Study Guide to Othello by William Shakespeare

A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for William Shakespeare’s Othello, the inspiration behind many operas, films, and literary adaptations.


As a tragedy of the seventeenth century, Othello’s performance continues today due to the timeless themes of racism, love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge and repentance. Moreover, Shakespeare was inspired by English, French, and Italian works, but Othello was primarily inspired by Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinthio’s Hecatommithi. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Shakespeare’s classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons it has stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains:


- Introductions to the Author and the Work

- Character Summaries

- Plot Guides

- Section and Chapter Overviews

- Test Essay and Study Q&As


The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including

essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.