Friends, we are going to talk about one of the most enduring and useful tragedies in history, "Othello" by the great playwright William Shakespeare, both in terms of its performance and its psychological impact on the human mind.

The play "Othello" is truly unique and extraordinary. We do not see anything similar in literature before or even after it (in such a way that it has not been influenced by this work and is still good).

• Form

Well... we all know how important form is to me.

The form in this play is the most different form of Shakespeare's tragedies. In "Othello", we do not have the poetic dialogues that we have in "Hamlet", "Macbeth" and "King Lear".

In "Othello", the story is not heroic, but in the three tragedies I mentioned above, the story is heroic (or shows heroism).

In "Othello", the character and the psychology of the character are emphasized. This can only be seen in "Macbeth" among other Shakespearean works.

In "Othello", the rhythm of the play is different from all of Shakespeare's tragedies. It is not only not slow, but also the main flow is smooth and full of pauses. Remember the moment when Hamlet realizes who the murderer of his father is. What a pause it creates in us at the very beginning of the play.

In "Othello", the pause is seen... but in the middle of the story.

In "Othello", unlike "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "King Lear" and even "Romeo and Juliet", we do not see the ignoble fall of a human being, but we see it in some of his other works (especially Macbeth).

And now there are other things that it is not unkind to mention them, but at the same time it is not necessary either.

I think that young couples and old couples (both) should read "Othello" and learn that "trust" is the main pillar in the discussion of "love relationships".

It's not my word. It's the word of dear Shakespeare.

In the play Othello, we have one "pause", three "deaths", one "love", one "sorrow" and one "temptation", all of which are good, correct and in the right place.

In terms of form, what is most obvious is the "temptation".

The "temptation" works very well. It can be said that it makes the form turn into content.

• Content

The content of "Othello" is tiring for a beginner reader who has no understanding of literature, psychology and drama.

Is the content of "Othello" really just "temptation"?

No, the content of Othello is "relationship".

What kind of relationship?

Everything including "the origin of a love relationship", "the crises of a relationship", "the gradual destruction and fall of a relationship", "the role of others in a relationship", "the fear of the failure of a relationship" and in fact the matter is "the death of a relationship".

The work, without dialogue and with the language of "the actions of the characters" (which is about the differences between this work and other works of Shakespeare), is trying to express at least this number of topics that I mentioned.

In general, the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare, besides being unique and excellent, is a work that reading and understanding it (for those who have the intention of marriage or love relationships) is more necessary than bread and salt.

I have now delved into Shakespeare's Sonnets and have managed to read 9 out of his 38 plays.

Most of the plays I've read are the better known ones, and I'm slowly making my way through his entire canon.

Among them, Othello was, in comparison to some of the others, a relatively easy read.

The themes that run through this play are quite familiar, with jealousy being the primary one.

However, what really sets this play apart from the others is the presence of interracial prejudice and racism.

This aspect probably defines the play for most modern-day readers, as it explores a topic that is still relevant and significant in our society today.

It makes us think about the consequences of such prejudices and how they can destroy relationships and lives.

Overall, reading Shakespeare's works has been a fascinating and enlightening experience, and I look forward to continuing my exploration of his canon.

Othello is truly a remarkable work of literature and theatre. It presents a captivating tale that delves into the darkest aspects of human nature, leading to a tragic conclusion that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. Iago, without a doubt, is a masterfully crafted character. His ability to manipulate those around him is truly mesmerizing to witness.

In the context of the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, reading Othello takes on a particularly interesting dimension. The play forces us to confront the issue of Black representation in the media, which is currently at the forefront of our cultural discussions.

At the heart of Othello, there lies a contradiction that makes for uncomfortable reading. While Iago is clearly the villain and Othello the tragic hero, it is Iago who the audience often feels the strongest connection with through his prominent soliloquies. This connection is further complicated by the fact that Iago is a blatant racist. Reconciling these two aspects of Iago's character is no easy task, and it forces us to grapple with the question of whether the play itself is racist.

On one hand, it can be argued that the play has anti-racist intentions, as Othello is the hero and Iago the villain. However, this argument fails to fully account for the shocking and violent act that Othello commits on stage when he kills his white wife, Desdemona. The optics of this scene are deeply disturbing and raise important questions about race and representation.

In conclusion, Othello is a complex and multifaceted work that elicits a wide range of emotions and reactions. While I have my reservations about certain aspects of the play, I cannot deny its power and impact. It is a work that continues to challenge and engage audiences, and one that will undoubtedly be studied and debated for years to come.

I have no clue how to rate this. If I were to claim that I relish the actual process of reading Shakespeare, I would be telling a lie. This is because it is frequently extremely hard to understand and rather cumbersome to read due to the large number of annotations.

