My second encounter with reading Shakespeare outside the school environment led me to attempt to grapple with Othello.

This is Shakespeare's potent drama centered around an inter-racial marriage. It is truly an enormous piece of work as the love between the couple, Othello and Desdemona, appears capable of surmounting their numerous differences, were it not for the machinations of Iago. Set in Venice and Cyprus to boot!

I derived significantly more enjoyment from this than from MacBeth. However, I still wrestled with the language and its nuances. Additionally, I was somewhat irked by what seemed like the base stupidity of Othello. I rate it 4 out of 12, a Two Star read.

It was a 2006 read.

The story unfolds with a complex web of emotions and conflicts. The relationship between Othello and Desdemona is both beautiful and tragic. Iago's actions drive the plot forward, creating a sense of tension and drama.

Despite the challenges I faced in understanding the language, I was able to appreciate the depth of the characters and the themes explored in the play. Othello's jealousy and Desdemona's innocence make for a captivating narrative.

Overall, while I did not fully understand all aspects of Othello, it was still an engaging read that left me with much to思考.

Interpolation was recently discovered in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, England. It is believed to be by Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. I have rendered the non-Shakespearean text in bold.

OTHELLO: I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me; Lend me thy handkerchief.

DESDEMONA: Here, my lord.

OTHELLO: That which I gave you.

DESDEMONA: I have it not about me.

OTHELLO: Not?

DESDEMONA: No, indeed, my lord.

OTHELLO: That is a fault. That handkerchief Did an Egyptian to my mother give; She was a charmer, and could almost read The thoughts of people: she told her, while she kept it, 'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father Entirely to her love, but if she lost it Or made gift of it, my father's eye Should hold her loathed and his spirits should hunt After new fancies: she, dying, gave it me; And bid me, when my fate would have me wive, To give it her. I did so: and take heed on't; Make it a darling like your precious eye; To lose't or give't away were such perdition As nothing else could match.

DESDEMONA: Slow down, big guy, are we still talking about an hand kerchief? I mean this is not a major heart attack, prithee, for fleet am I and might get you a box of Kleenex before you can quoth Jack Robinson thrice, my liege.

OTHELLO: The point that is not, dame.

DESDEMONA: So say ye, my liege, and yet not so I.

OTHELLO: Not so what?

DESDEMONA: I.

OTHELLO: Aye? or eye? as in a needle, which a point has the very point have I lost.

DESDEMONA: Shall jog I thy memory, write back the lost thought that beetleth in thy lobes like sheep without a fudging clue?

OTHELLO: Aye dame. Do so.

DESMEMONA: Thou wert going on about a handkerchief. Sorry, AN handkerchief. This grammar eftsoons bedizens my inner eye, aye, I saith.

OTHELLO: Ah yes, of course! Is't lost? is't gone? speak, is it out o' the way?

(text then continues as the 1622 quarto)

Jealousy, that "green -ey'd monster" as the wise Shakespeare so eloquently put it.

Othello, the mighty general of Venice, loved his wife Desdemona with an intensity that was almost too much. But as time passed, that feverish love began to wane.

Othello was a capable and respected soldier on the battlefield. He was brave, ferocious, and dynamic, with a deadly sword. However, life off the battlefield was more complicated for the Moor. He was a fish out of water in the strange culture of Venice, having converted to Christianity and fighting for the Europeans against his former friends.

He also married Desdemona, a gorgeous, gentle, and naive woman who was sheltered from the world. Their elopement crushed the spirits of her father, Brabantio, an influential senator in the Venetian Republic.

Assigned by the Duke to lead the defense of Cyprus against the Ottoman Empire's invading fleet, Othello unwisely took Desdemona with him. Fortunately, a stormy sea destroyed the Turkish ships, but Othello's own damaged craft limped into a safe harbor on the mountainous island.

However, the crisis was not over for Othello. His trusted officer, Iago, began to whisper in his ear that all was not well in his marriage. Iago convinced Othello that Desdemona was betraying him with Michael Cassio, his second-in-command.

The calm and unfazed Othello in battle became agitated and seethed with uncontrollable rage. He was consumed by the idea of seeking revenge on Desdemona and Cassio. His honor demanded it, and nothing else mattered.

