OTHELLO

I. Exposition
A. Time - Othello was set in the Elizabethan/Renaissance period.
B. Place - The play was set in two places, Venice and Cyprus
C. Preliminary Situations - Desdemona and Othello have eloped.
Othello passes over Iago to name Michael Cassio as his lieutenant.

II. A. Initial Incident

Act 1, Scene 1

Iago and Roderigo are having a conversation in the night on a Venetian street. Iago tells Roderigo of his hatred for Othello. Othello gave the position of lieutenant to a Florentine arithmetician named Michael Cassio; a position that Iago wanted, and now holds a grudge against Othello for passing him over. Iago felt that he was the more qualified one, and he had given Othello good service before. Roderigo wonders why Iago still serves him, but Iago answers that he is only pretending to follow and be loyal to Othello, but it is just a facade, since Iago hates the Moor in actuality.

Iago and Roderigo also talk about Othello and Desdemona's elopement. Desdemona is the daughter of a senator, and also Roderigo's former love interest, so he is upset by the news. They decide to awaken Brabantio, Desdemona's father, to tell him that his daughter eloped with Othello. Brabantio is enraged and calls up and gathers others with torches to go and find his daughter and Othello. Iago has left by that point, saying he must go and pretend to be loyal, leaving only Roderigo and Brabantio to discuss the plans to seize the newlyweds.

The primary initial incident occurs when Iago and Roderigo awake Brabantio and ask him if he knows where his daughter is.

B. Rising Action

Act 1, Scene 2

Iago warns Othello of Brabantio's anger, and reminds him that Brabantio is one of Venice's most prominent citizens, and can easily divorce Othello from his daughter. Othello recalls his services to the city and people of Venice, and is certain that the "signiory" (Venice's governing body) will side with him (Othello). He is unafraid of Brabantio, and has faith in himself and in his love for Desdemona. Cassio then enters, and tells Othello that the Duke has called for him because of rumors of an invasion of Cyprus. Othello exits to get ready to see the Duke, and re-enters as Brabantio and his troop arrive. Iago warns Othello of Brabantio's bad intent, and they (Othello and Brabantio and his men) both draw their swords. Brabantio accuses Othello of "stealing" his daughter, who seemingly would not have gone for Othello in the first place. He wants to imprison Othello, but upon learning that the Duke is holding a council, decides to present his case to the Venetian leaders.

Act 1, Scene 3

The Duke and Senators discuss the invasion of the Turkish fleet on Cyprus, and a sailor enters and tells them that they are moving toward Rhodes. A messenger confirms that they are heading towards Cyprus. Othello and Brabantio then enter, along with others. The Duke tells Othello that they want him to lead the army against the Turks. Brabantio woefully tells the Duke that his daughter was stolen from him, and by none other than by the man they have employed to lead the fleet against the Turks. Othello asks that Desdemona be fetched and explains how he was able to "win her over." Brabantio had invited the Moor to tells the story of his life to Desdemona, who was fascinated by his tales. Consequently, they fell in love. The Duke, who shows some leniency towards Othello (because of his services to Venice), admits that the Moor's tale would have won his daughter over, as well. Desdemona arrives and confirms this story. The Duke tries to unsuccessfully comfort Brabantio.

The Council tells Othello that he must go that night to Cyprus. Desdemona wishes to go with her husband, which is granted. Before Brabantio leaves, he warns Othello that his daughter has deceived her father, and may do the same with her husband; words that come back later to haunt the Moor. Othello leaves the duty of attending his wife to Iago. Everyone leaves but Iago and Roderigo. Roderigo confesses to Iago that he wishes to drown himself, because he has no chance with Desdemona. Iago reassures Roderigo that Desdemona will tire soon of Othello, because of his old age. He manages to convince Roderigo to pursue Desdemona in Cyprus, and to sell his land and give the money to Iago to buy gifts for Desdemona. He's willing to help (he claims) because, after all, he hates Othello and wants to hurt him. After Roderigo agrees to this plan and leaves, Iago gives a soliloquy. He talks about his hate for the Moor, which is furthered by rumors that Othello has slept with Iago's wife. Since Othello is trusting, it will be easier to take advantage of that and hurt him. He decides to tell Othello that Cassio, who is young and good-looking, has slept with Desdemona. This way he can hurt two people he hates.

