Othello — A Story of Manipulation

About the Play

Othello is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare in 1603 or 1604 and later published in 1622.It is structured in five acts and revolves around the characters Othello, Iago, Cassio, and Desdemona.

Key Themes:

• Love and Faith

• Suspicion and Betrayal

• Manipulation and Revenge

The story teaches how easily a person can be manipulated when trust and love are lost.

Word Meanings

• Valiant – brave

• Perils – dangers

• Rapt – complete interest

• Enticed – attracted

• Seduce – persuade

• Hostility – war

• Summoned – called

• Utmost – extreme

• Plea – request

• Alarmed – careful

• Blemish – defect

• Culminate – come to an end with

• Plot – storyline

• Reluctant – not willing

• Dispute – quarrel

Study Notes

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Why did Othello kill his wife and himself?

Othello and Desdemona loved each other deeply. However, Iago’s jealousy over Cassio’s promotion and suspicion that Emilia, his wife, had an affair with Othello, drove him to seek revenge.
Iago cleverly convinced Othello that Desdemona was unfaithful by using the missing handkerchief as false proof.Overcome with jealousy and rage, Othello suffocated Desdemona. Afterward, he learned of Iago’s deception. Devastated by guilt and sorrow, Othello took his own life to atone for his actions.

2. How did Iago poison Othello’s mind against Desdemona?

Iago, envious of Cassio’s promotion and suspicious of Othello’s relationship with Emilia, exploited Othello’s insecurity and jealousy.He:

• Suggested Desdemona was too close to Cassio.

• Reminded Othello how Desdemona had deceived her father.

• Highlighted the differences in their race and social status.

• Planted Desdemona’s handkerchief with Cassio to frame her.

Believing Iago’s words, Othello’s trust was destroyed, leading to his tragic downfall.

3. What led Desdemona to marry Othello?

Desdemona, daughter of Senator Brabantio, was captivated by Othello’s stories of bravery, hardships, and adventures.She admired his courage and perseverance and eventually fell in love with him.
Moved by Othello’s recounting of his life, Desdemona hinted at her affection, which led Othello to express his love openly.Thus, mutual admiration and emotional connection led to their marriage.

Exercises

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Who praised Cassio?

2. Which arguments of Iago moved Cassio very much?

3. Who advised Othello not to reconcile with Cassio?

4. Who could read the thoughts of the people?

5. What was the first gift of Othello to Desdemona?

6. Who stole the handkerchief from Desdemona?

Long Answer Type Questions

1. How did Iago create a conspiracy out of Desdemona’s goodness?

2. How was Desdemona stupefied?

3. Why did Desdemona beg to know her fault?

4. Why did Cassio come to Othello after Desdemona’s demise?

5. What disposition of the Italian ladies did Iago know, and how did he use it? How was Iago executed?