddle his clear spirit; and in such cases Men's natures wrangle with inferior things" (III.iv.215) Every time Othello mistreats her, she dismisses it as a state affair. ... Othello vents most of his jealousy as anger by smothering Desdemona to death when she is on her deathbed. ...

• Word Count: 751
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Throughout the play Iago manipulates Othello's insecurities so that when he tells Othello that "In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks they dare not show their husbands " (3.3.202-03), Othello readily believes him. ... Othello's pride clouds his judgement throughout the play and ultimately causes both his and Desdemona's death. ... Whilst this trait may make Othello a much revered soldier, it also causes him to kill Desdemona with virtually no proof of her guilt and eventually leads to his own death. ... It is ultimately these flaws and personal circumstances that lead t...

• Word Count: 1190
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Although Othello was black, he was given societal approval by the people of Venice for his success and ability as a mercenary of war. ... Finally, he was submissive, eventually cursing his marriage, believing that "tis destiny unshunnable, like death " (III.iii.275); all men are destined to be cheated on. ...

• Word Count: 1083
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

In William Shakespeare's Othello, we are introduced to several characters throughout the course of the play, three of which are female. These characters are Desdemona, wife to Othello, Emilia, wife to Iago and Bianca, lover of Cassio. Shakespeare has chosen to present the reader with o...

• Word Count: 963
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School