Act 2, Scene 1

Montano and two gentlemen try to discern the action at sea, but a heavy storm is proving it to be a difficult task. A third gentleman enters, and lets them know that the storm destroyed Turkish ships, and that Michael Cassio's ship has come in. Montano worries about Othello, whose ship has not arrived yet, and Cassio enters, showing similar concern. The ship for Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo, and Emilia then comes in. A third ship is sighted, and they wait and talk among themselves. Cassio kisses Iago's wife, Emilia, proving that he is something of a flirt. He tells Iago not to fret; he was just being courteous. Iago shoots back that he doesn't care, and manages to insult his wife, saying she talks incessantly. This starts a dialogue with Iago slandering his wife and women in general. He implies that they are only good for one thing (sex). Desdemona realizes the ridiculousness of his words, and tells Emilia to not pay attention to his slander. Meanwhile, Cassio is being friendly toward Desdemona. Iago watches as he takes her hand, and decides it would be easy to use Cassio's flirtatious nature against him by making Othello jealous. Othello then enters, and he and Desdemona have a joyful reunion, declaring their love for each other. Othello goes as far as to say that he would always be willing to go off and fight, as long he always can come back to his wife. Othello, happy about the victory against the Turks, leads the party to the castle, except for Iago and Roderigo. When they are left alone, Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with the young, good-looking, mannerly Cassio. He tries to provoke jealousy in Roderigo, so that he will help him demote Cassio. He urges Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio, who is short-tempered and easily inebriated. Roderigo agrees and leaves. Iago then has another soliloquy, which shows even more insight into his villainous mind. He expressed jealousy (which seems to be a recurring theme by this point) over gnawing feelings that he has heard that Cassio, as well as Othello, have slept with Emilia. He reflects more on his plan, which includes getting Cassio demoted. He knows that he can use Othello's jealousy to work to his advantage.

Act 2, Scene 2

Othello's herald announces that between five and eleven, there will be a celebration over the destruction of the Turkish fleet and for Othello's marriage.

Act 2, Scene 3

Othello and Desdemona go off for a night alone in the castle, after Othello instructs Cassio to keep guard. Iago invites Cassio to a glass of wine, but Cassio resists, saying he has "poor and unhappy brains for drinking." After some prodding, Cassio reluctantly agrees and leaves for a minute. Iago comments to himself about how if he can get Cassio drunk, he'll be full of "quarrel and offense" (easily enraged). Cassio re-enters with Montano and some gentlemen, and announces that he has already had a deep drink. Iago sings some songs to get Cassio wanting more to drink, which works. Cassio, denying his state of inebriation, leaves to go set the guard. Iago dutifully informs Montano that Cassio is often drunk. Roderigo appears, and Iago urges him to go find Cassio and pick a fight. He leaves, and Montano and Iago start to talk when Roderigo runs by again, being chased by Cassio. They start fighting, but Montano steps in and reminds Cassio that he is drunk. Cassio then attacks and stabs Montano. Iago whispers to Roderigo to go and make a riot. At this point, Othello, who is rather ticked off for being interrupted from his night with Desdemona, comes in and asks what all the noise is about. Montano complains about his bleeding, and attacks Cassio in a murderous rage. Othello prays for them to stop, and insists on knowing what is going on; who started all this? Iago denies any knowledge, Cassio refuses to speak, and Montano states it hurts him to talk (because of his wounds) so he isn't going to say anything. Othello grows angry and directs his question at Iago, who then confesses what has happened, or at least the side of the story that benefits him. Othello tells Cassio that though he loves him, but he can no longer be his lieutenant. Desdemona comes into the scene, and Othello leads her back to bed with him, after informing Montano that he (Othello) will attend his wounds himself. Iago and Cassio are left alone, and Cassio complains about his tainted reputation, which is worse than his physical wounds. Iago tells Cassio that caring about reputation is a pointless endeavor; reputation can be easily obtained and easily destroyed, but the actual person remains the same. Cassio is not easily soothed by this advice, and complains about the effects of wine. Iago comes up with a "plan" to help Cassio, and tells him to go to Desdemona to help him regain his position as lieutenant. After all, Desdemona is Othello's wife, and Othello is willing to listen to her. Cassio, thankful for the advice, departs, and Iago talks to himself about his plan to make Othello jealous after he shows him physical proof of Cassio and Desdemona's "relationship." Roderigo then enters, upset that his money is almost gone and he still hasn't progressed with Desdemona. Iago reassures him that now that Cassio is out of the picture, his chances are very good. Roderigo leaves, and Iago comments that he will have his wife bring Cassio to Desdemona, and then he (Iago) can bring Othello to witness them.

