Othello

William Shakespeare

Three Watson
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Saddlebacks Illustrated ClassicsTM

Three Watson
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Website: www.sdlback.com

Copyright 2006 by Saddleback Educational Publishing.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
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written permission of the publisher.
ISBN 1-59905-149-4

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William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in
Stratford-on-Avon, England, the third child of John Shakespeare,
a well-to-do merchant, and Mary Arden, his wife. Young William
probably attended the Stratford grammar school, where he
learned English, Greek, and a great deal of Latin. Historians
arent sure of the exact date of Shakespeares birth.
In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. By 1583
the couple had a daughter, Susanna, and two years later the
twins, Hamnet and Judith. Somewhere between 1585 and
1592 Shakespeare went to London, where he became first an
actor and then a playwright. His acting company, The Kings
Men, appeared most often in the Globe theater, a part of which
Shakespeare himself owned.
In all, Shakespeare is believed to have written thirty-seven
plays, several nondramatic poems, and a number of sonnets.
In 1611 when he left the active life of the theater, he returned
to Stratford and became a country gentleman, living in the
second-largest house in town. For five years he lived a quiet
life. Then, on April 23, 1616, William Shakespeare died and
was buried in Trinity Church in Stratford. From his own time
to the present, Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest
writers of the English-speaking world.

William Shakespeare

Othello

Iago

Desdemona

Cassio

Othello

Emilia

othello

Venice is the famous Italian City built along canals* bordered** with
beautiful homes. Many years ago, late at night, two men were walking
together.

You are a strange

man, Iago! you say
you hate Othello, the
general you serve so
well?

Yes, Roderigo,
I do.

Othello had first

come as a soldier
from another
country to serve
the people of
Venice. Since then
he had become a
great hero.

* man-made waterways
** set along the side of something

10

Even though I am a better soldier,

So now I am only one of his

he chose Michael Cassio to be his

officers instead of a real

next in command!

leader. I hate Othello for this!

Well, I wouldnt
continue to
serve him if I
felt that way.

Oh, but I have a plan,

Roderigo. In serving him, I
will really be taking care
of myself! He will pay
dearly for this.

And now the mischief starts! Here

is Signior* Brabantios houselet
us wake him and let him know
that his daughter has been taken
away!
Signior Brabantio! Signior
Brabantio!

* a title given to a noble (and usually rich) Italian citizen

othello

What is the meaning of all this noise

Your daughter,

at this hour of the night?

Desdemona, has
been stolen away by
Othello, the Moor!*

What, have you

I am

lost your wits?

Roderigo.

Who are you?

I have told you before that my

daughter is not for you! You will
be punished for this trick!
Sir, check
Desdemonas
room. If your
daughter is
inside, then
punish me any
way that you
choose!

Servants! Bring
me a light!

* a person from the northern part of Africa

11

12

While Brabantio went to look for

his daughter, Iago made other

Brabantio was even more upset

when he returned.

plans.

I must leave now

so that Othello
doesnt know Ive
had any part of

She is gone!
Roderigo, tell

I think so, sir!

me, are they

married?

this.

Meanwhile, Iago hurried to Othello and

told him that his life was in danger.
Then help me,
Its good that

Roderigo! I will get

you didnt,

my soldiers and we
will look for them.

I wanted to kill

Iago. I love

Brabantio for the

his daughter

bad things he said

Desdemona, and

about you!

I think that he
will come to
see my side of
things.

othello

The Duke of Venice is calling for you, General

Just then Cas-

Othello. There is trouble with the Turks in

sio arrived with a

Cyprus*. The Senate** is meeting now.

message.

Here comes Senator

Brabantio! Be careful, Othello!

Good Signior

You have

I will be glad

This is true,

Brabantio, this

taken away my

to talk to

Signior. I am

is no time for

daughter with

you about

sure that

fighting!

your magic! I

this later.

you have

will have you

But now I

also been

punished!

must meet

sent for.

with the Duke.

This late at
night? Well,
let us go.

* an island in the Mediterranean Sea near Turkey

** a group of men elected to help govern a state or country

13

14

Sir, the reports

Meanwhile, the
duke and his
advisOrs were
waiting for

all say that a

fleet of ships
from Turkey is
headed for Cyprus.