Nevertheless, I can value it for what it is. And I most definitely enjoyed this one far more than the other Shakespeare play I've read thus far, namely 'Richard II'. I also took a liking to the scholarly introduction incorporated in my edition as it assisted me in grasping some of the themes and the significance of the play as a whole.

I simply can't wait to engage in a discussion about this in class! I think for the time being, I'll settle on a 3.5 star rating (which appears to be my current standard rating :D).

The story of Othello is truly a tragic one.

Othello, the main character, is often regarded as a bit of a fool. In Act 3 scene 3, which is a crucial part of the play, Iago manages to convince Othello that his wife Desdemona is being unfaithful with Cassio. Iago has a complex plan involving handkerchiefs and innuendo, but in reality, he hardly needs it. As soon as Othello hears the first hint of poison in his ear, he reacts strongly.

He demands, "Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore. Be sure of it, give me the ocular proof." Iago is almost shocked at how easy it is. He warns Othello, "Beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster." But Othello is already on the verge of losing control.

He exclaims, "I had been happy if the general camp, Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known." He immediately believes the worst and makes it all about himself.

Othello is often included in lists of the worst husbands. He sounds great when you read his lines, but in reality, he has no real character arc. He talks big but is actually quite flimsy.

The play focuses mainly on one thing: Iago's subversion of Othello. There are no parallel or wandering subplots like in some of Shakespeare's other works. This makes Othello a more focused and intense play, similar to classic Greek tragedy.

Iago is considered Shakespeare's best villain. He embodies what James Earl Jones called "motiveless malignity." He throws out motives like he thinks Othello slept with his wife, but it doesn't seem like he really cares. He just enjoys causing chaos.

Iago works in the shadows, using suggestion and sudden moves to achieve his goals. There are even hints of possible gayness in his actions.

The women in the play, Desdemona, Bianca, and Emilia, are the only ones with any sense. They see through the men's posturing and realize how weak they are.

The ending of the play is extremely painful, with Desdemona begging for her life and Othello being无情. It shows the consequences of the men's actions and the power of jealousy and suspicion.

Overall, Othello is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores themes of love, jealousy, and the nature of men and women.

A momentary impulse led me to one of the most chaotic closets in the house, where I usually stored CDs, DVDs, and some strange baptismal gifts. The same impulse made me ignore the above and focus on the works of the great playwright (thirty-nine books, all translated by Vasilios Rotsos and Voulas Damianakos), which had been distributed ages ago by The Stage of Sunday in an excellent pocket edition. So, instead of randomly picking one of them, following the impulse we mentioned, I chose Othello. Why? God knows! Probably I was influenced by the black color of the cover (the symbolism here is more than obvious). And later, we all know more or less the story of the Moor of Venice (from the theater, cinema, etc.), but how many of us have read it?

Regarding the work itself, apart from the fact that I intend to mark the beginning of a personal reading marathon/series (one Shakespeare work every two weeks - doctor, will I be okay?), what more can be said that hasn't been said, written, and heard again and again (and again). A popular work as few and emblematic as even fewer, it is rightly considered the outstanding tragedy "of human jealousy and betrayed trust under the empty sky," even though Vasilios Rotsos had always had his objections (expressed in the excellent introduction that guides the reader as to what is about to happen): "We often heard that Othello is the tragedy of jealousy. We have the passion of jealousy in other works (A Winter's Tale, Cymbeline, etc.). Othello is not possessed by such a passion. It is not jealousy that leads him to destruction. Othello is the hero who lost his ideal. When from Iago's evil arguments, inflated, he comes to admit that Desdemona, the young and newlywed and much-loved wife, does with another "the act of shame," then he experiences the collapse that every person who believed in an ideal and loses his ideal experiences and for this reason, he flounders in chaos.

However you define it (erotic jealousy or loss of the ideal), this is what will drag Othello to murder, giving Bard of Avon's tragedy the dramatic climax it deserves. Is it his masterpiece? Not by any means. However, the presentation of human jealousy in it is so vivid that even Psychology calls the monosymptomatic delusion of jealousy (otherwise pathological jealousy) the accomplice of Othello.

[These. And in two weeks from today - always approximately - King Lear].

Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil
Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
-Othello, end of Act V

When I was around 9 years old, on a summer day when I was all alone, I did a truly disturbing thing. I took a healthy, live mouse and put it into my parents' microwave oven. There was this strange, devilish feeling within me. I knew it was wrong, yet I felt compelled to do it. I grabbed a kitchen chair, dragged it across the floor, stood on it, opened the door, and threw the mouse in. Then I hit start.

At first, it seemed no big deal. The light turned on inside, and the mouse sniffed around. I watched from outside, eagerly waiting for the first sign of distress. I felt an odd sense of exhilaration, euphoria, and even omnipotence. This living creature, with its twitching, whiskered, and beady-eyed form, its life was in my hands, its fate at my mercy.