Act 3, Scene 1

Cassio tells some musicians to play in honor of Othello and Desdemona. Othello's clown comes out and insults their playing and tells them to stop, because his master does not like it. The musicians leave, and Cassio gives the clown some money to go find Emilia. Iago appears, and offers to fetch his wife himself, and to keep Othello away. After he leaves, Cassio says in a bit of dramatic irony, "I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest." Emilia comes in and says that Desdemona is convincing Othello to give Cassio his position back.

Act 3, Scene 2

Othello gives Iago some letters to give to the Senate, then he and some men leave to examine the works (fortified walls.)

Act 3, Scene 3 (lines 1-377)

Desdemona assures Cassio, with Emilia in the room, that she is trying her best to get Cassio reinstated. Emilia warns that her husband and Othello are arriving, and Cassio uncomfortably leaves. Othello inquires "Was that not Cassio parted from my wife?" which shows some insecurity that Iago plans to dupe. Iago offers the suggestion that there is something suspicious about Cassio. Desdemona pleads for her husband to reinstate Cassio, and Othello finally agrees after acting distracted, saying he can deny her nothing. Emilia and Desdemona leave, and Othello is left with Iago. Othello talks more about his love for Desdemona (after an ominous bit of foreshadowing: "...But I do love thee! And when I love thee net, / Chaos is come again."), and Iago questions the relationship that's between Desdemona and Cassio. Othello demands to know what Iago is referring to, and Iago refuses to answer at first, which only frustrates him. Iago tells him that he doesn't have to reveal his personal thoughts, but does warn him against jealousy. After Othello prods, Iago warns him that he thinks there might be "something" between Desdemona and Cassio, and that women of Venice have no qualms with cheating on their husbands, as long as they are not caught. Not only that, but Desdemona deceived her father, and she may very well do the same thing with her husband. Though a hint of suspicion has been set in his mind, Othello doesn't want to believe his wife is unfaithful and unchaste, and vocally proclaims his beliefs (hopes). Iago tells him that's good; he will prove it to him, which will prove his love and loyalty for Othello. Iago suggests to Othello before he goes to not give Cassio his lieutenancy back right away, and see how Desdemona reacts.

After Iago leaves, Desdemona and Emilia come in. Othello complains about a headache, and Desdemona offers to bind his head with a handkerchief. He pushes it away, and it falls to the ground. Othello and Desdemona leave, without either of them noticing it. Emilia picks up the handkerchief, and recalls how Iago asked her to steal it for him, and how it was Othello's first gift to his wife. Iago comes back in, and starts criticizing Emilia. She wants to please him, so she offers him the handkerchief. He happily exclaims "A good wench! Give it to me" and snatches it, but wouldn't say why he wanted it. Emilia felt sorry for Desdemona, knowing she would be upset when she realized it was gone. After Emilia leaves, Iago says that he will plant the handkerchief in Cassio's dwelling for him to find.

C. Climax

Act 3, Scene 3 (lines 378-409)

"Farewell the tranquil mind ... Othello's occupation gone!"

Othello enters the room Iago is in, and is angry at Iago for even telling Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Othello claims that everything would have been fine, had he not know; after all, ignorance is bliss. He accepts the possibility that Desdemona is dishonest, and kisses his peace of mind goodbye.

D. Falling Action

Act 3, Scene 3 (lines 410-546)

Othello demands Iago give him physical proof of Desdemona's unfaithfulness. He once again gets mad at the messenger and threatens Iago with his life, and Iago stoutly responds that he was just being honest and helping a friend. Othello apologizes and tells him that he should be honest. Iago inquires what kind of proof Othello wants; does he actually want to see Desdemona "topped" with Cassio? Othello scorns the thought. He asks Iago for a "living reason" she's disloyal, and Iago fabricates a story about how he was sleeping next to Cassio, and Cassio was talking/acting in his sleep about having sex with Desdemona. Othello is enraged, which is furthered when he learns from Iago that Cassio supposedly wiped his beard with the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona. Othello orders Iago to kill Cassio. Iago pleads "But let her [Desdemona] live," and Othello curses her and says that he will kill her himself. He then appoints Iago as his lieutenant.

