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What are some metaphors in Othello?

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Some of the most colorful metaphors in Othello come from the antagonist – Iago. He compares Othello to an old black ram, Desdemona to a white ewe. Iago even calls the act of and the...
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What are examples of jealousy in Othello?

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Jealousy is the primary plot-driving force in Shakespeare's Othello. Throughout the plot development, numerous characters experience this feeling. Iago’s personal and professional...
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Who is the villain in Othello?

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Iago is widely known as one of the most dangerous Shakespeare's villains. He commits evil acts and provokes others by creating conflicts. Iago is a master manipulator as he uses...
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How does Othello die?

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Othello dies at the end of the play by committing suicide. The character stabs himself with a knife out of an immense feeling of guilt. The reason for his death is jealousy and, as a...
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What is the significance of the Willow Song in Othello?

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The Willow Song tells the audience what is going to come further in the tragedy. This ballad is about a woman who is loyal to her lover despite his cruelty. Desdemona sings this song a...
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Is Othello a Bad Guy?

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The question of whether Othello is a positive or negative figure is rather controversial. On the one hand, he is a noble soldier and a careful Desdemona’s husband. On the other hand,...
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What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello?

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The handkerchief in Shakespeare’s Othello belongs to Desdemona, Othello’s wife. This accessory is an example of rich symbolism in Shakespeare's writings. It has a lot of various...
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What are the examples of racism in Othello?

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Racism in Othello is the essential theme that plays a significant role in the plot development. Othello is the only black-skinned character in the play. His unusual appearance becomes...
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Was Othello black? Did it cause conflict?

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Othello is originally from Africa, so he is a black-skinned man. In the play, he is often referred to as the Moor – a representative of an African race. Othello’s distinctive...
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Who is Montano in Othello?

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Montano is an honorable gentleman who leads Cyprus prior to Othello's arrival at the island. He raises awareness among Venetians about the upcoming Turkish invasion of Cyprus. In the...
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Is Othello a tragic hero?

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Othello is a tragic hero because of the wrong decision he makes that leads to his downfall. He is virtuous. Yet, he gets tricked by the villain of the story. As a result, Othello is...
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What Does Othello’s Soliloquy Reveal in the Last Scene?

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Othello’s final speech serves as a reestablishment of the character’s status of a tragic hero. He is obsessed with his reputation. Thus, he desires to portray his actions positively...
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What’s the Clown Pun in Othello?

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The Clown in Othello plays several roles apart from the one of comic relief. However, one of his memorable lines relates directly to comedy. As the Clown comments on the musicians’...
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What is the Climax of Othello?

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The climax of Othello occurs at the end of act 3, scene 3. Here, Othello starts fully believing Iago. The Moor kneels in front of the villain and promises himself to get revenge. From...
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What are some examples of sexism in Othello?

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There are multiple examples of sexism in Shakespeare's tragedy Othello. They include the way the story’s female characters are treated and referred to by men. Detailed answer: ...
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What are the key symbols in Othello?

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There are a several symbolic items and events in Othello. The main ones are: the handkerchief – love and betrayal green color – jealousy the Willow Song – grief, death. ...
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Who is Cassio in Othello?

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Michael Cassio, or simply Cassio, is one of Florentine's soldiers in the Venice army. At the beginning of the play, Othello promotes him to chief lieutenant. He is a man of gentle...
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Why Is Othello Referred to As the Moor of Venice?

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The term “Moor” is used by Shakespeare to separate Othello from other characters according to his culture and race. Moreover, the word Moor highlights the issue of racial prejudice in...
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Does Iago die?

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At the end of Othello, Iago is alive after surviving Othello’s attack. Cassio places Iago under arrest and subjects him to torture. Does Iago survive the torture? It is up to the...
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Who dies in Othello?

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Othello kills his wife Desdemona when he believes that she was unfaithful to him. Then, when he learns that Desdemona was blamed unfairly, he commits suicide. Iago kills his wife...
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What does it mean to be cuckold in Othello?

