Othello

The Plot derives from a sixteenth century Italian novella. The Moor, Othello, an honored Venetian military general has married a young Venetian noblewoman, Desdemona, in secret and against the wishes of her father, Brabantio. One of Othello's officers, Iago, resentful at not being promoted and suspecting the general of having had an affair with his wife, Emilia, resolves to avenge himself not only on the Moor but also on Cassio, Othello's lieutenant, the rang Iago covets. Othello and his army are sent to defend Cyprus, a Venetian possession, against an invading Turkish fleet, which in the event is dispersed by a freak storm. Once in Cyprus Iago sets his scheme in motion, when he contrives to have Cassio cashiered from the army by getting him drunk on duty. Encouraging Cassio to persuade Desdemona to plead his case, Iago then goads Othello into believing that Cassio and Desdemona are conducting a clandestine love affair. Othello, distraught and enraged as Iago offers more and more "proof" of what he has alleged, strangles Desdemona in her bed. Emilia discovers her worst misgivings are true and discloses her husband's plot to Othello. Iago kills Emilia and comprehending at last what had been done to him, Othello kills himself in grief and remorse.