This document provides a biography of William Shakespeare and a summary of his play Othello. It outlines that Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and went on to have a successful career in theater in London before retiring to Stratford. The summary then discusses the plot of Othello over five acts, where the villain Iago manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio, ultimately driving Othello to murder Desdemona.

1. OthelloBy William Shakespeare

2. BiographyWilliam Shakespeare was born in April of 1564. There is no specific date of birth because at that time the only date of importance was the date of baptism.

3. Shakespeare was born in the village of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire. Shakespeare's first exposure to the theater probably occurred when he was young. As a child his father probably took him to see plays when traveling troupes of actors came to town.Shakespeare was married to Anne Hathaway in 1582, when he was 18; she was 26, eight years his senior.

4. William and Anne had their first child, Susanna, in May of 1583. This was followed by the birth of twins, Hamnet and Judith, in January of 1585.

5. Most historians believe that Shakespeare was not often around his family in Stratford after that because historical records show him in London during the following years.Biography Continued…The first written reference to Shakespeare's existence in London occurred in 1592, when Shakespeare was in his late twenties. He seems to have been fairly well established in the theatre by that point.

6. With his two patrons, the Earls of South Hampton and Pembrooke, Shakespeare rose quickly in the theater as both an actor and an author. He joined the Lord Chamberlin's Men, an acting company which was protected by the Queen, becoming a shareholder and senior member in 1595.

7. Shakespeare's financial success in the London theatre enabled him to retire and return to his home in Stratford around 1610.

8. He lived there comfortably until his death on April 23, 1616.

9. He is buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.OthelloAct I.Shakespeare's famous play of love turned bad by unfounded jealousy begins in Venice with Iago, a soldier under Othello's command arguing with Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian. Roderigo has paid Iago a considerable sum of money to spy on Othello for him, since he wishes to take Othello's girlfriend, Desdemona as his own.Iagoexplains his hatred of Othello for choosing Cassio as his officer or lieutenant and not him as he expected. To regain Roderigo's trust, Iago and Roderigo inform Brabantio,Desdemona'sfather, of her relationship with Othello the "Moor." Brabantio sends parties out that night to apprehend Othello for what must obviously be in Brabantio's eyes, an abuse of his daughter by Othello.

10. Iagolies that Roderigo and not himself, was responsible for angering Brabantioagainst Othello; Iago tells Othello that he should watch out for Brabantio's men who are looking for him. Othello has married Desdemona. Brabantio and Roderigo arrive, Brabantio accusing Othello of using magic on his daughter. Brabantiocomplains to the Duke that Othello bewitched his daughter and had intimate relations with her. Desdemona is brought in to settle the matter; Othello meanwhile explains how he and Desdemona fell in love. Desdemona confirms this and the Duke advises Brabantio that he would be better off accepting the marriage than complaining and changing nothing.

11. The Duke orders Othello to Cypress to fight the Turks, with Desdemona to follow, accompanied by the trusted Iago. Roderigodespairs that his quest for Desdemona is over now that she is married, but Iago tells him not to give up and earn money instead; soon Desdemona will bore of Othello. Alone, Iago reveals his intention to continue using Roderigo for money and his hatred of Othello. Iago’splan of revenge is to suggest to Othello that Cassiois sleeping with Desdemona

12. Act II. Several weeks later in Cypress, Montano and several others are awaiting Othello's arrival by bark or ship. We learn that a terrible storm has largely battered and destroyed the Turkish fleet, which no longer poses a threat to Cypress. Unfortunately there are fears that this same storm drowned Othello as well. Cassio, who has arrived, sings Desdemona's praises. A ship is spotted but it is Desdemona and Iago'sship, not Othello's. Iago suspects that Cassio loves Desdemona and slyly uses it to his advantage. Iagotells Roderigo that he still has a chance with Desdemona but Cassiowhom Desdemona could love is in the way.

13. Othello finally arrives to everyone's great relief. Iago decides to tell Othello that Cassiois having an affair with Desdemona's so Iago will be rewarded whilst Cassio will be punished. Iagolearns more of Cassio's high regard for Desdemona, and Iago manipulates Cassio into drinking too much since he is certain Cassio will do something he will regret. With Cassio gone, Iago tells Montano of Cassio's drinking problem turning Montano's high regard for Cassio into dust. Iago also tells Roderigo to attack Cassio. This happens, and Cassio wounds Roderigo and then Montano who was trying to break up the fight.