"Othello" is a magnificent play that explores the thin line between love and hate, jealousy, suspicion, and racial hatred. It shows how easily we can be deceived by the illusions of the world and how quickly our beliefs can be turned upside down. It is a virtuoso work by an incomparable master.

Hello there!

Welcome back to today's exciting episode of "Did I not Comprehend This Because of My Dyslexia or Was This Just Letters?"

This unique show delves into the fascinating world of language perception and the challenges that come with it.

Each episode presents various texts and asks the burning question: was the lack of understanding due to dyslexia or simply the jumble of letters?

Viewers can expect engaging discussions, expert insights, and real-life examples that will shed light on this complex topic.

Whether you have dyslexia or are simply curious about how the brain processes language, this show is sure to provide valuable entertainment and education.

So sit back, relax, and join us on this captivating journey through the mysteries of language comprehension.

**A Political Tale of Ambition and Jealousy**

Othello is a play that can evoke intense emotions, both when read and watched. It's not because it's a bad play; on the contrary, it's a brilliant work. The reason it's painful is that it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about life, as great literature should. The first time I read it in university, I thought the pain was due to overanalysis. But I've since realized that my lecturers had valid points. In the edition I read, there was a long discussion about misogyny in Western literature, highlighting how women seem to hold power over men in matters of choice.

As I've reread the play over the years, it has become even more painful. The two bedroom scenes are particularly poignant. In the first, Othello and Desdemona make love passionately, but in the second, Othello kills Desdemona in a jealous rage. This scene is heart-wrenching as we know Desdemona is innocent and Othello has been duped. We also know that once he commits this act, there's no turning back. These scenes show the powerful emotions that drive Othello: love in the first and jealousy in the second.
The play was chosen for study in English One because of the theme of moving from the civilized center to the lawless fringe. In the play, Venice represents the center and Cyprus the fringe. This also brings up the idea of peace at the center and war at the fringe.
Iago is the most important character in the play. He's not evil in the traditional sense, but rather a calculating villain. He hates Othello not because of race, as some might think, but because he was passed over for promotion. Iago's actions are driven by ambition and a desire to prove that Othello, a Moor, is still a barbarian at heart.
The play also explores the question of human nature. Shakespeare uses the Moor to expose the base human nature that exists within all of us, regardless of race. We all have a part of us that fights against civilization.
In conclusion, the main theme of the play is the conflict between civilization and barbarity. Othello is not a barbarian at heart, but rather an innocent victim of Iago's manipulation. Iago, on the other hand, is the true barbarian, playing on people's innocence and refusing to accept that a non-European can be a decent and honest man. This is similar to the situation of the Australian Aboriginals in the 19th century, who were called barbarians while the real barbarians were the English colonists.

FOR HE WAS GREAT OF HEART

When delving into the works of Shakespeare, one is often met with a plethora of themes and ideas that can leave the reader in a state of wonder.

This particular play, depending on one's perspective, can be regarded as a precursor to postcolonialism, a profound reflection on the vulnerability of the human condition, or a scathing critique of a male-dominated society where women are marginalized and disregarded.

From the very outset of this tragedy, every character is doomed. Each one is burdened with vices and weaknesses that seem insurmountable and impossible to eradicate.

Perhaps the only true heroine is Emilia, who bravely (and at the cost of her own life) exposes the heinous deeds of her villainous husband in front of all. However, by that time, it is already too late to alter the course of events.

Life continues to unfold in Cyprus, and soon enough, everything will be forgotten. Of Othello, only a single line spoken by his supposed rival endures: "For he was great of heart." This simple phrase encapsulates the essence of a man who, despite his flaws and misfortunes, possessed a certain greatness within him.

It serves as a reminder that even in the face of tragedy and despair, there can still be glimmers of hope and moments of beauty. Shakespeare's works continue to resonate with audiences today, as they explore the depths of the human experience and offer insights into the complex nature of our existence.

From the best plays and I don't need to define myself either. Thank you, Mr. Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's works are renowned worldwide for their profound themes, complex characters, and beautiful language. His plays have been performed countless times and have had a significant impact on the development of drama.