Othello.

Brave Othello, we

Dear Sir, forgive

Why, what is the

beg you to sail for

me. I have not come

matter?

Cyprus right away!

about this business, but about a

personal problem.

Is she

It concerns* my

dead?

daughter!

* has something to do with

othello

She is as

Whoever has

I thank you, sir! Here is the

good as

done this will be

man, this Moor!

dead to me.

punishedeven if

She has been

it should by my

stolen away

own son!

by magic.

Othello, what do you have to say?

But I beg you, send for

Desdemona and let her

It is true that I have

tell you whether I used

married this mans

magic to win her love.

daughterand that I
love her.

Bring Desdemona
here!

15

16

Good Iago, Please

Tell us

Many times Brabantio, her father,

go for Desdemona.

Othello.

invited me to his house. He always

Until she comes, I

asked me questions about my life

will tell my part of

and the battles I have fought all

the story.

over the world.

Desdemona listened

I think my very own

Please hear

as often as she

daughter would

Desdemona

could. Her eyes, as

have done the same.

speak. Come,

they looked upon

child, tell this

me, began to show

group about

her love.

the person you

should most
obey.

othello

My good father, I will always

Thats enough for me. Othello, my

respect you. But now my duty

daughter is yours. Now let us get on

is to my husband, just as my

with our problems with Turkey.

mothers was to you.

Othello, you must sail at

I shall leave it to you, Othello.

once for Cyprus to protect it

But you must leave tonight.

from the Turks.

I will entrust*
I will sir. But I will

my wife to good

need a place for

Iago. He and his

Desdemona to stay.

wife Emilia will

bring Desdemona
to Cyprus.

Oh, Yes! I want to

go with my husband!

* place something or someone in anothers care

17

18

Goodbye,

Watch out for her, Moor!

Othello.

If she has deceived* her

father, she may also
deceive you!

No, she is faithful to me. Come,

Soon no one was left but Iago

Desdemona, we have only a little

and Roderigo.

time left to spend together.

I suffer too

Come, be

much when I see

a man! A

Desdemonas love

man would

for Othello! I

never

think I will drown

drown

myself.

himself
for love!

* fooled, tricked

othello

Desdemona will not love the

Then Iago was left alone.

Moor for long. She will be yours,

and I will help you get her. Gather
all the money you have and bring

What a fool Roderigo is! Yet I

can use him and his money in my
revenge* on Othello. And maybe I

it to me tomorrow.

can use Cassio to make the Moor

crazy with jealousy!**
I will.

A few days later in Cyprus, some men stood

A ship from Ven-

talking.

ice commanded by

Good news! The

storm that struck us
yesterday has sunk
most of the enemy
ships!

How do you
know?

* getting even with someone

** wanting what someone else has

Michael Cassio has

just landed with
the news!

19

20

My dear

Desdemona! If only

Othello!

life always had such

And not long

sweet calms after all

afterward the

its storms. You must

remaining ships

have heard that the

arrived from

war is over! Let us

Venice.

celebrate!*

At this, everyone left for the castleeveryone

She falls in love

but Iago and Roderigo.

easily. She must be

tired of Othello, and

I have news for you,

Roderigo! Desdemona is in
love with Michael Cassio!

* rejoice, have a good time

Cassio is younger
I dont believe
it!

and more handsome.

othello

Its hard

Trust me.

When Roderigo had left, Iago

to believe!

Cassio

continued to plan.

will be on
guard duty

I am sure that Cassio is in

tonight.

love with Desdemona. I think I

Make him

can make Othello so jealous

angry so

that he will play right into my

that he

hands!

strikes out
at you with
his sword.
If you do,
you will
be closer
to winning
Desdemonas love.

Cassio, you are in charge of the guard

That night the

tonight. Make sure that everything

people of Cyprus

remains peaceful.

were invited to a
great feast at the
castle. They would
celebrate the end
of the war with
Turkey as well as
Othellos recent
marriage.

21

22

But later, when Cassio met Iago,

Not tonight, Iago.

Nonsense!

Iago had planned a trap for him.

I get drunk very

One more

easily, and Ive had

drink

Welcome, Iago. Let us go to our

one drink already.

wont hurt.

watch.

