Reviews

I’m really torn on this one. I think the ending came together better than several of the other plays I’ve read so far, and felt far more satisfying, even with leaving it on a cliffhanger of sorts. I also enjoyed Iago’s villainy, and Emilia being his foil. However, a lot of the things that Iago convinces people to do, or the things they do of their own accord that help Iago, just don’t make sense.

My biggest gripe is with the whole Cassio handkerchief situation. Why on earth did he give it to Bianca?? Furthermore, why didn’t Othello ever approach Cassio directly to see if Desdemona’s story lined up with his?

It’s a play of misunderstanding, at the hands of a fairly clever villain. (Maybe this is just my interpretation, but Iago gives me Loki (MCU version) vibes) The misunderstanding at worst, makes no sense, but at best, creates some really uncomfortable laughter as you wonder why it’s so amusing to watch Iago play those around him like puppets.

Though Iago was clever, the play itself didn’t feel especially so, so I have less quotes than normal, but here’s what I did note down.

Iago: Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills
are gardeners

Othello: By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.
Iago: You cannot, if my heart were in your hand;
Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody.
(Little did Othello know that this was the only complete truth Iago would ever tell him, to the point of refusing to speak when he had no more credible lies to tell)

Iago: (Aside.) This is the night, that either makes me or fordoes me quite.
(I noted this down, only because this was the moment when I realized that Shakespeare really likes using Asides to break the fourth wall and give his characters little snide remarks. Like, my guy does this all the time and I’m just now noticing this pattern.)

cooper_michael's review against another edition

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5.0

Othello is a tale of love, anger, pent up frustration and deceit. It is an analysis on the way race and gender affect how one is perceived, and it is an incredible play. I fell in love with it more than I thought I would. I'm an avid Shakespeare fan, but some of his plays fall short of my expectations; Othello surpassed them. I want to see a live production of it so badly... here I come YouTube!

bookishrealm's review against another edition

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3.0

One of my main goals on my bucketlist is to read every work created by Shakespeare. After spending a day at the thrift shop I was able to find a copy of Othello for about 65 cents. Prior to reading this play I hadn't read any Shakespearean works since high school. I found myself easily absorbed in the text although I struggled with certain passages. I personally would not consider Othello to be one of my favorite works by Shakespeare. The means by which the characters are developed did not bring me much satisfaction. The plot however twisted it was did not provide me with the usual satisfaction I typically get from his works. Worth a read, but it's not necessarily my favorite work.

angelineonvicodins's review against another edition

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now that i'm no longer holding my head in perpetual agony trying to analyze this on the basis of race rather than religion for comparisons with baldwin, i fear this was actually a banger and william was not only a comedic genius, but also the HEIC (head edgelord in charge).

P.S. i will die on the hill that this text was about a crisis of faith and infidelity/jealousy/race were only vehicles for its exploration but ANYWAYS

emmanicoleman's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cinderrunner's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Engaging and compelling. The action translates well so it can be properly enjoyed in reading the play vs viewing it (which can be an issue I have with a lot of Shakespeare's plays. They just typically aren't as good without actors bringing them to life). The emotional elements are very strong and the sheer humanity of the characters is gripping. I find myself enraged but also enthralled by so much of what happens. Because I am aware of some criticisms on this play, some of the characters are indeed racist and sexist but the play itself isn't inherently either.

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