Drama
High School (9–12)
Adult Learners
European Voices
1600–1799
Othello
by William Shakespeare
Reading Levels
Languages
Summary
About The Author
Key Themes
Publication Year
Historical Context
Content Disclaimer
Reading Levels
Total words
27,699
Unique Words
4,003
Reading Ease
Languages
English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian.
Summary
A tragic story of jealousy and betrayal, where Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, is manipulated by his envious ensign, Iago, leading to devastating consequences. The play explores themes of trust, racism, and the destructive power of deceit.
About The Author
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. His prolific body of work includes timeless plays such as Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, which continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Shakespeare's innovative use of language and exploration of human nature have left an indelible mark on literature and theater.
Key Themes
Jealousy, racial prejudice, manipulation, love and betrayal, honor and reputation.
Publication Year
1603
Historical Context
"Othello" by William Shakespeare was written in the early 17th century, around 1603-1604, during the Elizabethan and early Jacobean era. This period was marked by England's expanding global influence and complex social hierarchies, which are reflected in the play's themes of race, jealousy, and betrayal. The play is historically significant for its exploration of racial issues and its enduring impact on literature and drama, highlighting Shakespeare's ability to address universal human emotions and societal tensions.
Content Disclaimer
Contains themes of racism, jealousy, manipulation, and domestic violence, as well as depictions of murder and suicide.