Act 3, Scene 4

Desdemona anxiously asks her husband's servant, the clown, where Cassio is, and the clown refuses to say, since Cassio is a soldier and will hurt him if he tells; plus, he simply doesn't know where Cassio is, so to say anything would be lying. Desdemona compromises and tells the clown to tell him to come to her, which he agrees. She expresses her worries to Emilia about the loss of the handkerchief, but is certain that her husband is not jealous enough to think she's been involved in infidelity. Othello enters, and, swallowing his rage, asks how Desdemona is doing. He takes her hand, saying it's "hot, hot, and moist," and implies it's the hand of an unfaithful wife. She changes the topic, and tells him that she bid Cassio to come and talk to Othello. He then complains of a cold, and asks for a handkerchief. She gives him one, but he wants the one that he gave her as a gift, which she admits she doesn't have. Othello angrily reminds her of the story behind the handkerchief; an Egyptian gave it to his mother, who gave it to him on her deathbed, reminding him that to lose it or give it away would result in a great loss. It was supposed to keep spouses faithful. Desdemona makes a mistake of saying she wishes she had never seen it, which agitates Othello. He insists that Desdemona go fetch it for him, and she says that she will, eventually. She then changes the topic to Cassio, while Othello still insists on seeing the handkerchief. This goes on for awhile, until Othello storms off. Emilia tells Desdemona that Othello seemed jealous, and Desdemona agrees. Iago comes in with Cassio, who asks Desdemona if she's progressed. She tells him that she has to hold off on her efforts for awhile, because Othello's being moody. Iago goes to find Othello after learning he is angry. Desdemona and Emilia have a conversation concerning Othello's moods, and Desdemona says that jealousy can't be causing his emotions, since she's done nothing to make him jealous. Emilia wisely quips that jealousy needs no cause. Before they leave, Desdemona tells Cassio that she will try again to help him regain his lieutenancy. Cassio's mistress, Bianca (who is a prostitute), then comes in, demanding to know why Cassio's been away for so long. He reassures her that he'll spend more time with her after he feels better, and gives her Desdemona's handkerchief, asking her to copy the embroidered pattern for him. She gets jealous and assumes it was a gift from another woman, but Cassio claims that he simply found it in his chamber. He then tells her to go away, because he doesn't want Othello to see him with her.

Act 4, Scene 1

Othello has an epileptic seizure and faints after being tormented with images of adultery from Iago. Cassio enters, but leaves after Iago asks him to return later, when Othello is better. He awakens, and Iago tells him to stand back so he can't hear but can see Cassio's face when Iago (supposedly) asks him about Desdemona. Cassio comes, and is invoked into a conversation about Bianca. Cassio laughs and talks earnestly, and Othello, of course, thinks he's talking about Desdemona. Bianca arrives and gives the handkerchief back to Cassio, furiously proclaiming that it was from one of Cassio's other mistresses. She hastily leaves, demanding he have supper with her tonight or else never again, and he chases after her. Othello comes forward and Iago tells him that Desdemona gave the handkerchief to Cassio, who in turn, gave it to Desdemona. Othello angrily plots to poison Desdemona that night, but Iago tells him to strangle her in the bed she "contaminated," while he (Iago) kills Cassio. A trumpet sounds, and Lodovico, Desdemona's cousin from Venice, comes in bearing a note from the Duke and the Senate for Othello, commanding him to return to Venice. While he reads it, Desdemona starts to talk about Cassio, and Othello abruptly stops reading to insult her and hit her. Lodovico criticizes Othello's behavior, and Desdemona starts to leave, but Othello calls her back to insult her some more, then sends her away. He then says that Cassio will take his place in Cyprus, invites Lodovico to dinner, and leaves. After his departure, Lodovico wonders why Othello is such a jerk when he had such a good reputation in Venice. Iago says that he's changed.