This is an important
night for me to

It is too early. Let us

stay sober.*

first have a drink with

some of the Cyprus
soldiers.

Before long, Cassio

was drunk.

Do not think, gentleman, that I have had

too much to drink. This is my left hand,
and this is my right. And I think I can
still walk and can go to my watch.

* not drunk

othello

After Cassio had left them, Iago

made matters still worse.

Youre right! Someone should

warn General Othello about him.

Its too bad Othello puts so much

trust in this fellow. He can cause
a lot of trouble on this island
because of his drinking.

Soon afterward, Iago sent Roderigo after Cassio. As Iago had ordered, Roderigo shouted insults* at Cassio. They began to fight, and
the soldiers rushed to stop them.
I pray sir, you must stop this! Youre drunk!

Drunk? How can you

You dont know what youre doing!

say Im drunk?

* words that hurt or upset another person

23

24

At this, Cassio started fighting with the soldier.

Cassio, never

Meanwhile, Iago told Roderigo to run to the

again will you

town square and sound the alarm. This brought

be an officer of

Othello to where the trouble was taking place.

mine!

Who started this

Sir, I do not want

fight, Iago?

to make trouble for

Michael Cassio. But it
started because he had
too much to drink.

When Othello and the others had left, Iago

Youre right, I will ask

and Cassio remained behind.

her tomorrow. Good

night, honest Iago.

Dont look so sad, Cassio.

Speak to Othellos wife,
Desdemona, in the morning. She is very kind and
will plead* for you before
Othello.

* beg

othello

Now I will fix it so

The next day, Iago had his wife Emilia arrange

Othello thinks that

a meeting between Desdemona and Cassio.

Desdemona and Cas-

Cassio, I will try to get

sio are in love.

Please dont take

my husband to forgive

too long, or he

you.

may forget my
service to him. But
here he comes. I
must not let him
see me!

Wasnt that Cassio that just left

Dear husband, I beg you to

your wife? He looked guilty* and

forgive Cassio! He truly wants

ran when he saw you!

to serve you again!

I dont want to
talk about it now,
Desdemona.

* having committed a crime

25

26

But I shall give you no rest until

I will not deny*

Just

you change your mind!

you anything,

as you

Desdemona. But

wish, my

leave us alone

dearest.

for a little

Come,

while and I will

Emilia,

join you soon.

let us go
inside.

But Iago was determined** to

Its nothing,

Iago, as my

make Othello jealous. So,

sir. I just

true friend, are

when they were alone again, he

cant believe

you trying to

spoke.

that Cassio

tell me some-

would try to

thing about

trick you.

Desdemona and

Sir, when you

Oh yes, he

were first

went between

courting your

us often with

lady, did Michael

messages. Why

Cassio know of

do you ask?

your love?

* keep from having

** made up ones mind to do something

Cassio?

othello

27

You must be honest

Beware of jealousy,

I will not be

with me. Tell me what

dear General.

jealous without

is on your mind!

proof. I love
and trust my
wife.

Remember,

Well, tell Emilia to keep

Desdemona

a close watch on her.

I am glad to hear it.

tricked her

My advice,* then, is

father when

this: watch Desdemona

she married

Why did I

and Cassio when they

you secretly.

marry? Honest

are together.

Iago seems to
know more than
he is telling me!

* help, warning

28

Othello, your dinner and your guests

Iagos lies began

are waiting for you! Are you ill?

to work. Left alone,

Othello thought
of reasons not to

I have a headache,

trust his wife. When

thats all.

Desdemona came to
call him for dinner
she found a changed
man.

Let me tie my

No! Your

As Othello and Desdemona left,

handkerchief

handkerchief

Emilia bent over quickly to pick

tight around

is too little.

up the handkerchief that had

your head, and

Leave it alone.

fallen.

it will go away.

Ill come with

you.

Im glad I found this. It was

Desdemonas first gift from
Othello and she loves it. But
Iago ordered me to steal it. I
have no idea why.

othello

Just then Iago came up to Emilia.

This had better be

important. Desdemona
will be very upset

Is this the
handkerchief

Yes! Give

you wanted?

it to me!

when she learns that

it is gone!

