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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I revisited "Othello" to refresh my memory in preparation for the highly anticipated Broadway revival, which will premiere in spring 2025 and feature Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. The excitement surrounding this upcoming production is palpable.
Surprisingly, this play was more straightforward and digestible than I initially remembered. I briefly read "Othello" years ago. Still, it never received the intensive study I devoted to other Shakespearean works like "Romeo and Juliet" or "Macbeth" due to my public school education.
The plot centers around a devastating false accusation and the resulting tragedy. It's frustrating and tragic to see Othello, susceptible to Iago's manipulation, lack trust in his 'one true love,' Desdemona. Iago's unfounded accusations against Desdemona, suggesting her infidelity with Cassio based on nothing more than a handkerchief, are almost laughable in their randomness. Othello's readiness to believe such weak evidence is heartbreaking and infuriating.
Reading Shakespeare today reinforces the idea that his voice is universal and timeless. His works continue to resonate with each new generation of readers. The commentary on racism and sexism is still so relevant today that it could have been written 100 or 50 years ago.
Although "Othello" is a tragedy, I found solace in Iago's eventual fate. Considering the circumstances, it's a somewhat satisfactory ending. This is another Shakespeare play in which numerous lives could have been saved if only the characters had acted more restrainedly. Despite the tragic elements, the play remains a powerful testament to Shakespeare's enduring brilliance.
Surprisingly, this play was more straightforward and digestible than I initially remembered. I briefly read "Othello" years ago. Still, it never received the intensive study I devoted to other Shakespearean works like "Romeo and Juliet" or "Macbeth" due to my public school education.
The plot centers around a devastating false accusation and the resulting tragedy. It's frustrating and tragic to see Othello, susceptible to Iago's manipulation, lack trust in his 'one true love,' Desdemona. Iago's unfounded accusations against Desdemona, suggesting her infidelity with Cassio based on nothing more than a handkerchief, are almost laughable in their randomness. Othello's readiness to believe such weak evidence is heartbreaking and infuriating.
Reading Shakespeare today reinforces the idea that his voice is universal and timeless. His works continue to resonate with each new generation of readers. The commentary on racism and sexism is still so relevant today that it could have been written 100 or 50 years ago.
Although "Othello" is a tragedy, I found solace in Iago's eventual fate. Considering the circumstances, it's a somewhat satisfactory ending. This is another Shakespeare play in which numerous lives could have been saved if only the characters had acted more restrainedly. Despite the tragic elements, the play remains a powerful testament to Shakespeare's enduring brilliance.
truly a joy to read this for the fourth time
Merged review:
truly a joy to read this for the fourth time
Merged review:
truly a joy to read this for the fourth time
"I will incontinently drown myself."
the best part was actually not this quote but Iago putting the image of him and cassio kissing "hard" in my head.
the best part was actually not this quote but Iago putting the image of him and cassio kissing "hard" in my head.