Othello Summary
Description
Here you will find a Othello summary (William Shakespeare's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters Othello Summary Overview
The story unfolds in Venice, with a heated exchange between a wealthy man named Roderigo and Iago, whom Roderigo has been compensating to win over Desdemona. However, Roderigo finds out that Desdemona has married Othello, a general that Iago serves unwillingly. Iago confesses his hatred for Othello, who recently bypassed him for a promotion, in favor of a less experienced soldier, Michael Cassio. Without revealing his disdain for Othello, Iago and Roderigo inform Desdemona's father, Brabantio, that his daughter has eloped with Othello. Brabantio, realizing his daughter's absence, gathers officers to find Othello. Meanwhile, Cassio arrives at Othello’s home with an urgent message about an impending Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Brabantio, Roderigo, and others confront Othello, accusing him of bewitching Desdemona. When Brabantio learns that Othello is meeting the duke, he decides to accuse Othello publicly. However, Brabantio's accusations backfire as the duke and the senate are sympathetic towards Othello. Othello clarifies that he won Desdemona's heart with his tales of adventure and war, not through witchcraft. Desdemona supports her husband's claims, causing Brabantio to reluctantly accept their marriage. The duke orders Othello to Cyprus to defend against the Turks, and Desdemona insists on accompanying him. In Cyprus, they learn about the Turkish fleet's destruction in a storm. Cassio arrives first, followed by Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo, and Iago’s wife, Emilia. Iago cunningly manipulates Roderigo's frustrations, ensuring him that once Desdemona tires of Othello, she will seek pleasure elsewhere, likely with Cassio. Iago suggests that Roderigo should disgrace Cassio to ruin Othello's marriage. Iago's cunning plan involves making Othello believe that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. He plants Desdemona's handkerchief, a gift from Othello, in Cassio’s room as “proof” of their affair. When Othello demands tangible evidence of Desdemona's infidelity, Iago reveals that he saw Cassio wiping his beard with the handkerchief. Othello then vows to get revenge on Cassio and his wife. In his fury, Othello misinterprets an innocent conversation between Cassio and Bianca, a prostitute, about the handkerchief, further fueling his jealousy. Iago continues to manipulate the situation, driving Othello to the edge. Othello becomes so overwhelmed with jealousy that he falls into a trance. In the climactic scene, Othello accuses Desdemona of infidelity and smothers her, despite her pleas of innocence. When Emilia discovers what has transpired, she realizes Iago's treachery. Othello insists on Desdemona's infidelity, citing the handkerchief as proof. But once Emilia explains how she found the handkerchief and handed it to Iago, a devastated Othello attempts to kill Iago, only to be disarmed. Iago kills Emilia and is captured. A wounded Othello is disarmed again and taken back to Venice for trial. Othello ends his life after expressing how he wishes to be remembered. The story concludes with a speech by Lodovico, who gives Othello’s possessions to Graziano and orders Iago’s execution.
act 1 scene 1
The story of Othello kicks off amid a dispute in a Venetian street, between Roderigo and Iago. The wealthy Roderigo has been funding Iago to assist him in pursuing Desdemona's affection, but no progress has been made. Moreover, Roderigo just found out about Desdemona's marriage to Othello, the general Iago is serving. Despite his disappointment, Iago convinces Roderigo of his loathing for Othello, largely due to Othello's recent promotion of Michael Cassio over Iago, despite Iago’s battlefield service and notable recommendations. Iago secretly plots to advance his own gains at Othello's expense, all while pretending to be a loyal servant. Iago suggests to Roderigo to stir up trouble for Othello by provoking Desdemona's family against the newly wedded general. They reach Brabantio’s residence, Desdemona's father, and alarm him claiming a theft has occurred. Initially, Brabantio, a senator, is skeptical as he has previously warned Roderigo to keep distance from his daughter. However, Iago spews explicit remarks about Desdemona and Othello’s intimate relationship, leading Brabanzio to take their words seriously and commence a search for his daughter. With the plan working, Iago leaves Roderigo and goes to find Othello. Unaware of Iago's scheme, Brabanzio, like Othello, has no knowledge of Iago’s involvement in the false accusations. As Iago leaves, an enraged Brabanzio emerges from his house, believing his daughter has been spellbound and abducted. He and his men, guided by Roderigo, set out to find Othello.
