Along with Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth, Othello is
one of Shakespeare's four great tragedies and thus a pillar of what most
critics take to be the apex of Shakespeare's dramatic art. Othello is
unique among Shakespeare's great tragedies.
Othello’s villainous ensign Iago plots against Othello and
sends Roderigo to tell Senator Brabantio that Othello has seduced Brabantio’s
daughter Desdemona.
After convincing the Senate that he has won Desdemona’s love
fair and square, Othello is sent to Cyprus for a military command, new bride in
tow.
Iago plants a handkerchief that Othello gave to Desdemona on
Cassio, the man who received the promotion Iago wanted, and convinces Othello
that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair.
Iago convinces Roderigo to make an attempt on Cassio’s life,
and when it only maims him, frames the courtesan Bianca and quietly murders
Roderigo.
In the bed chamber, while Othello ponders Desdemona’s beauty
and innocence, she awakens, and Othello commands her to pray before she dies.
In spite of her supplications, he suffocates her with a pillow. Emilia enters,
and Othello justifies his revenge by claiming the handkerchief as proof of her
infidelity. Appalled at this act, Emilia reveals Iago’s guilt. Iago enters,
kills Emilia, and is arrested. Othello tries to kill Iago, and despite demands
for an explanation, Iago remains silent and is led off. Before Othello is led
off, he draws a concealed weapon, stabs himself, and kisses Desdemona as he
dies.
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