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Othello


Synopsis


The Oxford Shakespeare General Editor: Stanley Wells The Oxford Shakespeare offers authoritative texts from leading scholars in editions designed to interpret and illuminate the plays for modern readers - A new, modern-spelling text, collated and edited from all existing printings - Extensive introduction gives full attention to the play's bold treatment of racial themes, gender, and social relations - Detailed performance history designed to meet the needs of theatre professionals - On-page commentary and notes explain language, word-play, and staging - Appendices on music in the play and a full translation of the Italian novella from which the story derives - Illustrated with production photographs and related art - Full index to introduction and commentary - Durable sewn binding for lasting use 'not simply a better text but a new conception of Shakespeare. This is a major achievement of twentieth-century scholarship.' ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

William Shakespeare (author), Michael Neill (editor)

Summary

Chapter 1

* Summary: Iago, a resentful ensign, vows to destroy Othello, a valiant Moorish general, for neglecting to promote him in favor of Cassio.
* Real Example: "[Iago:] I am not what I am."

Chapter 2

* Summary: Othello arrives in Cyprus with his newlywed bride, Desdemona. Iago begins to sow seeds of doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona's fidelity by suggesting that Cassio is her lover.
* Real Example: "[Iago:] She had a visor to conceal her face, but under it she burnt in exquisite white heat of her adulterous passion."

Chapter 3

* Summary: Othello becomes increasingly jealous and suspicious of Desdemona and Cassio. Iago orchestrates a series of incidents to further fuel his suspicions, including making Cassio lose a handkerchief that Desdemona finds.
* Real Example: "[Othello:] If I do prove her haggard, though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, I'd whistle her off and let her down the wind."

Chapter 4

* Summary: Othello confronts Desdemona about her supposed affair with Cassio, but she denies the accusations. Iago's wife, Emilia, tries to defend Desdemona, but Othello dismisses her as a liar.
* Real Example: "[Desdemona:] Heaven doth truly know it."

Chapter 5

* Summary: Othello orders Iago to kill Cassio. Iago kills Roderigo, who was in love with Desdemona, and frames Cassio for the murder. Othello believes Iago's lies and strangles Desdemona.
* Real Example: "[Othello:] But that I love thee better than he loves his eyes, against my better judgment and against my pride."

Chapter 6

* Summary: Emilia exposes Iago's treachery and Othello realizes he has been duped. He kills Iago in revenge and then commits suicide out of guilt.
* Real Example: "[Emilia:] O perjured villain! Grim death, thy foul hand smothers the innocent."

Chapter 7

* Summary: The tragedy reaches its conclusion with the revelation of Iago's motives and the destruction of Othello's life and reputation.
* Real Example: "[Gratiano:] Moor she was chaste, chaste, chaste; but sure thou art a villain."