act 1 scene 2
Iago warns Othello at his residence that Brabanzio will try to get him divorced from Desdemona. Spotting a group of men, Iago, assuming they are Brabanzio and his group, advises Othello to hide. However, Othello stays put and the group is revealed to be Cassio and his officers. They inform Othello that the Duke of Venice requires his presence for a Cyprus-related issue. As Cassio's group gets ready to depart, Iago slips in that Othello is married. But before he can continue, Brabanzio, Roderigo, and his men appear to confront Othello. Brabanzio commands his men to capture Othello. It seems a clash between Othello's and Brabanzio's supporters is unavoidable. Yet, Othello diffuses the tension by ordering everyone to sheath their swords. Knowing the Duke has called for Othello, Brabanzio decides to present his case before the Duke himself.
act 1 scene 3
When a sailor announces that the Turks are heading towards Rhodes instead of Cyprus, the Venetian officials suspect a diversion. Their suspicions are confirmed when another messenger reports that the Turks have regrouped and are now en route to Cyprus. Unexpectedly, Brabantio, Othello, Cassio, Iago, Roderigo, and officers interrupt the military discussion. Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter, Desdemona. The duke, initially sympathetic to Brabantio, changes his stance when he realizes the accused is Othello. Given a chance to defend himself, Othello confirms his marriage to Desdemona but refutes the charge of sorcery. He explains that their love blossomed as he narrated his adventurous life story during his visits to Brabantio’s house. The duke, moved by Othello's tale, dismisses Brabantio's accusation. When Brabantio grudgingly questions Desdemona, she confirms her love for Othello and declares her shift of loyalty from father to husband. This allows the court to refocus on state matters. The duke then assigns Othello to Cyprus to fend off the Turks. Desdemona, refusing to stay with her father, insists on accompanying Othello. They withdraw to get ready for their journey. After everyone else has left, Roderigo and Iago remain on stage. Despite Roderigo's despair over losing Desdemona, Iago convinces him to follow them to Cyprus. Alone on stage, Iago reveals his disdain for Othello and his suspicions about Othello's affair with his wife. He outlines his scheme to exploit Roderigo, make Othello believe Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair, and ultimately destroy Othello.
act 2 scene 1
At the Cyprus coast, Governor Montano and two men observe a storm. They speculate that the Turkish fleet wouldn't survive the storm, a fact confirmed by a third man who arrives from Venice; Cassio, says the Turks lost most of their ships in the storm. Othello's fate is unknown. Excitement arises when a sail is spotted offshore, but it contains Iago, Emilia, Desdemona, and Roderigo instead of Othello. Just as Cassio informs Desdemona of Othello's absence, a cannon shot announces a third ship, presumably Othello's. While they wait for the ship, Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia engage in light banter. Iago, however, uses the moment to denounce women as deceitful and lewd. As Cassio and Desdemona chat privately, Iago notices Cassio holding Desdemona's hand. He hatches a plan to exploit this to tarnish Cassio and jeopardize his promotion. Othello arrives, expressing his love for Desdemona with a kiss. He expresses gratitude to the Cypriots and orders Iago to unload the ship. Roderigo and Iago remain as the rest head to the castle to celebrate the Turks' defeat. Iago manipulates Roderigo, suggesting that Cassio is a potential threat to Desdemona's fidelity. He convinces Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio, predicting the consequential chaos will mar Cassio's reputation with Othello. Alone on stage, Iago reveals his infatuation for Desdemona and his suspicion that Othello had an affair with his wife, Emilia. He plans to seek revenge by making Othello believe that Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio, which would drive Othello mad.
act 2 scene 2
A messenger proclaims that Othello has organized festivities for the night, in honor of Cyprus's security against the Turks and to mark his marriage to Desdemona.
