The native act and figure of my heart
In complement extern, 'tis not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at. I am not what I am."
To make Othello more accessible for the modern reader, our Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Edition includes a glossary of the more difficult words, as well as convenient sidebar notes to enlighten the reader on aspects that may be confusing or overlooked. In doing this, it is our intention that the reader may more fully enjoy the beauty of the verse, the wisdom of the insights, and the impact of the drama.
In the governor's bedroom in Cyprus, a brilliant schemer, an innocent bride, and a general who loves "not wisely, but too well" confront one another for the last time. What treachery has brought them to this moment of mutual destruction?
The second of Shakespeare's four greatest tragedies, Othello follows a celebrated man's spiral into madness and his utter defeat at the hands of the confidant he trusts most. Sympathetic characters, heartbreaking speeches, and the perfect villain make this play one of Shakespeare's most powerful and frequently performed.