Symbolism, Setting, and Objects from Othello

Object Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major objects in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Objects

Venice - This is a large city in the north of Italy and where the first act of Othello takes place.

Cyprus - This is an island in the far eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and to the west of Syria where the majority of the play takes place.

Duke's palace - This is where Brabantio learns of Desdemona's love for Othello.

Handkerchief - This is a small object of great importance in this play and facilitates plot development as a symbol of love and betrayal.