Mod B: Critical Study of Literature - Othello

Othello

A Black general in Venice. Brave, respected, but insecure. Tricked by Iago into killing his wife.

Desdemona

Othello’s loving wife. Loyal and kind. Wrongly accused of cheating and killed by Othello.

Iago

Othello’s soldier. Hates Othello and tricks everyone. Lies, manipulates, and causes the tragedy.

Cassio

Othello’s lieutenant. Polite and loyal. Gets framed by Iago as having an affair with Desdemona.

Emilia

Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maid. Speaks out at the end and exposes Iago’s lies.

Roderigo

A foolish man who wants Desdemona. Helps Iago but is used and killed by him.

Why does Iago hate Othello?

He’s jealous of Cassio’s promotion, suspects Othello with his wife, and is racist.

Why does Iago target Cassio?

He’s jealous Cassio got the job. Frames him to hurt Othello.

How is Othello treated differently?

People use racist insults and don’t fully trust or accept him, even though he’s powerful.

What’s the tragedy in Othello?

Othello is tricked into thinking Desdemona cheated, and kills her. Then kills himself.

Theme: Jealousy

Destroys trust and leads to violence. Seen in Othello (romantic) and Iago (professional).

Theme: Appearance vs Reality

People believe lies instead of truth. Iago pretends to be honest, but he's the villain.

Theme: Racism

Othello is judged for being Black. This adds to his insecurity and downfall.

Theme: Manipulation

Iago controls people by pretending to help them. He uses lies to ruin lives.

Theme: Trust

Othello trusts Iago instead of Desdemona, leading to tragedy.

Act 1 Summary

Othello marries Desdemona. Iago gets angry and plans revenge.

Act 2 Summary

In Cyprus. Iago gets Cassio drunk. Cassio is demoted. Iago starts his trick.

Act 3 Summary

Iago makes Othello suspicious. Desdemona loses her handkerchief. Othello believes the lies.

Act 4 Summary

Othello is consumed by jealousy. Yells at Desdemona. Iago’s lies work.

Act 5 Summary

Othello kills Desdemona. Emilia reveals the truth. Othello kills himself. Iago is arrested.

Handkerchief Symbol

A gift from Othello. Iago uses it as fake “proof” of Desdemona cheating.

Othello’s downfall – Why?

He’s too trusting of Iago, insecure about his race, and quick to believe the worst.

What is a ‘tragic hero’?

A great person who has a flaw that leads to their downfall — like Othello.

Why is Iago so effective?

He knows how to lie, twist words, and make people trust him.

What’s Emilia’s role?

She’s loyal to Desdemona. Tells the truth at the end and reveals Iago’s lies.

Authorial Purpose (overall)

Shakespeare shows how jealousy, racism, and manipulation destroy people and relationships.

What does Shakespeare say about jealousy?

That it’s dangerous and irrational — it ruins love and honour.

What does Shakespeare say about trust?

Trusting the wrong person can lead to disaster. Othello’s tragic flaw is misplaced trust.

What does Shakespeare say about racism?

Racism isolates people and damages their identity. Othello starts to believe what others say.

Symbol: The Handkerchief

Represents Othello and Desdemona’s love. Iago uses it to twist that love into jealousy.

Symbol: The Willow Song (Desdemona sings)

Symbol of sadness, betrayal, and a woman dying for love. Foreshadows her death.

Symbol: Light and Dark

Darkness = secrecy and lies. Light = truth. Othello kills Desdemona in the dark.

Form: Tragedy

A noble hero (Othello) falls because of a personal flaw (jealousy, insecurity).

Dramatic Irony Example

The audience knows Iago is lying, but Othello doesn’t — this builds tension and frustration.

Foreshadowing in Othello

Desdemona’s talk of dying, the lost handkerchief, and the willow song all hint at tragedy.

Why is Iago so disturbing as a villain?

He has no clear reason. He causes pain just because he can.

How does Shakespeare show manipulation?

Through Iago’s clever use of language — questions, suggestions, “proof”, and repetition.

How does Shakespeare use language to show control?

Iago dominates scenes with questions and commands. Othello’s speech gets more broken as he falls apart.

How does Shakespeare show Othello's downfall?

His calm, poetic language turns violent and scattered as jealousy takes over.

How is Desdemona idealised?

She’s shown as pure, loyal, and gentle — which makes her death more tragic.

How is power shown in the play?

Military, social, racial, and emotional power all shift — Iago gains power through manipulation.

What is Othello’s tragic flaw?

He’s too trusting of Iago and doubts himself because of insecurity.

Why does Othello believe Iago so easily?

He’s insecure about his race and marriage — he feels like an outsider.

How does setting affect the play?

Venice = order and civilisation. Cyprus = chaos and war — where Iago’s plan succeeds.

Contrast: Iago vs Othello

Othello is honourable but naive. Iago is clever but evil.

Why is the play still relevant today?

It explores timeless issues: racism, jealousy, toxic relationships, and trust.

How is Desdemona treated unfairly?

She’s loyal, but accused, silenced, and murdered — represents innocent suffering.

How is Emilia important?

She exposes Iago and speaks up about gender inequality. A brave and tragic figure.