Othello: Study Guide

The story of an African general in the Venetian army who is tricked into suspecting his wife of adultery, Othello is a tragedy of sexual jealousy. First performed around 1604, the play is also a pioneering exploration of racial prejudice.

Summary

Read our full plot summary and analysis of Othello, chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, and more.

Summary & Analysis
Act I, scenes i–ii
Act I, scene iii
Act II, scenes i–ii
Act II, scene iii
Act III, scenes i–iii
Act III, scene iv
Act IV, scene i
Act IV, scenes ii–iii
Act V, scenes i–ii

Full Book
Full Book Summary
Full Book Analysis
Key Facts
Video Summary

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in Othello and in-depth analyses of Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Emilia, and Cassio.

Character List
Othello
Iago
Desdemona
Emilia
Cassio

Literary Devices

Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in Othello, from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.

Themes
Motifs
Symbols
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Genre
Allusions
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Metaphors & Similes

Questions & Answers

Explore our selection of frequently asked questions about Othello and find the answers you need.

Why does Iago hate Othello?
How does Emilia help Iago?
Why does Othello care about Desdemona’s handkerchief
How does Iago manipulate Desdemona?
How does Iago use Bianca to trick Othello?
Why does Iago hate Cassio?
Why does Roderigo wake up Brabantio?
Why does Othello go to Cyprus?
How does Cassio fall from Othello’s grace and get fired?
Why does Roderigo agree to kill Cassio?
Does Cassio die?
How does Roderigo die?
Does Othello kill Desdemona?
Why does Emilia die?
Does Othello die?

Quotes

Find the quotes you need to support your Othello essay, or refresh your memory of the play by reading these key quotes.

Important Quotes Explained

By Theme
Appearance vs. Reality
Deception and Treachery
Timing
Jealousy
Justice

By Section
Act I, scenes i–ii
Act I, scene iii
Act II, scenes i–ii
Act II, scene iii
Act III, scenes i–iii
Act III, scene iv
Act IV, scene i
Act IV, scenes ii–iii
Act V, scene i–ii

By Character
Othello
Desdemona
Iago
Cassio
Emilia

By Symbol
The Handkerchief
The Song "Willow"

By Setting
Venice & Cyprus

Quizzes

Test your knowledge of Othello with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.

Book
Full Book Quiz
Act I, scenes i-ii
Act I, scene iii
Act II, scenes i-ii
Act II, scene iii
Act III, scenes i-iii
Act III, scene iv
Act IV, scene i
Act IV, scenes ii-iii
Act V, scenes i-ii

Analysis of Major Characters
Character List
Context
Plot Overview
Themes, Motifs & Symbols

Essays

Get ready to ace your Othello paper with our suggested essay topics, helpful essays about historical and literary context, a sample A+ student essay, and more.