Friday, February 26, 2010

Othello by William Shakespeare

Book Details
Othello by William Shakespeare
Paperback, 368 pages
2004, Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743482824

Synopsis
One of the most powerful dramas ever written for the stage, Othello is a story of revenge, illusion, passion, mistrust, jealousy, and murder. If in Iago Shakespeare created the most compelling villain in Western literature, in Othello and Desdemona he gave us our most tragic and unforgettable lovers.

Review
I found Othello to be one of the easiest Shakespeare plays to read and understand. It's themes of jealousy and betrayal by those closest to you have been relevant throughout the 400 years since the play was written. I also felt an underlying theme of prejudice that I may or may not have imagined.

I regret that Othello wasn't taught in my high school English class, as I found it to be more relatable to the generation than Romeo & Juliet. Othello makes you realize the power you give to the people you trust. Iago was the ultimate frenemy, believed due to is closeness with Othello as well as his reputation for honesty. Instead of ruining Othello, he set events to lead Othello to ruin himself. The man was diabolical, yet his plan was so simple it's a plot staple of soap operas today.

Rating

3 comments :

  1. Ah, what a classic. I've never read Othello but I'm familiar with a few of Shakespeare's other plays. Glad you liked it!

    Emidy
    Une Parole

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  2. Wow, I can't beleive you're reading SHakespeare - very brave. I think Im still scarred from having to read it at high school

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  3. I think I read this in high school, but I think it's one of those stories that I would be able to appreciate much more now than I could back then. Great review!

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