act 2 scene 3
Othello departs, leaving Cassio to guard the festivities and encourages him to act with restraint. Once Othello leaves, Iago joins Cassio on guard duty, suggesting that Desdemona may not be as virtuous as she seems. Despite Cassio's denial, Iago convinces him to drink and invite others to join. Once Cassio heads off to bring others, Iago shares his plan with the audience: he intends to cause Cassio to behave disgracefully in front of a drunken Roderigo and three Cypriots. When Cassio returns, already tipsy, with Montano, he quickly gets drunk and leaves the stage, assuring everyone he's not inebriated. After he departs, Iago tells Montano that Cassio's drinking could be a problem for his duties. Roderigo arrives, and Iago directs him towards Cassio. Montano suggests that Othello should be informed about Cassio's drinking. Cassio chases Roderigo, threatening him, and when Montano intervenes, he is attacked by Cassio. Roderigo is ordered by Iago to cause a commotion, and in the ensuing chaos, Cassio stabs Montano. Othello arrives at the sound of the alarm, with his armed guards. Othello takes charge, asking what happened. Both Iago and Cassio claim not to remember the start of the fight. Montano, too injured to speak, asks Iago to explain. Iago, pretending to protect Cassio, blames an unknown man for starting the fight. Othello believes Iago and fires Cassio. Awoken by the noise, Desdemona is led back to bed by Othello, who promises to tend to Montano. Left alone, Cassio worries about his damaged reputation and Iago suggests he seek Desdemona's help to regain Othello's favor. Once Cassio leaves, Iago plans to use Cassio's time with Desdemona to further convince Othello of an affair between them. Roderigo, who has lost all his money to Iago and been beaten, is consoled by Iago who assures him the plan is on track. Iago concludes by revealing his next steps: he will have Emilia persuade Desdemona to favor Cassio, and make sure Othello sees Cassio's attempts to win Desdemona.
act 3 scene 1
Cassio sends musicians to serenade Othello in a bid to get back in his good books. Othello's clown servant is sent to dismiss them. Utilizing the clown, Cassio sends a request for Emilia to meet him, intending to get her help in reaching out to Desdemona. Once the clown departs, Cassio is visited by Iago, who promises him that he will fetch Emilia and distract Othello so that Cassio can privately talk to Desdemona. After Iago leaves, Emilia arrives and informs Cassio that his situation has come up in a conversation between Othello and Desdemona. Desdemona is advocating for Cassio, but Othello thinks that reappointing Cassio could be problematic due to Montano's sway and fame in Cyprus, however fond he is of his old lieutenant. Emilia ushers Cassio inside and instructs him to wait for Desdemona.
act 3 scene 2
Iago, Othello, and another man are strolling around the citadel. Othello hands over some letters to Iago for delivery and chooses to inspect the city's defenses.
act 3 scene 3
Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia are in conversation when Othello and Iago join them. Cassio leaves abruptly, making Othello suspicious. Desdemona pleads with Othello to pardon Cassio and restore his rank, but he responds vaguely and requests some alone time. Left alone with Othello, Iago insinuates an affair between Cassio and Desdemona. He manipulates Othello to think of deceit and betrayal. Othello, disturbed by these thoughts, asks Iago to have his wife Emilia monitor Desdemona's interactions with Cassio. Othello starts doubting Desdemona's love for him due to his age, race, and lack of courtly manners. When Desdemona and Emilia arrive, Othello complains of a headache. Desdemona offers to use her handkerchief to soothe him, but he rejects it, and the handkerchief is left behind. Emilia retrieves it, knowing Iago's interest in it, and gives it to him when he appears. Iago plans to use the handkerchief to further instigate Othello's doubts. He returns to find Othello, who now demands proof of Desdemona's infidelity. Iago fabricates a story about Cassio dreaming of Desdemona and claims to have seen him using Desdemona's handkerchief. Furious and vengeful, Othello promotes Iago to lieutenant and vows to punish Desdemona and Cassio.
act 3 scene 4
Desdemona sends the jester to tell Cassio she's advocated for him to Othello. As the clown leaves, she talks to Emilia about her missing handkerchief. Othello arrives, critiques her damp hand as a sign of infidelity, and asks for her handkerchief. When she can't supply the requested item, Othello shares the backstory of the handkerchief. An Egyptian sorceress gave it to his mother to secure his father's faithfulness. However, losing it would mean his father's departure. His mother gave it to Othello on her deathbed to give to his future wife. Desdemona is shaken and claims to have it, but not with her, which Othello doesn't believe. As he demands the handkerchief, she diverts the conversation to Cassio. Following Othello's exit, Emilia comments on the unpredictability of men. Cassio and Iago arrive. Cassio continues to seek Desdemona's help, who remarks on Othello's bad mood. Iago promises to calm Othello down. Despite Emilia's suspicions of jealousy, Desdemona insists Othello is bothered by political issues. She asks Cassio to wait while she fetches Othello for a conversation. While awaiting, Bianca, a harlot, shows up. She scolds Cassio for his infrequent visits. He blames stress and asks her to replicate the design of a recently found handkerchief onto another. Bianca accuses him of making her copy another woman's love token, but Cassio dismisses her claims. They agree to meet later.
