Othello

Othello, the Moor of Venice is a tragedy based on an old Italian story 'Un Capitano Moro. I shall give a short summary of the plot; the Venetian general, Othello is married to Desdemona, daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian senator. Iago, an ensign to Othello and husband of Emilia is the antagonist of the play.
The opening scene features Roderigo, who is in love with Desdemona, complaining to Iago that he was not informed of Othello's marriage. Even during this opening scene, the central theme of jealousy begins to be established. Iago, himself suspects that Othello had an affair with his wife Emilia and so he is willing to entertain Roderigo's anger.
Iago's closing speeches to Roderigo at the end of Act 1 demonstrate his jealous and vindictive mindset. Iago says (Act 1 Scene 3):

'Virtue? A fig! 'tis in ourselves that we are thus, or thus.'

'I hate the moor. My cause is hearted: thine hath no less reason'

These lines are evidently foreboding yet it is the psychological insight garnered from Iago's deceitful manner, his civil manner towards Othello compared to his fuelling of Roderigo's anger.

Act 2 is set in Cyprus where the Venetian governors discuss the tempest that may have destroyed the Turkish fleet. A messenger informs them that Othello may also have been killed during the storm. Iago, Desdemona, Roderigo and Emilia all return safely, Desdemona becomes anxious that Othello may be lost. However, in scene 3, Othello returns and there is a touching reunion between husband and wife. Othello says: 'All's well now, sweeting; Come away to bed' (Act 2, scene 3). Iago continues to stir up jealousy by informing Roderigo that Cassio is also in love with Desdemona. Iago's monologue towards the end of the act raises questions of his morality and as to how far he may be deemed a villain as a character.
From Iago's monologue Act 2, scene 3

'And what's he then, that says I play the villain?
When this advice is free, I give and honest
Probal to thinking and indeed the course
To win the Moor again?'

Iago provokes drunken Roderigo and Cassio to duel until Othello separates them. Othello becomes angry and dismisses Cassio from service. Iago convinces Cassio that he must make Desdemona speak on his behalf to rekindle their friendship, however, Iago's ulterior motive is to further increase Othello's jealousy.
Act 3 is focussed around Othello's castle and the fruition of Iago's jealous schemes. A memorable moment in this scene is the displacement of the handkerchief which was given to Desdemona from Othello. The sentimental value of this item is significant as when it is lost and picked up by Bianca, mistress of Cassio, Othello's jealousy is heightened. Cassio is given the handkerchief by Bianca, Othello asks Desdemona where it is, she says she has lost it. When it is discovered that Cassio has it, Othello's anger begins to become characteristic of the tragedy. At the beginning of Act 4, Othello's fragile state of mind is laid bare:

Lie with her? lie on her? -- We say lie on her when they

belie her. -- Lie with her! Zounds, that's fulsome.

Handkerchief -- confessions -- handkerchief! -- To

To confess, and be hang'd for his labour -- first to be hang'd,

and then to confess. (IV.i.35-40) The tragic conclusion of this play involves Iago's setting up of an ambush with Roderigo to kill Cassio. Cassio is wounded and Othello believes him dead. Iago realises he must kill Roderigo to silence his part in the scheme. Othello's rage completely consumes him and he tells Desdemona, who tries to prove her innocence: "It's too late" (V.ii.88) he smothers her. Emilia becomes aware of the situation and reveals Iago's scheme. Iago stabs Emilia. Othello stabs Iago. Whilst the others rush around to deal with events, Othello withdraws a blade and kills himself beside his dying wife. The psychological and pathological effects of jealousy make Othello one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies.