Final Words on OthelloMr. Moccia

Back to Shakespeare’s “Greatness”

• What were the FOUR aspects of Shakespeare’s plays that made them great?

Use of Language

In following him, I follow but myself;Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,But seeming so, for my peculiar end:For when my outward action doth demonstrateThe native act and figure of my heartIn compliment extern, 'tis not long afterBut I will wear my heart upon my sleeveFor daws to peck at: I am not what I am.

Continued

• Shakespeare as master of language and language techniques • Word plays; paradoxes;

extended metaphor; poetry

• Iago as a master of language seems a favorite of Shakespeare’s

Reinterpretation of Stories

• From Cinthio to Shakespeare• Iago’s manipulation is more “clever”• Iago goes from being motivated solely from his

“love for Desdemona” to having more psychological motivation but also a less easily understandable motivation

Reinterpretation of Stories

I hate the Moor:And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheetsHe has done my office: I know not if't be true;But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,Will do as if for surety.

Psychological Depth

• Iago’s psychology is rich and complex, as well as ambiguous and nuanced • The play also explores the psychological effect of

many things on characters – well converted to language

Psychological Depth

For that I do suspect the lusty MoorHath leap'd into my seat; the thought whereofDoth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards;

I had been happy, if the general camp,Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body,So I had nothing known. O, now, for everFarewell the tranquil mind! farewell content!

Universality / Depth of Content

• This story of rumor, lies, two-faced friendship, jealousy and manipulation sounds incredibly “contemporary”• This is true for a lot of

the content, characters, reactions and situations

Discussion of Gender/Gender Roles

• While Desdemona’s responses seem stereotypical, Emilia’s strong independence shows Shakespeare as ahead of his times

Discussion of Gender/Gender Roles

My noble father,I do perceive here a divided duty:VERSUSLet husbands knowTheir wives have sense like them: they see and smellAnd have their palates both for sweet and sour,As husbands have.

Race

• Where do we see race play a role?• Brabantio• Stereotypes used by Shakespeare: loyal, but

prone to anger• Anywhere else?

One Approach to Interpretation

“…when my outward action doth demonstrateThe native act and figure of my heartIn compliment extern, 'tis not long afterBut I will wear my heart upon my sleeveFor daws to peck at”

• Using this as a interpretative lens, the play follows:• Iago’s ability to use people on both sides of the

spectrum; and • His ability to get people from one side to the

other

Iago!

• One of the most creative, devious, and intelligent characters • Why?• He lures us on his side; he manipulates us,

like everyone else

Format• (like A Raisin in the Sun test)

• Part 1: Multiple Choice• Introductory PowerPoint• Play• *Speakers of quotations

• Part 2: Quotation Analysis• Part 3: Short Answers