act 4 scene 1
Othello and Iago converse as Iago slyly suggests that there's no harm in a woman being nude with a man, as long as nothing occurs. He further insinuates that if he gave his wife a handkerchief, she'd be free to use it however she likes. These implications about Desdemona's infidelity agitate Othello, who fixates on the handkerchief and probes Iago for details about Cassio's words. Eventually, Iago claims that Cassio admitted to sleeping with Desdemona and Othello collapses in a fit. Cassio arrives and Iago reveals that Othello has had two epileptic fits in two days. He tells Cassio to keep his distance, but plans to converse with him later. When Othello regains his senses, Iago tells him that Cassio paid a visit and will talk to him later. Othello is told to hide and watch Cassio's facial expressions during their conversation. Iago tells the audience about his scheme to make Cassio recount his supposed liaisons with Desdemona. In reality, Iago intends to joke with Cassio about Bianca, a prostitute, and make Cassio laugh about Bianca's pursuit of him. This will make Othello believe that Cassio is joking about his affairs with Desdemona. The plot unfolds as expected: Cassio vividly explains Bianca's affection for him and dismisses her. Bianca enters with the handkerchief, accuses Cassio of giving her a love token from another woman, and warns that he'll no longer be welcome if he misses supper. Recognizing the handkerchief, Othello contemplates killing Cassio. He laments his love for Desdemona and his tough decision to kill her. Iago suggests that he strangle her in the bed where she was allegedly unfaithful and promises to arrange Cassio's death. Desdemona and Lodovico enter with a message from the duke requesting Othello's return to Venice and appointing Cassio as his replacement. Othello is annoyed by questions about Cassio and a delighted Desdemona, who is slapped by Othello. He accuses her of infidelity and storms off, leaving a shocked Lodovico who wonders if Othello has lost his sanity. However, Iago urges him to observe and decide for himself.
act 4 scene 2
Othello questions Emilia on Desdemona's actions, though Emilia maintains that Desdemona hasn't acted suspiciously. Ordering Emilia to bring Desdemona to him, Othello implies that Emilia may be a procuress. When Emilia comes back with Desdemona, he instructs her to guard the door. Alone, Othello cries, regretting that he could endure any suffering but not the taint of infidelity from Desdemona. Desdemona vehemently denies any unfaithfulness, only to be met with Othello's sarcastic forgiveness. He castigates her as a shrewd adulteress before storming out. Emilia enters to console Desdemona, who instructs her to prepare their wedding sheets on the bed. Emilia summons Iago at Desdemona's behest. Desdemona attempts to understand why Othello is treating her as if she has cheated. Emilia suggests to Iago that Othello must have been misled by a villain. Iago calms Desdemona, attributing Othello's distress to work issues. A trumpet calls Desdemona and Emilia to dinner with the Venetian delegates. Roderigo storms in, furious about his unrequited love. He contemplates confessing his love for Desdemona to reclaim the jewels Iago was supposed to give to Desdemona from him. Iago informs Roderigo that Cassio is to replace Othello. He lies about Othello being reassigned to Africa when in fact, he's being sent back to Venice. Iago coerces Roderigo into believing that the only way to stop Othello from taking Desdemona to Africa is to eliminate Cassio. He convinces Roderigo that he's perfect for the task.