I will leave this handkerchief

You could not have found a

in Cassios room where he will

better way to torture* me

find it. Othello will go crazy

than to make me believe my wife

when he sees Cassio with it.

loves another man!

I am sorry to
hear this.

* hurt greatly

29

30

You had better

O world, take

I dont know

For two

show me proof

note! It does

whether to

nights I

that what you

not pay to

trust youmy

slept in

say is true, or

be an honest

good friend,

Cassios

you will die!

man!

or hermy

house. Twice

darling wife.

I heard him

give me proof

cry out in

of what you

his sleep,

say!

Sweet Desdemona! Let

us hide our
love from
Othello!

And there is something morea

Well, I wouldnt know

handkerchief with strawberries on it.

that. But I saw Michael

Cassio wipe his beard with

That was my first

gift to Desdemona.

it today!

othello

This proves it! I will get even

Be calm, sir. You may still change

with them!

your mind.

No! I will have my

And I will do

Dear Iago, trusted friend, within

revenge!

whatever you

three days I want you to tell me

ask me.

that Cassio is dead. You are now

my lieutenant!*
I will serve you
forever!

* next in command

31

32

Later Desdemona and Emilia stood

together outside the castle.
I would rather have
Where could I have
lost it, Emilia?

Just then Othello

I dont

lost anything but

know,

this! But Othello

madam.

will understand.

Here, dear husband.

drew near.

She told me to
give it to my wife.

That is not the

To lose it would
mean that ter-

I hope

I have

one I mean! Get

you will

a cold.

me the handker-

rible things would

speak to

Please

chief I gave you

happen. I hope you

Cassio

lend me

and told you

have it nearby!

now!

your

to carry with

hand-

you always.

kerchief.

An Egyptian*
charmer** gave
it to my mother.

* from Egypt, in northern Africa

** someone who has supernatural powers

othello

As Othello
stormed
away, Iago

Madam, please

He is not himself lately, Cassio.

keep trying to

You must wait a little longer.

33

help me!

and Cassio
came up.

Is he angry? I
will talk with him.

I hope he is worried

I gave him no reason to be!

about business matters

and not jealous of you!

I found this beautiful

All right. But

When Desdemona

handkerchief in my room.

wont you

and Emilia had left,

Would you copy the

walk part way

a common lady

stitching* on it for me?

home with me?

named Bianca, much

in love with Cassio,
came forward.

* patterns worked into something with thread

34

Later, when he met Othello again,

Suppose Cassio went about

Iago wanted to make sure that

bragging that he slept with

Othello was still very angry.

her?

If I gave my wife

I would most

Has he done

a handkerchief,

gladly have

that?

then it would be

forgotten

hers to give to

that! But he did

whomever she

have my wifes

likes, wouldnt it?

handkerchief.

Oh yes, sir!

Did he? I cant stand

this anymore!

And with these words Othello fainted.

othello

At that moment Cassio came up.

35

Othello woke in a few moments.

After you fainted, Cassio came

Whats

Othello fainted, but

by, but I sent him away. If you will

wrong?

Im taking care of

hide yourself, I will question him

him. Leave us alone

about Desdemona when he re-

for a while, and

turns. You can watch his face even

later I would like

if you cant hear what he says.

to speak with you.

All right.

Now I will question Cassio

Othello did as Iago said.

about that woman, Bianca,

But worse things were

who loves him so much.

about to happen.

Othello will think he is speaking about Desdemona.

36

In a moment Cassio was back.

Look how he smiles and laughs

in talking about my wifes love
for him!

Cassio, you must

keep on asking
Desdemonas help.
Now, if Bianca were

Ah, yes,
Good old
Bianca.

helping you, how

quickly all this
would get done!

I never saw

Alas, poor silly

I will get even

a woman so

woman. She does

with them both!

in love with a

seem to love me!

man!

othello

They say you

She thinks that

Iago then motioned* to Othello

will soon be

because its

to come closer.

marrying her!

her dream, not

She follows me all over the

mine!

place and hangs about my neck I

cant get rid of her!

I am not going to

Why, that is the

Just then Bianca

spend my time copying

handkerchief I

drew near with the

the work that some

gave Desdemona!

handkerchief in her

other woman has

hand.

given you!