We can learn a great deal from Shakespeare's works, not only about human nature and society but also about the art of storytelling. His plays are a treasure trove of inspiration and wisdom that continue to fascinate and educate audiences today.

Whether we are reading his plays or watching them performed, we can appreciate the genius of Shakespeare and the lasting legacy he has left behind.

Othello and Macbeth have long been vying for the title of my favourite Shakespeare play.

I'm still undecided. The protagonists share similarities as they both bring about their own downfall due to fear, paranoia, and jealousy.

This is precisely what makes their stories so exquisitely tragic. The fantastical element in Macbeth gives it an edge, yet it lacks Iago.

Iago is a complex and villainous character in Othello who adds an extra layer of intrigue and drama.

On the other hand, Macbeth's supernatural elements, such as the witches and their prophecies, create a sense of mystery and foreboding.

Both plays have their own unique charm and it's truly a difficult choice to make.

I find myself constantly torn between the two, unable to determine which one holds the top spot in my heart.

Perhaps it's the very fact that they are both so remarkable that makes it such a hard decision.

Each play offers a deep exploration of human nature and the consequences of our actions, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Whether it's Othello's tragic love story or Macbeth's descent into madness, Shakespeare's masterpieces continue to captivate and inspire.

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Not trying to upset Proust or Joyce, but these days, it's Shakespeare who's been taking me to bed every night.

He's become an integral part of my daily routine, and his words are the last conscious thoughts that linger in my mind before I drift off to dreamland.

Sure, it could have been another playwright or even a regular book. But all I really need are those small chapters that I can breeze through quickly when the tendrils of slumber start to wrap around my body and their calming effects slowly soothe my mind.

And it just so happens to be Shakespeare. Any insomniac who's recently discovered a new drug isn't about to give it up easily, and that's why Shakespeare stays.

I've recently finished reading "Hamlet" and "King Lear" and rated them both 5 stars. I truly believe they are nothing short of amazing plays.

However, I confess that so much has been written about them, not only in outstanding reviews but also in other literary classics. I'm not sure if I have much to add.

Plus, while I enjoy writing my usual ramblings about the books I've just finished, I try to keep this exercise as natural as possible and avoid turning it into a mandatory chore.

My feelings about these plays weren't necessarily expressed in words, or at least not in known words. And I don't want to imitate Joyce's style by having a review filled with made-up words like "weenybeenyveenyteeny". So I let them be, aware that they might come back as ghosts to haunt me at any time.

"Othello", on the other hand, has its plot centered around one of my favorite subjects - jealousy and its outcomes.

Ah, that powerful, destructive force that can conjure up hurricanes in sealed bedrooms where the wind wouldn't otherwise be able to enter.

That overwhelming emotion that can spontaneously generate or mutate fear, anxiety, and insecurity out of nothing.

It's like a mind-affecting virus, and the powers of the mind are unlimited, especially when it's running wild and unrestrained.

What's even more dangerous is that it's invisible. If our eyes could perceive jealousy, or if it had a distinct color or form that we could see surrounding the jealous, perhaps Desdemona wouldn't have been blindsided by Othello the way she was, and Othello might have been able to escape Iago's double-dealings.

I've read some criticism of "Othello" because of how easily the character believes in Iago's schemes and lies. But I could never doubt the realism of Shakespeare's plot.

Just as insecurity can make a little kid believe he's seeing monsters when he's alone in his room, watching strange and unsettling shadows dance on the walls, it can also make a handkerchief look like indisputable evidence of guilt in the court of jealousy for a person who is jealous and insecure.

If "Othello" hadn't been written a couple of centuries before Proust was even born, I would suspect that Iago had read "In Search of Lost Time".

Not only did he understand how jealousy works - he was suffering from it himself - but he also devised a plan that would grant him his revenge by exploiting its powerful strengths.

His only downfall was not foreseeing that jealousy would eventually come up against other powers, as it often does in life's battles.

Rating: For yet another masterful play, with great lines and for allowing me to connect his work to my favorite author: 5 stars.