Act 4, Scene 2

Othello and Emilia are in the middle of a conversation; Othello is asking Emilia about Desdemona's and Cassio's relationship, whether they've ever been alone, etc. Emilia tells him that they've never been alone; she's always been in the room, hearing everything. Othello replies, "That's strange," and requests her to fetch for Desdemona. Emilia comes back with Desdemona, and Othello orders Emilia away. He looks her in the eyes, insisting she admit that she's been "false." She insists she's not been, and he continues to slander her, calling her a "whore" to her face. He calls Emilia back, and gives her money for her supposed trouble to be the gatekeeper to hell (aka helping a prostitute). He leaves, and Desdemona is numb and asks Emilia to leave and put her wedding sheets on her bed for that night. Emilia and Iago come back, and Desdemona anxiously wants reassurance from Iago that she is not a "whore." Emilia wonders what kind of villain planted seeds of doubt in Othello's mind (the villain being, of course, Iago) and Iago merely tells her to keep quiet. Desdemona expresses hopelessness at not knowing what she's done wrong, and asks him to help her and go to Othello. Iago tells her that Othello's business is weighing his mind, and not to worry. Trumpets sound the arrival of Roderigo, as Desdemona and Emilia leave. Roderigo almost catches onto Iago's evil ways, and tells him how he's been giving him money, but Desdemona's showing no sign of receiving any gifts. Iago quickly comes up with a plan promising Desdemona to Roderigo within a day, and says that Othello and his wife are going to Mauritania, leaving Cassio in charge. If Roderigo kills Cassio, then Othello will be forced to stay behind, as well as his wife, making her still available. Roderigo likes this plan, and Iago gives the job of murdering Cassio to Roderigo, which Othello originally asked Iago to do.

Act 4, Scene 3

Othello has a civil dinner with Lodovico. Emilia and Desdemona are with them, until Othello orders Desdemona to bed, and Emilia with her. Othello and Lodovico leave for a walk, and Emilia comments that Othello seems gentler than he had acted before. Desdemona once again proclaims her love for Othello. Emilia tells her that she's laid the wedding sheets on the bed, and Desdemona requests that if she were to die before her (Emilia), to bury her in those sheets. (This being more foreshadowing.) Desdemona sings a song that her mother's maid sang when she died of a broken heart, after she lost the man she loved to madness. They talk about infidelity, and Desdemona proves her innocence and naivety in her beliefs that a woman would never dare cheat on her husband. Emilia tells her that there are indeed hussies out there, but it's the husband's fault for slacking off on their husbandly duties.

Act 5, Scene 1

Iago and Roderigo are in the dark streets. They make plans for Roderigo to stab Cassio as he walks by. Iago expresses hope to himself that they get involved in a brawl and both die, since he doesn't want to pay Roderigo back all the gold and jewels he took. As Cassio walks by, Roderigo ineffectively thrusts at Cassio, who is wearing a metal coat. Cassio stabs Roderigo, who falls. Iago then stabs Cassio in the legs, and runs away. Cassio cries out for help, and Othello hears it and appears, pleased that Iago has kept his word (to kill Cassio). He leaves, planning to kill Desdemona. Lodovico and Gratiano hear the two men crying for help, but they fear that it is a trap. Iago comes back with a light, and acts as though he is clueless. When he asks Cassio what villain has stabbed him, Cassio points the finger at Roderigo, so Iago passionately yells "O murd'rous slave! O villain!" and stabs Roderigo. Bianca hears the cries, and learning they're Cassio's, starts crying for her lover. Iago accuses her of having some part in it. He then pretends to discover's Roderigo's corpse, and acts shocked. Cassio is carried off in a chair, along with Roderigo, as Iago promises to fetch a surgeon for Roderigo. Emilia comes in, and Iago updates her with the happenings, and they both accuse Bianca of wounding Cassio. Iago tells Emilia to go to the citadel and tell Othello and Desdemona about what's happened, which is a foolish error on Iago's part, because she'll witness (or come close to witnessing) Desdemona's murder, which would unveil Iago's plans.

Act 5, Scene 2

Othello is next to his sleeping wife, commenting to himself how she must die, or else she'll betray more men. He kisses her, and Desdemona wakes up. He asks Desdemona if she's said her prayers tonight, so that she can die a guiltless death. Desdemona is shocked and afraid, and pleads for her life, but the Moor shows no mercy. He disappointedly tells her that the she gave Cassio the handkerchief that Othello loved; that he first gave to her. Desdemona denies it, and asks Othello to send for Cassio to vouch for her. When Desdemona tells her husband that she never loved Cassio, he says that he's seen Cassio with the handkerchief in his hand. Desdemona once again asks Othello to fetch Cassio, but Othello denies her request, saying that Cassio confessed to having relations with Desdemona. He adds that "Honest Iago" has killed Cassio, which prompts tears from Desdemona. Othello is angered that she cries about Cassio's death in front of him, and smothers her with a pillow as she begs for one last prayer.

