![]() Show More it has some scenes that are incredibly powerful the (uh, spoiler alert?) bit where Othello kills Desdemona is brutal. Also, there are some real literary gems like "the beast with two backs" and other sexual innuendo which appeals to 16 year old hormonal instincts.Usually of course, I take the easy way out-since my students'attention spans are only geared toward the latest edition of Guitar Hero, I show the 1995 film version with Laurence Fishbourne and Kenneth Branaugh if the students find the actual study of the play or me too much. These qualities Othello demonstrates to his friends as well as to Desdemona, his wife.From there Iago creates havoc at every turn you would think early on after setting up Cassio in a brawl with a governor, resulting in Cassio losing his position, and Iago replaces him, that it would end all there, but noooooooooo! That's not good enough for Iago he has to go to great lengths to manipulate all of those around him to bring Othello to a jealous pile of mush.Anyway, I think this tragedy is very revelant about Othello's racial difference among white society even by today's standards, and how instead of seeing the goodness in others we are only too inclined to not trust even if we have good qualities. Iago knows that Othello is open, trusting, loyal, and faithful. Of course, such a choice flies into the face of Iago, and lights the fuse of his quest to destroy Othello.Iago employs that ol'human shortcoming of jealousy, and he does it very well. Show More inclined students:Iago is just plain wicked, amorally so he has a real beef about Othello, a well-respected General who has passed him over for a lieutenant's position in favor of Cassio, who has very little if any military experience. I’ve never seen this one performed live, but I’m sure it would be incredibly powerful. It gives readers a lot to chew on and would be a great book to discuss. It deals with marital abuse, racism, trust, jealousy and more. Othello pulls no punches when it comes to the issues it touches on. She stands up for her lady’s honor when others doubt it. She asks as a conscience for the players, holding them accountable when they have committed a wrong. She’s Iago’s wife, but she’s also Desdemona’s hand maid. He allows himself to be persuaded to believe that worst about his wife and causes his own downfall by his lack of faith and trust. He is manipulated by someone else, but no one truly forces his hand. He and his wife Desdemona are so incredibly in love and then he acts as the tool for his own destruction. The worst part of the whole things is that Othello is in the thralls of newly-wedded happiness. He does it in such a calm, unbothered way that it’s all the more disturbing. He moves each pawn to further his plan, all the while maintaining his alleged devotion to Othello and poisoning his thoughts with rumors of jealousy. He feels that Othello has slighted him and sets his mind to destroying his life. His cold calculating nature is sociopathic. Iago is one of the most conniving and depraved characters I’ve ever read. Shakespeare writes a true psychological drama, exploring the darkest human emotion and motivation. How can she abet her husband’s evil plans? Is she really so clueless? I’m completely perplexed by Emilia’s role in this tragedy. Othello, in particular, should be able to see through this smarmy false friend. I do wonder how Othello, Cassio, and Roderigo (among others) can be so easily swayed by Iago. He particularly targets Othello, recognizes the chink in his armor is his relationship with Desdemona, and manages to turn this noble general into a homicidal, emotional wreck. Iago uses the other characters as his pawns some sort of game he plays for his own benefit. ![]() His oily manner convinces everyone that he has only their own best interests at heart while he plants seeds of doubt everywhere, ensuring that everyone becomes suspicious and disheartened. Rules do not apply to him, and duplicity is second nature to him. Egged on by Iago (one of literature’s most reviled villains), they accuse Othello of somehow bewitching Desdemona, but the couple successfully convinces everyone that their love is true and pure. Show More her father and others who were hopeful suitors. ![]()
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