A Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice, Othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, respected by all those around him. In spite of his elevated status, he is …

A short summary of William Shakespeare's Othello. This free synopsis covers all the crucial plot points of Othello.

From a general summary to chapter summaries to explanations of famous quotes, the SparkNotes Othello Study Guide has everything you need to ace quizzes, tests, and essays.

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 …

Othello recalls the time when he was blissfully unaware of Desdemona’s alleged betrayal, and as a result he lived in happy ignorance. Now that Iago has awakened jealousy and suspicion in …

A summary of Act I: Scene iii in William Shakespeare's Othello. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of Othello and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, …

Othello discusses his race throughout the play—usually in response to something a white Venetian says—but here he makes his first negative reference to it, suggesting that perhaps …

Othello’s violent plan to achieve justice is rooted in his sense that he has complete ownership and control over his wife, and that he can literally decide whether she lives or dies.

In the end, Othello stifles the speech that made Desdemona so powerful. Tragically, Desdemona is apparently aware of her imminent death. She, not Othello, asks Emilia to put her wedding …

Explanation of the famous quotes in Othello, including all important speeches, comments, quotations, and monologues.