Emilia is at the door, demanding entry, and Othello draws the curtains and lets her in after some hesitation. She informs the Moor about the murders; Roderigo's demise, and Cassio's wounds. Othello is upset that Cassio is still alive, but is interrupted by some last words from Desdemona. Emilia, shocked, demands to know who's done this to her. Desdemona's last words, loyal to her husband to the grave, are "Nobody. I Myself. Farewell. / Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell." Othello puts on a false act and pretends to not know how she was murdered, but points out that Emilia heard Desdemona admit herself that it was not him. But then Othello confesses that she was a liar meant for hell, and it was he that killed her. He tells Emilia how her husband told him about Desdemona's affair with Cassio. Emilia recuperates from her initial shock and realizes the plot her husband has pulled off, and starts crying for help, that Othello has killed her mistress. Her cries are heard by Montano, Gratiano, and Iago. Despite Iago's warnings to shut her up, she reveals her husband's plot to everyone. Othello collapses on the bed and refuses to believe Emilia's story. He brings up the handkerchief incident, and Emilia realizes that her husband manipulated her to advance his murderous scheme. She starts crying again, and Iago draws his sword. Emilia tells Othello that she found the handkerchief and gave it to her husband, who had earnestly asked for it. Othello realizes his grave mistake, and though disarmed, charges at Iago. Iago quickly stabs his wife and runs off. Montano and Gratiano leave in pursuit of Iago, and Emilia asks to be placed next to Desdemona. She sings some lines from the "Willow" song, and her dying words are of criticism of the Moor.

Othello finds a weapon, and lamenting to Gratiano over his guilt and his lost Desdemona, talks about suicide. Lodovico, Montano, Iago, and Cassio (in a chair) enter. Lodovico demands that the "viper" Iago be brought forth, and the site of him angers Othello enough to stab Iago. Othello is disarmed. He tells Cassio that he plotted his murder, and asks him for forgiveness. He then demands to know why Iago did this, and Iago simply says "What you know, you know." Lodovico reveals some papers found in Roderigo's pockets, which outlined the plot. Lodovico tells Othello that he will be tried in the Venetian government. Othello doesn't want to be remembered as a jealous murderer to Venice, which he has served well, and stabs himself. He kisses Desdemona and dies. Lodovico commands Iago to witness the chaos he's caused. He names Gratiano as Othello's heir, Cassio as the governor of Cyprus, and appoints himself to tell the state of the events that have taken place. Lodovico also earlier says that Iago will be tortured and killed for the crimes he's done.

E. Conclusion

Othello commits suicide after killing Desdemona. Emilia dies, Cassio gets power over Cyprus, and Iago is to be tortured and killed.

III. Characters

Iago - Essentially his play, Iago is the one who plans to demise of Othello and perpetuates all the lies and chaos.

Othello - A Moor who at first loves his wife, but later becomes consumed with jealousy and plots her death.

Desdemona - Othello's fair-skinned wife, who is the epitome of pureness and graciousness and remains the most innocent and naive character in the play.

Emilia - Iago's wife, who makes a sharp turn from the "bad" side to the "good" side and is the one to ultimately bring down her husband in the last scene.

IV. Theme

"Jealousy is the green-eyed monster."

V. Personal Reaction

As a tragedy, I liked this play, but I didn't like it for that same reason (because it was a tragedy). I knew the entire time that the main characters were going to die, which forced me to not sympathize too much with any of them. I thought the intricate plot was extremely interesting though, and I liked how the story could be seen from a few different angles: Iago's, Othello's, and everyone else's. And though almost all of the characters had major flaws, I really did feel sorry for Desdemona, who personified trust and pureness at it's best, and was the most innocent character in the story.

VI. Quotations

"If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
Your son-in-law is far more fair than black."
--The Duke

"Reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving."
--Iago

"When I have plucked the rose,
I cannot give it vital growth again."
--Othello

"Alas, he is betrayed, and I am undone."
--Desdemona

"O, the more angel she, and you the blacker devil!"
--Emilia