The Tragedy of Othello by Shakespeare - Book Report/Review Example

Othello has promoted Cassio to the rank of lieutenant, causing great bitterness and jealousy in Iago. Othello has married Desdemona, daughter of Brabantio, who is enchanted by his tales of adventure and has fallen in love with him. When Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter, Desdemona tells the duke that while she loves and respects her father, her duty is to her husband. The two are deeply in love, and when Othello is ordered to go to Cyprus, Desdemona follows him. In Cyprus, Othello's love for Desdemona continues, but it cannot withstand the malicious insinuations of Iago about Cassio.

"No, sure, cannot think it that he would steal away so guilty-like seeing your coming," Iago says, sowing the seeds of suspicion in Othello's mind. Still, Othello tells Desdemona, who wants him to meet Cassio, " Let him come when he will; I deny thee nothing" showing his love for her. His suspicions get confirmed when Desdemona loses the handkerchief he had given her, and by overhearing a conversation where Cassio speaks derogatorily about a woman. Convinced that Desdemona is unfaithful to him, Othello decides to kill her.

He ignores her pleadings, saying, "This sorrow is heavenly. It strikes where it doth love" Although he loves her, he kills her, and later, himself. Desdemona was steadfast in her devotion to Othello, but Othello himself was consumed by the "green-eyed monster" and became a victim of his own emotions.