Othello: the Moor of Venice

Primary Creator
Playwright William Shakespeare
Contributor(s)
Properties
Duration150 minutes
Era1600s
StyleRenaissance
Name of WorkOthello: the Moor of Venice
Production Date1603
Production Location


Current Location


General Notes

(none)

Description

The story of a General who is consumed by jealousy when he is tricked by his servant (Iago) into thinking his wife is unfaithful.  Iago is an evil genius who plots to destroy his master and his wife.  Othello kills his wife, and eventually, when he finds out that Iago betrayed him, commits suicide when he fails to kill Iago. 

Theme

A great man can be gullible and controlled by an evil character.  Or, an evil character can have potency in the world, because of the weakness of a good man.

Emotional Sum or Sense-of-life

Malevolence and horrible tragedy is unrelieved.  Evil is potent.

Context Information

Originally a drama, but has been used innumerable times in Opera, Film, Ballet.

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