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While exploring Othello, the readers will definitely see many unfamiliar words. One of them is a cuckold. This word was frequently used in the Medieval and Renaissance periods. In...
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What is the role of women in Othello?

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In Othello, womanhood is one of the most significant themes. Facing numerous offences, the women of the play remain strong and courageous. Despite being mistreated by men’s, they show...
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How can you depict Othello and Desdemona relationship?

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Shakespeare's Othello and Desdemona has become an iconic couple. Their relationship impresses the readers with its complexity and rapid changes. They started from love and respect...
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When Was Othello Written?

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William Shakespeare is believed to have written his tragedy Othello between 1603 and 1604. Actually, it is impossible to determine the exact year. So, scholars use the date of...
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What can be said about literary devices in Othello?

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Shakespeare uses in Othello are allusion, symbolism, dramatic irony, and metaphor. These literary devices help the author to emphasize the central conflicts of the story. Moreover,...
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Where does Othello take place?

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When people read a script, do they consider its setting and the place where it all happens? Some people say that drama or play should occur in one spot, and the plot should develop...
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How does Iago manipulate Othello?

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Being the most dangerous Shakespeare's villain, Iago, hurts a lot of characters. The most vulnerable Iago’s victim is Othello. Seeking revenge, the villain plots an evil plan against...
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Why does Iago hate Othello?

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The showdown between Iago and Othello is one of the central issues of Shakespeare’s play. There are two core reasons for Iago's hate towards Othello: career issues personal...
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How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in Othello?

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The use of dramatic irony in Othello revolves around “honest Iago.” His actions and misdeeds bring heroes to a tragic end. Roderigo, Cassio, Emilia, and Othello himself trust this man....
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How Does Desdemona Die?

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Desdemona dies in the last scene of Shakespeare’s Othello. The Moor arrives at her chamber, intent on serving as both judge, jury, and executioner. He asks Desdemona if she prayed...
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What is the great difference between Desdemona and Emilia?

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Desdemona is a daughter of a powerful Venetian politician, educated and gentle. She became a wife of a general in the Venetian army, Othello, which is also prestigious. Her...
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Who is Bianca in Othello?

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Bianca is Cassio's lover, who plays an essential role in the play's tragic development. She participates in Iago’s scheme against her will, helping Othello believe that Desdemona is...
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How does Iago manipulate Roderigo?

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Iago agrees to help Roderigo to find an approach to Desdemona. However, he never fulfills his promises, betraying him instead. Iago uses Roderigo to destroy Cassio’s reputation and...
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What is Another Name for Othello?

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The full title of the play Othello by William Shakespeare is The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. Written in 1603, this piece of literature impresses a lot of readers even...
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What are the prime motifs in Othello?

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Being an iconic piece of art, Othello covers numerous topics. However, there are three key motifs that play a crucial role in the plot development. They are jealousy the desire...
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What is the main theme of Othello?

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Shakspeare’s Othello is a multifaceted piece of art that addresses numerous social issues. Othello is the first black-skinned character in English literature. Therefore, one of the...
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On What Play Do Many Scholars Believe Othello is Based? Why?

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Many scholars believe that Othello is based on another piece of art. The play reflects the Italian work, Un Capitano Moro (A Moorish Captain), written by Giraldi Cinthio. Both stories...
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What is the Meaning Behind “I Hate the Moor” Quote?

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In the tragedy, the phrase shows Iago’s hate towards Othello. It reflects his strong desire to destroy the character because of a personal conflict between the two. However, when...
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How does Othello kill Desdemona?

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Othello kills his wife Desdemona as a result of a delicate plot designed by Iago. When he becomes overwhelmed with jealousy, he plans to kill her while she is asleep. However, she...
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Why did Iago want Roderigo to anger Cassio?

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Roderigo’s rage at Cassio is a part of Iago’s evil plan. He intends to disgrace Cassio in front of Othello. His incompetent behavior can lead to his dismissal from the lieutenant's...