The Tragedy of Othello by William Shakespeare is set in 16th century Venice during the wars between Venice and Turkey. It explores the themes of jealousy and deceit. Iago manipulates Othello into believing Desdemona has been unfaithful, stoking Othello's jealousy and insecurity as a Moor in Venetian society. Othello's trust in Iago leads him to murder Desdemona, only realizing too late that Iago deceived him for his own malicious purposes.