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Othello Study Guide – Grade 12 IEB
1. Overview of the Play
Title: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice
Author: William Shakespeare
Genre: Tragedy
Setting: Venice and Cyprus, late 16th century
Short Summary:
Othello is a story of love, jealousy, betrayal, and manipulation. The noble Moorish general Othello
secretly marries Desdemona. Iago, bitter about being passed over for promotion, manipulates Othello
into believing Desdemona is unfaithful. The resulting tragedy ends in multiple deaths, including
Othello's and Desdemona's.
2. Act-by-Act Summary
Act 1:
● Othello and Desdemona marry secretly.
● Iago and Roderigo inform Brabantio, her father.
● The Duke supports the marriage and sends Othello to Cyprus.
Act 2:
● In Cyprus, Iago begins planting doubts in Othello’s mind.
● Cassio loses his position after a drunken brawl.
● Iago advises Cassio to speak to Desdemona, which Iago twists to suggest infidelity.
Act 3:
● Iago manipulates Othello into believing Desdemona is unfaithful.
● The handkerchief becomes a key piece of "evidence."
● Othello begins to lose his grip on reality.
Act 4:
● Othello strikes Desdemona publicly.
● Iago continues manipulating everyone.
● Desdemona remains loyal and confused.
© Mariska Willers, 2025
Othello Study Guide – Grade 12 IEB
1. Overview of the Play
Title: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice
Author: William Shakespeare
Genre: Tragedy
Setting: Venice and Cyprus, late 16th century
Short Summary:
Othello is a story of love, jealousy, betrayal, and manipulation. The noble Moorish general Othello
secretly marries Desdemona. Iago, bitter about being passed over for promotion, manipulates Othello
into believing Desdemona is unfaithful. The resulting tragedy ends in multiple deaths, including
Othello's and Desdemona's.
2. Act-by-Act Summary
Act 1:
● Othello and Desdemona marry secretly.
● Iago and Roderigo inform Brabantio, her father.
● The Duke supports the marriage and sends Othello to Cyprus.
Act 2:
● In Cyprus, Iago begins planting doubts in Othello’s mind.
● Cassio loses his position after a drunken brawl.
● Iago advises Cassio to speak to Desdemona, which Iago twists to suggest infidelity.
Act 3:
● Iago manipulates Othello into believing Desdemona is unfaithful.
● The handkerchief becomes a key piece of "evidence."
● Othello begins to lose his grip on reality.
Act 4:
● Othello strikes Desdemona publicly.
● Iago continues manipulating everyone.
● Desdemona remains loyal and confused.
© Mariska Willers, 2025
