3.78 AVERAGE


4.5/5 This was my tragedy text for my A-Level and unlike the crime one I thoroughly enjoyed this. Iago, who is definitely bisexual, is hands down one of the best Shakespeare characters. He is completely unlikeable and a horrible person but I somehow I spend most of my time rooting for his plan to work. Maybe thats due to the characterisation of Othello, who makes me scream every time he falls for Iago’s ploys. Like dude! Seriously! I love the opportunity the play presents to explore race, status and also gender. To be honest with you this fully revived my enjoinment of Shakespeare after the catastrophe that was GCSE Romeo and Juliet (still salty we didn’t do Macbeth).
Also Kenneth as Iago in the 1995 adaption was chefs joss casting.
dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging dark mysterious sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

iago is kinda camp i just KNOW that man was in love with othello
dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

After weeks of reading this book in school, I have finally come to its conclusion. And after having the ending spoiled for me, I was wholly unsatisfied with how Othello came to a close. Where was the justice? What was the POINT in it all? One thing is dreadfully clear: Shakespeare had NO IDEA how to write a happy story.

This book was incredibly dramatic and the dialect was at times impossible to interpret. Thank God for modern English translations! While there wasn't much of a 'wow' factor to this book—since we as an audience were well aware of Iago's devious nature and given insight into the truths of each situation—it was still a fairly exciting read.

Othello was about THE BIGGEST FOOL in this entire play. He blindly trusted the words of those around him and didn't take the time to investigate others' claims over certain instances pertaining to his private life. Bloody naïve! That fool got off too easy, if you ask me. And here I'd had such high hopes for the seemingly unflappable Othello. *sigh*

I had the honor and misfortune of volunteering to speak as Iago throughout the entire play while reading it in class. I swear, he talks more than Othello! And the friggin play is NAMED after Othello! Sheesh! He was an incredibly crafty and manipulative little thing, and I rolled my eyes every time they referred to him as "good," "honest Iago." Yeah, sure.

I hated how meek and obedient the women in this play were (and often seem to be in Shakespearean plays). Have ye no backbones, Women? Fergawdsakes, they really should have found one! Maybe then the men would have taken them more seriously and believed them when they spoke the truth. *deep sigh*

All-in-all, I'm pleased to have finally gotten the chance to read a play which has been so often quoted or referenced in a variety of my other favored books.

I've read "Othello" a few times in my life and I always enjoy it; there's always something new to notice or learn. Plus honestly, I adore watching Iago construct his plans and twist everything around. I KNOW he's awful, but his villany is entertaining! Also Emilia is wonderful and I shipped her and Cassio. Just sayin'. ;)
challenging dark relaxing sad 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