act 4 scene 3
Following their meal, Othello suggests a stroll with Lodovico while instructing Desdemona to retire for the evening. He assures her of his imminent presence and instructs her to dismiss her maid, Emilia. As Desdemona readies for bed, she seems conscious of her nearing doom. She requests Emilia to use their wedding bedsheet as her shroud if she were to die first. Assisting Desdemona to undress, Emilia listens to her mistress sing "Willow," a melancholic song about a forsaken woman, taught by her mother's maid who died while singing it after being abandoned by her lover. Desdemona, stirred by the song, contemplates infidelity and questions Emilia about her willingness to betray her husband for worldly possessions. Emilia declares that she wouldn't cheat for riches but the whole world is a considerable temptation. She ventures into a discussion about men and women's equal desires for sex and disloyalty. She asserts that men are responsible if their wives betray them. Desdemona, however, expresses her belief in countering negativity with positivity. She prepares to go to bed.
act 5 scene 1
Iago and Roderigo are stationed outside Bianca's brothel, anticipating Cassio's arrival. Roderigo is armed with a rapier, set up by Iago for an attack on Cassio. Despite Roderigo's request for his presence, Iago leaves. Roderigo attempts to stab Cassio when he arrives but is unsuccessful due to his sturdy armor. Cassio fights back, injuring Roderigo. Iago seizes the distraction, stabs Cassio's leg and flees. Cassio collapses, unaware of his attacker. Othello appears just then. Hearing Cassio's cries, he assumes that Iago has accomplished his lethal plan. Encouraged by this, Othello heads back to execute Desdemona. Lodovico and Graziano come upon the scene, hearing the cries of the victims. The darkness prevents them from identifying the source of the noise and they hesitate to assist, fearing a trap. Iago reenters with a lantern, playing the rescuer. He finds Cassio, who pleads for help, and then comes across Roderigo. Without a second thought, he stabs Roderigo. Lodovico and Graziano, unable to see Iago, remain ignorant of his actions. Finally, they confront Cassio about his wounds. Bianca rushes in, distraught at the sight of the injured Cassio. Cassio has no information about his attacker, prompting Iago to accuse Roderigo. Cassio is clueless about Roderigo. Following this, attendants take away Cassio and Roderigo's body. Iago briefs Emilia about the events, blaming it on promiscuity. Bianca, who had hosted Cassio for dinner, is arrested by Iago. He instructs Emilia to inform Othello and Desdemona about the incidents. Iago concludes the scene with a soliloquy, reflecting on the potential outcomes of the night.
act 5 scene 2
Othello, with a candle in hand, looms over a sleeping Desdemona, ready to kill her. He awakens her with a kiss, informing her of her impending death due to her supposed infidelity with Cassio, which he believes he has proof of. Despite Desdemona's pleas of innocence, Othello remains unconvinced, citing Cassio's alleged confession prior to his death at Iago's hand. Desdemona's sorrow for Cassio infuriates Othello further. He manages to suffocate her, but upon hearing Emilia call from outside, he believes Desdemona still lives. In a twisted act of mercy, he smothers her again. Othello invites Emilia inside, who informs him of Roderigo's death by Cassio's hand, contradicting his belief that Cassio is dead. Desdemona gasps her last breath, proclaiming her innocence, before dying. When confronted by Emilia, Othello confesses the murder, attributing his actions to Iago's revelations about Desdemona. Emilia's outcry reveals Iago's treachery, leaving Othello in despair. He clings on to his wife's supposed guilt, citing the handkerchief and Cassio's confession. However, Emilia's revelation about the handkerchief shakes the narrative. Iago, fearing exposure, attempts to silence Emilia. Graziano intervenes, allowing Emilia to confess that she gave the handkerchief to Iago. A scuffle ensues, during which Iago stabs Emilia and escapes, only to be pursued by Montano and Graziano. Othello, alone and desperate, seeks another weapon. Emilia, with her dying breath, reaffirms Desdemona's love for him. Othello confronts the returning Graziano, armed and remorseful over his wife's death. Soon, Montano, Lodovico, Cassio, and a captive Iago join them. Othello wounds Iago, but is disarmed by Lodovico's soldiers. Lodovico reveals a letter exposing Iago's plot. Despite the shocking revelation, Othello continues to question Cassio about the handkerchief. Lodovico orders Othello to return to Venice for trial, stripping him of his command. An insistent Othello pleads to be remembered for his service to Venice, then stabs himself, dying beside Desdemona. Lodovico commands Iago to face the consequences of his actions, names Graziano as Othello's heir, and assigns Montano to execute Iago. Lodovico then departs to deliver the tragic news to Venice.