* made a movement with ones hand

37

38

When Bianca and

Cassio had left,

How shall I murder

Did you see how

him, Iago?

he laughed about
Desdemona?

Othello came
forward.

Oh, Iago!

And did you see how he cares for the

handkerchief? He has given it to a very
common woman!

I would like to see him

tortured for nine years
before he is allowed to die!
Oh, my sweet Desdemona!

No, you must forget about her!

othello

But I only say what

That only

she is. She sews so

makes it worse!

well, and her voice

Get me some poison,

is beautiful. Why,

Iago. I will kill her

she could sing the

this very night!

wildness out of a

No, do

bear!

not use
poison.
Strangle*
her in her
bed!

And let me take care of Cassio.

Just then a trumpet sounded.

You shall hear more about this

by midnight.
What is this?
Very good!

* choke

It must mean
a visitor from
Venice.

39

40

At that moment,

Greetings, good general!

Lodovico, one

The duke sends you this

of Desdemonas

letter.

relatives* from
Venice, came
forward.

And whats

I am glad to

He is

There has been a prob-

the news,

see you, sir.

alive.

lem between him and my

good cousin

Welcome to

husband. But I am sure

Lodovico?

Cyprus.

that you will make all

things well again.
Are you so
sure of that?

I thank you. How is

lieutenant Cassio?

* people belonging to the same family

othello

Pardon me?

Sothere is a

A most unhappy one. I would do

problem between

much to make them friends again,

Othello and

for the love I feel toward Cas-

Cassio.

sio!

What?

It may be the letIs he angry?

ter. He has just

been ordered
back to Venice, and Cassio
has been put in
command here in
Cyprus.

Oh, Im glad!

41

42

And at that, before all the company, Othello

They are crocodile

struck Desdemona in the face.

tears.* Get out of

my sight, woman! Ill

I have not

Sir! This would not be believed

deserved

in Venice! Beg her pardon! She

this!

weeps!

send for you later.

Sir, I obey the order. I will

Lodovico was shocked to see

return to Venice and leave

Othello strike Desdemona. He

Cassio here in my place. Now

spoke to Iago.

please excuse me.

* false tears

Is this the

He is much

noble Moor

changed. I only

our senate

hope this is the

admires so?

worst he does!

othello

Later, Othello questioned Emilia about

All right. Go

Desdemona.

now, and bring

43

Desdemona here.
Have you
noticed

Of course not! She is the

Desdemona

most honest, faithful

and Cassio

woman I know. If anyone

trying to be

has put this thought into

alone? Have

your head, a snake should

they sent

strike him!

I dont believe
Emilia either.

you away on
some small
excuse?

Let me look into

I can see your anger, sir,

your eyes.

but I do not understand

And when Des-

your words. I am your

demona came

loyal wife.

before him,
Othello was
still in an angry
mood.

44

Are you not an

Never!

unfaithful wife

My only

But Othellos jealousy had

who has fallen

wish has

gone too far. Desdemona

in love with

been to

could no longer reach him

another man?

serve and

with her simple words.

please
you!

I no longer have the

husband I once had.
Please call Iago, Emilia.
I would like to talk with
him.

Good lady, what is the

matter with your husband?

othello

Alas, Iago. Othello has

But when Iago

What is the

came, Desdemona

matter, lady?

was weeping.

told her that she is

untrue to him. He is very
angry.

Have I been untrue

in any way, Iago?

Do not weep, do not

How

Perhaps

O good Iago, what

weep! Of course not!

did this

some evil

shall I do to win him

happen?

personin

Desdemona had

back again? Please

order to

the chance to

go to him for me!

gain some

marry many no-

high rank

ble men. She gave

has done

them all up to

this awful

marry Othello!
And now he calls
her unfaithful!

thing!

45

46

I am sure that his

bad mood comes
from some business matter. Ah, I
hear the trumpets
calling you to
supper. Go and
eat. I will make
everything well
again!

When Desdemona and

Iago, I do not think you are being fair.

Emilia had left, Iago

You havent spoken of me to Desdemona

met Roderigo.

as you promised. I am going to see her

myself.

