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OthelloPlay by William Shakespeare

Othello in modern English, scene by scene

15 scenes · the original text and a plain modern English rendering, side by side. Free, no sign-up.

About this translation

Every scene of Othello is set out twice: William Shakespeare’s words on one side, and on the other a plain modern English rendering of the same lines, in the same order. It is a way to read the original, not a replacement for it — the rendering says what the text says, and the text is the thing you quote.

Line numbers count the verse lines of each scene in the public-domain Project Gutenberg edition these pages are set from, so they may not match the numbering in a printed edition.

Act 1

Act 1 summary and analysis →
  1. Act 1, Scene 1 — Venice. A street.Nonsense, don't tell me that. I take it very badly that you, Iago, who have had the run…
  2. Act 1, Scene 2 — Venice. Another street.Though I have killed men in the business of war, I still make it a matter of conscience…
  3. Act 1, Scene 3 — Venice. A council chamber.There's no agreement in these reports that makes them believable.

Act 2

Act 2 summary and analysis →
  1. Act 2, Scene 1 — A seaport in Cyprus. A Platform.What can you make out at sea from the headland?
  2. Act 2, Scene 2 — A street.It is the wish of Othello, our noble and brave general, that, because of reliable news…
  3. Act 2, Scene 3 — A Hall in the Castle.Good Michael, see to the guard tonight. Let's set ourselves that honourable limit, not to…

Act 3

Act 3 summary and analysis →
  1. Act 3, Scene 1 — Cyprus. Before the Castle.Gentlemen, play here; I'll pay you for your trouble. Something short, and say, "Good…
  2. Act 3, Scene 2 — Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.Give these letters to the ship's pilot, Iago, and have him pass on my respects to the…
  3. Act 3, Scene 3 — Cyprus. The Garden of the Castle.Be sure of this, good Cassio: I will do everything I can on your behalf.
  4. Act 3, Scene 4 — Cyprus. Before the Castle.Do you know, fellow, where Lieutenant Cassio is staying?

Act 4

Act 4 summary and analysis →
  1. Act 4, Scene 1 — Cyprus. Before the Castle.Are you going to think that?
  2. Act 4, Scene 2 — Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.So you have seen nothing?
  3. Act 4, Scene 3 — Cyprus. Another Room in the Castle.Please, sir, don't put yourself to any more trouble.

Act 5

Act 5 summary and analysis →
  1. Act 5, Scene 1 — Cyprus. A Street.Here, stand behind this stall. He'll come by at once. Hold your good sword out bare, and…
  2. Act 5, Scene 2 — Cyprus. A Bedchamber in the castle.It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!…