Shakespeare's Tales: Othello

By Samantha Newman and Ceej Rowland

General Othello is the best soldier in Venice. But when he marries the beautiful Desdemona, one of the senator's daughters, he begins to discover that he is surrounded by enemies.

This moving tragedy has been retold and adapted with new illustrations, making it perfect for younger readers. Adapted by Samantha Newman, it will enthral young readers of 7+.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Shakespeare's Tales brings the Bard's timeless stories to life for a younger generation, with wit and panache. Samantha Newman's cleverly reworked text retains many of Shakespeare's own inimitable turns of phrase, while simplifying and clarifying the language and plots to make stories accessible to children. Perfect for children aged 7+.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398818170

Book preview

cover.jpg

Othello

A William Shakespeare Tale

Retold by Sam Newman

Illustrated by Ceej Rowland

Note to Parents

Shakespeare’s plays sometimes contain difficult themes. We have handled these sensitively, but would recommend that younger children in particular read the stories aloud with a trusted adult, so that they can discuss anything that causes them concern.

Titles in This Series:

1. The Comedy of Errors

2. Love’s Labour’s Lost

3. A Midsummer Night’s Dream

4. Romeo and Juliet

5. The Merchant of Venice

6. Much Ado About Nothing

7. As You Like It

8. Hamlet

9. Twelfth Night

10. Othello

11. All’s Well That Ends Well

12. King Lear

13. Macbeth

14. Antony and Cleopatra

15. The Winter’s Tale

16. The Tempest

Contents

Act One

Act Two

Act Three

Act Four

Act Five

Act One

A long time ago in the city of Venice there lived a gentleman named Roderigo. He was deeply in love with the daughter of one of the senators of Venice. Her name was Desdemona. Roderigo felt he would do anything to win her heart, but he was too afraid to tell her he loved her.

One day, disaster struck. Desdemona married the dashing General Othello. Everyone in Venice knew who Othello was. He had arrived several years before from a faraway land and worked his way up through the army. Because he wasn’t from Venice, some folk in the city felt suspicious of Othello, and Roderigo was one of them.

You must be joking! Roderigo exploded when his soldier friend, Iago, told him the news late that night.

It’s true, Othello and Desdemona have married in secret, said Iago firmly.

I thought you hated Othello! How are you so calm about this? Roderigo shouted.

Iago put a hand on his friend’s arm and said in a low voice. "I do.