You have taken all my

jewels as well as my
money. You said you
gave the jewels to
Desdemona, but I have
had no word from her.
I want my jewels back!

othello

Well, Roderigo, you

But I have been

do have some nerve

working for you!

Not that I can see!

after all! I think the

Well, you must

better of you for it.

do one more
thing before
Desdemona
is all yours.
It will take
courage!*

Othello has been ordered

What do you

to Mauritania and Cassio

mean?

Cassio must be
killedotherwise

will take his place here.

Desdemona will be

Othello will bring Desde-

lost to you. And

mona with him if he goes.

just as you were

To keep them here, Cassio

about to win her!

must have an accident.

* bravery, daring

47

48

Meanwhile,

Madam, good night.

You are most

I humbly thank you.

welcome.

dinner had
been finished,
and people
were leaving
the hall.

Gentlemen, I will walk a little way with

you. Desdemona, go right to bed. I will
be up a little later. send Emilia away!

Later, in the bedroom, Desdemo-

Ah, but I still love him. Good

na spoke with Emilia.

night, Emilia, good night.

Help me with my things, Emilia, and

then leave. Othello has ordered
it, and we must not displease him.
I wish you had
never seen him!

othello

49

Later that night, Iago and Roderigo waited

Ive made Roderigo mad

for Cassio to pass by.

enough to kill Cassio.

But whether he kills
Cassio or Cassio kills

Stand behind this wall

Stay near

and keep your sword

himor they kill each

me in case I

ready. Fear nothing, and

other, I will gain.

miss him.

be quick!

If Cassio lives,
he will find out
about me and tell
Othello. He must
die!

Here he comes!

That missed me,

Die, Cassio!

but Ive hurt him

Cassio wounded* Roderigo. But

instead.

from behind, Iago drove his

sword into Cassios leg.

Now I am hurt!
Help! Murder!

* hurt, as with a knife

50

Just then Othello

That is Cassio calling for help. Iago has

kept his word. Now I must keep my promise

came by on his
way back to the

to kill Desdemona.

castle.

Soon after this, Desdemonas cousin Lodovico and another relative named Gratiano came by. They had been drawn to the same spot
by cries of Cassio and Roderigo. Iago came forth as though he had
just arrived.
Who cries

We dont know!

murder?

Iago, please help me! I have

been stabbed. One of the men
who did it is nearby and is
also hurt.

Help me,

Thats one of

here!

them!

othello

Quickly, and without being seen,

Just then, Bianca came by and

Iago stabbed Roderigo, and

found Cassio.

51

Roderigo grew still.

Cassio, do you
Who are these people who kill
men in the dark? Murder! Murder!
Wake the townspeople!

Who calls

know who tried

murder?

to kill you?

Oh, my dear

This woman

Cassio!

may have been

one of them!

Cassio must be carried away to be

Men, carry him carefully! Cassio,

taken care of. But good heavens!

do you know why Roderigo wanted

The other man is Roderigo!

to kill you?

I know him

Not at all. I dont

from Venice!

even know him.

52

Gentlemen, look how

Just then Emilia

Was Cassio at

pale this woman is.

came by.

your house

Her guilt* shows in

What is the matter

her face.

here, Iago?
Cassio was
attacked in
the dark by
Roderigo.
Cassio is
hurt, and

earlier? Answer,
woman!
Cassio was at
my house, but
I am an honest
woman. I have
done nothing
wrong.

Roderigo
is dead!

Emilia, run to the

This is the night that

castle and tell

either solves my

Othello what has

problems or kills me

happened?

for trying!

* knowing that someone has done wrong

othello

You are the cause of it all! But

While all this

I will not shed your blood,

was taking

for you are too beautiful for

place outside

that. Still... you must die!

the castle,
Othello had
returned to
his bedroom
and found
Desdemona
asleep.

I weep for you, but they are tears

Whos there?

that have brought me too much

Othello!

suffering. Ah, shes waking up.

Have you prayed tonight,

Desdemona?

53

54

Yes, dear husband.

Are you going to kill me? My

only sin is that of loving you

If you want to

too much.

ask Gods pardon

for anything, do it

What about the

now. I would not

handkerchief I gave

want to kill your

you? You gave it to

soul!

Cassio!

I did not! Send for the man and

Send for him!

ask him!