After ten seconds, I stopped the microwave and cracked the door. The mouse seemed unfazed and crawled toward me. I shut the door again and hit start for another ten seconds. This time, it was enough. When I cracked the door again, the mouse was visibly shaken. It crawled much slower and traced a clumsy arc across the microwave floor. I continued this process, shutting the door and hitting start for another ten seconds, then ten more, and ten more.

I never felt any hate for that mouse. I wasn't seeking revenge for anything it had done. I didn't even get any specific pleasure from its pain or agony. So why did I do it? Why would I, a young and seemingly well-adjusted child of God, a pillar of Cub Scout values and a lover of mothers, cousins, and little brothers, nuke this helpless rodent in the mortal chamber of my parents' microwave oven?

The answer is simple: because I could. And I believe Shakespeare's Iago would give the same answer to Othello's question above. Why did Iago ensnare the Moor's soul? Why did he plot and carry out the destruction of Othello's entire world? Because he could.

Rodrigo, Cassio, Desdemona, Othello... they were all like mere mice in Iago's oven. The fact that he could destroy them so cleverly, precisely, and artistically was proof to him of the superiority of his will over theirs. Just as my experiment with the mouse proved the superiority of a 9-year-old's will over another creature's existence.

I find little mystery in the psychology of Shakespeare's Iago. His motivation is clearly all too human. The real mystery of the play and its deepest question is why this is so. Why do beings like Iago, like the 9-year-old me, like the countless prison guards, priests, and parents who, seduced by the idea of omnipotence, inflict terror and torment on their fellow living beings, exist?

It's a profound question asked by a profound play. Iago is clearly evil, but the essence of his wickedness is all too common among men. Be honest. If I were suddenly to place you in a position of absolute power over mankind, could you really be sure that you wouldn't inflict the kinds of disasters and catastrophes that Jehovah is said to have wrought? With all that power, knowledge, and time at your disposal, could you really avoid torturing man? Even if you were the only one watching?

Read this play, or better yet, watch it. I assure you that if you're honest with yourself, you will see a bit of yourself in Iago and a bit of him in you. And you will be properly horrified.

Disclaimer: The "mouse" was actually a spider. Sorry for the embellishment, but an arachnid didn't have the same impact as a mammal.

I hate reviewing Shakespeare (as if I were qualified to criticize The Bard), but I have just completed my third reading of Othello, and I must admit that no one gives us more to ponder and dissect than he does. Every time I read Shakespeare, I can't help but ask myself, “now how did I not see that before?”

This play is clearly a story concerned with race. Othello, a Moor and the only black man in the play, represents the unusual and unknown to his contemporaries. His marriage to Desdemona is repeatedly described as being “against nature” throughout the play. Even Othello himself wonders at Desdemona’s willingness to go against “nature.” The reason for her father's opposition to the marriage is evident in his words:

and she, in spite of nature,
Of years, of country, credit, every thing,
To fall in love with what she feared to look on!
It is a judgment maim’d and most imperfect
That will confess perfection so could err
Against all rules of nature,...

When Othello confines himself to being a general and a statesman, he thrives and prospers. However, it is only when he steps beyond the bounds and marries outside his race that chaos ensues, and he loses his ability to think clearly. He is led astray by the obviously inferior Iago, a man who would never have been able to persuade him against his own knowledge or instinct in choosing a battlefield or conducting a naval maneuver.

I found myself wondering if this had very little to do with Othello’s color and, taking it a step further, if it was not meant to be a commentary on class views and restrictions in general. In that era, the perils of stepping outside one's class, station, or the duties to which one was born could be extreme. Desdemona defies her father and society in general by marrying Othello. She rejects suitors who would have been more appropriate in terms of money and position for love of this man. The result is catastrophic - her death, the death of her father, and the destruction of Othello. These are not star-crossed lovers; the fates do not destroy them; they destroy themselves through their choices.

As villains go, Iago is one of Shakespeare’s worst. Like Macbeth, he is driven by ambition and envy, but unlike Macbeth, he attacks the weakest and most innocent and feels no remorse. This is a story of betrayal, and the battle here is clearly between good and evil.

So will I turn her virtue into pitch,
And out of her own goodness make the net
That shall enmesh them all.

His misogyny is evident in his words to both his wife and Desdemona, and destroying her, along with Othello, is undoubtedly a bonus for him. He is a written warning to suspect the sycophant and avoid malicious gossip. And yet, as he so often does, Shakespeare puts words of insight and wisdom into Iago's mouth.

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss
But, O, what damned minutes tells he o’er
Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects yet strongly loves!

One wonders why everything else Iago says is like gold to Othello's ears, but this piece of advice he allows to pass over him and die, just as Iago intends.

Again, it is Iago who says:

Who steals my purse steals trash; ‘tis something, nothing;
Twas mine, ‘tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.

