Cliffs Notes on Shakespeare's Othello

by Gary K. Carey

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in the series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

Betrayal and manipulation lie at the heart of Othello. Keep up with all the crosses and double-crosses of this tragic play with the CliffsNotes version of the play, which will help you form your own opinions about Iago's schemes, Othello's motives, and Desdemona's loyalty.

Other features that help you study include:

* Background information about the life and times of William Shakespeare to help you understand his influences
* A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
* Glossaries to help you comprehend Shakespeare’s language
* Critical essays on the character pairs and major themes of the play
* A review section that tests your knowledge

Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Classics, Theatre, Shakespeare

88 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Zenobia]

Reading it at the same time definitely helped me make sure I understood the scenes. At one point I stopped using it because I didn't need it anymore.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this before seeing Othello at the Utah Shakespearean Festival this week. It really helped prepare me for the play, but I only recommend it if you're going to read or watch the play too! I give it 5 stars because of my experience with the play. While I was watching the performance, I thought, "This is really good, but it's sad!" The morning after the play, I thought, "That play was about ME!" I started to think about how every choice I make in my relationships determines if I am going to be like Othello or like Desdemona. Othello chose the path of fear, which led to false accusations and ultimately led to pride and the destruction of everything good in his life. Desdemona choose the path of faith, hope and love. She had faith when she chose to not blame Othello for his strange behavior towards her. She chose hope when she tried to help him overcome his problem. She chose to love him in her dying breath. This play deeply affected me. It's not an easy one to watch and I definitely would not let young children see it, but it's a powerful reminder of the choices I have in every moment of my life: fear or faith, blame or hope, pride or love, destruction or life.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cliff note book got me through Othello. It also helped a lot while writing a research report for English. I actually liked Othello a lot, but this book just gave a better idea of what was happening. Cliffs Notes are amazing books!