But I saw the handkerchief

in his hand. He also bragged

He is dead! Iago has taken

that you loved him!

care of that.

othello

Oh, husband! Let me live

tonight... kill me tomorrow! Or at least give me
more time to pray!

No, this is the end. I dare

not wait any longer.

Sir! General Othello!

As Othello
smothered
Desdemona,
Emilias voice
was heard
outside the
door.

What noise is that?

Sir, I must speak

a word with you!

That is Emilia. Shes come to

tell me of Cassios death.

55

56

If she comes in

Sir, I beg

I will pull the curtains and open

shell see that my

you. I must

the door.

wife is dead! My

speak with

wifewhat wife?

you!

I no longer have
a wife!

Sir, Cassio
Come in,

has killed a

Emilia.

young man of

Whats the

Venice called

matter?

Roderigo.

And Cassio is

No, Cassio is not

killed?

killed.

Oh, wrongly,
wrongly murdered!

Whose cry is that?

othello

She

She was

nas voice! Sweet

was

true!

Desdemona, speak!

false!*

That was Desdemo-

Who did this to you?

NoI killed her!

Then she is an
angel and you
are a devil!

I, myself.
Farewell!

Your husband
proved to me
that she was
false. He knew
it all!

* unfaithful

My husband?

57

58

If my husband said that,

may his soul rot forever!
You may kill me too, but I
will speak the truth. Help!
Help! Othello has murdered his wife!

At that, people rushed into the room.

Prove that you are

honest if you can!
Othello said you

What is the

Iago, you have done

matter?

told him that his wife

it now. These murders

was false!

all lead back to your

planning!

othello

59

I will speak!

You have killed the

Desdemona lies

most innocent* woman

I only told

heremurdered in

who ever lived!

him what I

her bed because

thought.

of your lies!

Did you tell him that?

She was
false to me!

Now be

She gave

quiet!

Cassio the
handkerchief
I gave her. It
was a very
special thing
to us.

If it costs me my
Oh, no!

life, I will tell the

truth!

* having done nothing wrong

60

Iago begged me to

With that, Iago

The men soon came

steal the handkerchief,

plunged his sword

back with Iago.

but I found it and gave

into Emilia and ran

it to him.

out of the room.

I know you are a

devil, so I can only

You lie!

Someone stand at

hurt youI cant

the door and guard

kill you.

Othello while we go
after Iago!

Oh Desdemona,

Take Othellos

Desdemona!

sword!

Did you and Iago plan to

kill Cassio?
At this, Cassio
drew near as
Lodovico questioned Othello.

Yes, we did.

othello

Dear Othello, I never

I do believe it

What you know, you

gave you reason to

now. But why did

know. I will never

hate me so!

Iago do this to

speak again.

me?

We will

Wait! The letters

Cassio, how did you get my wifes

make

found in Roderigos

handkerchief?

him

pocket show how

talk.

Iago used him to stir

I found it in

up trouble for Cassio.

my room. Iago

They say also that

confessed* that

Iago took Roderigos

he put it there.

money and jewels,

pretending to give
them to Desdemona.

* admitted

61

62

Now you must come

with us, Othello. Cassio
will be in charge here in
Cyprus.

I have loyally* served

the state of Venice.
When you tell them
what I have done,
please speak of me as
one that loved not
wisely, but too well.

Once, in another land, I protected

a man of Venice from a Turk who
had attacked him. I killed the
Turklike this.

Then Othello pulled

a hidden knife from
his shirt and stabbed
himself.

* faithfully, well

othello

I was afraid of this,

This has been a terrible

but I thought he had

night! Governor,* it is

no weapon. He was a

your job to punish Iago.

man of great heart!

I will sail back to Venice

and tell this story.

* the ruler of a state

63

Othello

Saddlebacks
Illustrated Classics

Othello

SHAKESPEARE

Othello

A beautiful love story turns to tragedy when

jealousy takes root. The powerful general,
Othello, nds himself hurting the one person he
loves most in the world, his wife, Desdemona,
when he misplaces his trust in Iago. Treacherous
and vindictive, Iago is enraged at being passed
over for a promotion and plots his revenge
against Othello setting o a chain of events that
ends in the ultimate sacrice.

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
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