Of course, Iago knows that it is Othello’s good name that he is intent upon stealing, and he succeeds in doing so. In the process, he brings destruction upon himself, just as he predicts, for his efforts, rather than enriching him, cost him everything.

Sometimes it is difficult to put oneself into the Elizabethan audience and not bring modern-day sensibilities to the reading. There was no prejudice against Othello, per se. He was esteemed and recognized for his prowess and intelligence; he was valued as a leader, and the Duke is quick to say that his own daughter might have been drawn to Othello's story and to love him. He is never vilified, as Shylock is in The Merchant of Venice, for being of a lesser ethnic group. What happens to him is a kind of madness. It is the perception of social order being broken that causes the strife. Nature does not intend the match, and nature cannot be defied. While few of us would agree with the premise that this marriage was unnatural in any way, it would have been accepted as such by the Elizabethans - not as wrong but as too unorthodox. Perhaps, in a broader sense, it is a tale about wanting what one should not have and losing everything in an effort to attain and hold it.

Why is Shakespeare a classic? Because he manages to reflect, like few others, the emotions and feelings of human beings. His characters represent the noblest passions and the most perverse ones that dwell in our souls.

Othello is part of his tragedies and tells the psychological deterioration of the protagonist, eaten away by jealousy, that green-eyed monster that mocks the flesh on which it feeds.

Iago is a memorable villain. The perfect puppeteer who knows how to pull the strings of the plot and turn everyone into pieces for his personal benefit. With almost imperceptible steps, he plots his revenge and manages to blind Othello, predisposing him to distrust, spy, and kill.

Let the classics live on.

Shakespeare's works have endured through the ages because they speak to the universal human experience. His plays explore themes such as love, hate, jealousy, ambition, and betrayal, which are still relevant today. The characters he creates are complex and multi-dimensional, making them relatable to audiences of all times.

Othello is a tragic hero whose downfall is caused by his own insecurities and the manipulation of Iago. Iago, on the other hand, is a master of deception and evil, whose actions lead to the destruction of many lives.

Shakespeare's use of language is also a major factor in his enduring popularity. His plays are filled with beautiful poetry, powerful speeches, and memorable lines that have become part of our cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Shakespeare is a classic because his works have the power to move, inspire, and teach us about the human condition. His plays will continue to be studied, performed, and enjoyed for generations to come.

I really, really enjoyed this play a great deal. However, what a tragic story it is!

Iago is truly such a despicable villain. It frustrates me to no end that Othello is completely unable to see through Iago's devious manipulation.

Moreover, Iago's reasons for harboring such intense hatred towards Othello don't seem all that truly convincing to me. It makes me wonder if there are deeper, hidden motives at play.

Nonetheless, the way the story unfolds and the actions of the characters keep me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.

AMAZING!!!

This is going to be an exciting review as I embark on the second book of my Rory Gilmore Readathon. The anticipation is palpable, and I can't wait to dive into the pages and explore the new world that awaits me.

I have high hopes for this book, especially after the wonderful experience I had with the first one. Rory Gilmore's reading list has been a source of inspiration for me, and I'm eager to see how this next book will contribute to my literary journey.

As I begin reading, I'm sure I'll encounter new characters, unique storylines, and thought-provoking ideas. The author's writing style will surely draw me in and keep me engaged from start to finish.

Stay tuned for my full review, where I'll share my thoughts, feelings, and overall impressions of this amazing book. I'm confident it will be a memorable addition to my Rory Gilmore Readathon.

**General Introduction**

The works of Shakespeare are a cornerstone of English literature. His plays have endured for centuries, captivating audiences with their complex characters, profound themes, and beautiful language.

**The Chronology of Shakespeare's Works**
Shakespeare's plays were written over a span of several decades. Understanding the chronology can provide insights into his artistic development and the historical context in which he was writing.

**Introduction, by Tom McAlindon**
In this introduction, Tom McAlindon offers his perspectives on "The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice." He delves into the play's themes, characters, and significance within Shakespeare's oeuvre.

**The Play in Performance**
Othello has been performed countless times on stages around the world. The play's powerful story and memorable characters make it a favorite among actors and directors.

**Further Reading**
For those interested in exploring Othello further, there are many excellent resources available. This section provides a list of recommended books, articles, and other materials.

**--The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice**
This is the main focus of the work. It tells the tragic story of Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his downfall at the hands of the jealous Iago.

**An Account of the Text**
This section provides an overview of the different versions of the text and any editorial decisions that have been made.

**The Songs**
The songs in Othello add another layer of depth and emotion to the play. They are an important part of the overall dramatic experience.

**Commentary**
The commentary offers detailed analysis and interpretation of the play's various elements, including the characters, plot, themes, and language. It helps readers to better understand and appreciate the complexity of Shakespeare's work.