IAGO
She that was ever fair and never proud,

Had tongue at will and yet was never loud,

Never lack'd gold and yet went never gay,

Fled from her wish and yet said 'Now I may,'

She that being anger'd, her revenge being nigh,

Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly,

She that in wisdom never was so frail

To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail;

She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind,

See suitors following and not look behind,

She was a wight, if ever such wight were -

DESDEMONA
To do what?

IAGO
To suckle fools and chronicle small beer.

DESDEMONA
O most lame and impotent conclusion!

I have always had a strong feeling that Iago's speech in this passage was rather filthy. However, the very first time I looked it up, I was deeply disappointed to read that the meaning of the line about the cod's head and the salmon's tail was described as "obscure". That was a long time ago. Now, with the power of Google at my disposal, I realize that I am far from being the only one with this perception. As Michael Neill writes in the source linked here: Honigmann cites Pliny on fish tails as a delicacy to suggest one possible meaning. But, as critics since Partridge have recognized, the familiar bawdy senses of words like "cod" (testicles), "head" (penis), and "tail" (female or sometimes male sex organs), along with the sexual associations of fish, make an obscene construction almost inevitable. Despite the efforts to analyze and understand this line, the meaning seems quite clear to me: Iago, who habitually views all women as whores, imagines sexual congress between the male and female members as a form of commercial exchange. God bless those diligent literary researchers who spend their days delving into such obscure and often dirty jokes. And you should never dare to criticize them. You're just jealous because you don't have a job where you can engage in such fascinating and in-depth analyses all day long.

Communication is of utmost importance. In "Othello" by William Shakespeare, sexism is a prominent theme, with all the women meeting a tragic end after Iago's jealousy runs amok. Jealous souls, as Shakespeare aptly describes, are not jealous for a rational cause but simply because they are jealous. It's a self-created monster.

I had the wonderful experience of enjoying the rendition at the Shakespeare Globe in London on the same day I read "Othello". My favorite characters were Emilia, who leans towards the good side, and Iago, who comes perilously close to ultimate evil. Jealousy makes all common enemies forgotten. If this story were to take place in the modern world, it would likely be a case of office politics, and Iago might have ended up as the CEO before being ousted due to accounting irregularities.

It's interesting to note how Shakespeare already uses the metaphor of "Heart on the sleeve". The racism against the Moor is very evident, especially from "honest" Iago. Brabantio changes his opinion quickly, but Iago's hate is deeply ingrained. He is the epitome of entitlement, using jealousy to cause discord while also being consumed by it. There are also some fun moments, like when the Englishmen are praised as the best drinkers. The insulting words Shakespeare employs, such as strumpet, minx, and cuckold, are a highlight.

In the end, all the women die, and Emilia has some epic takedowns of the patriarchy. However, I found this less touching than expected as Othello's jealousy towards his young wife seems almost instantaneous, suggesting their relationship wasn't as strong as their elopement implies. Still, the quotes are amazing, and the story is highly recognizable today.

Quotes:
We can’t all be master nor can all masters be followed

You will not serve God if the devil bids you

Go make money, put money in your purse

I’m not anything if not critical

Men should be what they seem

To be direct and honest is not safe.

Tis not a year or two shows us a man:
They are all but stomachs, and we all but food;
To eat us hungerly, and when they are full,
They belch us

Or to be naked with her friend in bed
An hour or more, not meaning any harm? - LOL

There; give it your hobby-horse: wheresoever
you had it, I’ll take out no work on’t

Emilia and Iago growing apart:
Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?
The world’s a huge thing: it is a great price.
For a small vice

Emilia is on a roll:

But I do think it is their husbands’ faults
If wives do fall: say that they slack their duties,
And pour our treasures into foreign laps,
Or else break out in peevish jealousies,
Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us,
Or scant our former having in despite;
Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace,
Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know
Their wives have sense like them: they see and smell
And have their palates both for sweet and sour,
As husbands have. What is it that they do
When they change us for others? Is it sport?
I think it is: and doth affection breed it?
I think it doth: is’t frailty that thus errs?
It is so too: and have not we affections,
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have?
Then let them use us well: else let them know,
The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.

He hath a daily beauty in his life
That makes me ugly

That death’s unnatural that kills for loving.

She was false as water - Interesting saying

Thou hast not half that power to do me harm
As I have to be hurt.