Othello Summary

William Shakespeare's "Othello" is a tragedy that explores themes of jealousy, manipulation, and the destructive power of deceit. The play centers on Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, who has secretly married Desdemona, the daughter of a nobleman. Othello's ensign, Iago, harbors a deep resentment towards Othello and concocts a plan to ruin him. By manipulating those around him, Iago sows seeds of doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona's fidelity, suggesting she is having an affair with Cassio, Othello's loyal lieutenant. Consumed by jealousy and driven to madness, Othello murders Desdemona, only to learn too late of her innocence and Iago's treachery. Overwhelmed by guilt, Othello takes his own life. Iago's motivations and actions expose the darker aspects of human nature, and the play concludes with his arrest but leaves his ultimate fate unresolved. "Othello" is celebrated for its complex characters, profound emotional depth, and its exploration of themes such as race, trust, and betrayal.