I'm a bit unsure as to exactly what "ultimate message" means. I think it is asking the standard "what is the moral of the story" question, so that is how I'll answer. Different readers might take slightly different lessons from this particular Shakespeare play, but I think one major message is the importance of not believing in and acting upon unconfirmed rumors. This entire play is propelled forward by the rumors and lies that Iago...
I'm a bit unsure as to exactly what "ultimate message" means. I think it is asking the standard "what is the moral of the story" question, so that is how I'll answer. Different readers might take slightly different lessons from this particular Shakespeare play, but I think one major message is the importance of not believing in and acting upon unconfirmed rumors. This entire play is propelled forward by the rumors and lies that Iago spreads around to various people about marital infidelities. Amazingly, many of the characters take Iago at his word and don't confront the person that supposedly wronged them. Sure, Othello does confront Desdemona about her infidelity, but it's fairly clear to readers that he's not really willing to hear her side of the story. He fully believes the rumors that he has been told.
I cry you mercy, then,
I took you for that cunning whore of Venice
That married with Othello.—You, mistress,
That have the office opposite to Saint Peter
And keep the gate of hell!
Because of his belief in these unsubstantiated rumors, Othello makes a snap judgment about his wife. He quickly decides to kill her, and she is dead before he learns the truth. He kills himself out of guilt and grief.
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