In this world, there are many who are disabled. There is also the lover who allows doubt to enter his life, destroying it and hurting those around him.

And there are those who come into this world as individuals who are capable of being evil, filled with hatred and envy in their hearts.

Shakespeare's great tragedies represent a modern model of human life that Shakespeare mastered in describing, such as love, jealousy, and emotion.

These tragedies show us the complex and often painful nature of human existence, and how our emotions and actions can have far-reaching consequences.

Through his works, Shakespeare teaches us valuable lessons about life, love, and the human condition.

The play we watched last night was not nearly as good as Hamlet.

While it had some interesting moments and decent performances, it simply couldn't compare to the masterpiece that is Hamlet.

Hamlet is renowned for its complex characters, profound themes, and beautiful language. It explores the human condition in a way that few other plays can.

The play we saw last night, on the other hand, felt somewhat shallow and one-dimensional. The characters didn't have the depth and nuance that we expect from great theater.

The plot was also rather predictable, lacking the twists and turns that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, although the play we watched last night was not a complete disaster, it was far from being as good as Hamlet. It served as a reminder of just how great Shakespeare's works truly are.

It is truly astonishing to see how, after all these years, the work still has such a profound impact on modern audiences like myself. The story of Othello is a tragic tale of excessive trust and debilitating jealousy. To be frank, the character that most intrigued me in the play was Emilia, the wife of the villainous Iago. She was a remarkable woman, honest and rational. Unlike her husband, who was deceitful, or Desdemona, who was blindly in love, or Othello, who was gullible, Emilia stood out. Among all the characters in this story, she was my favorite. If I could somehow be a part of the play, I would undoubtedly choose to be her. Her strength of character and her unwavering commitment to the truth made her a truly captivating figure.

Yesterday, out of the blue, I had an intense longing for some Shakespeare. I know it's a strange craving, but it just hits me from time to time. However, I feel that I can't truly appreciate his work by simply reading it. So, what I do is take out my huge collection of his plays, plug in either a film or a dramatized audio version of the play I've chosen, and read along. Shakespeare never intended for his work to be read; it was meant to be performed. Since it was a rainy afternoon, I had three hours to spare, so I simultaneously read and listened to Othello, and it was by far the most enjoyable experience I've had with this particular play.

I've read all of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets (it was a requirement for my undergrad degree), but I've never really connected with his tragedies. Even as a teacher, works like Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, and King Lear were a chore to get through, and I tried to make them as painless as possible for my students, skipping them altogether when I could in favor of lighter works such as A Midsummer Night's Dream (my favorite) and Much Ado About Nothing. But this time around, I thoroughly enjoyed Othello. Whether it's because I'm older, or because I don't have to teach it, or because the audio drama I found was amazing, or a combination of all of the above, it was an absolute pleasure to read. Even though I knew it was all going to end horribly.

As I mentioned earlier, the fully dramatized audio version of Othello that I came across was simply exquisite. It was a production from London's Donmar Warehouse (and is available for free download here), and it featured a phenomenal voice cast including Ewan McGregor, Tom Hiddleston, Kelly Reilly, Michelle Fairley, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Othello. It was truly incredible to hear young Obi-Wan, Loki, Mary Watson, Catelyn Stark, and Solomon Northrup all together in one cast, completely losing themselves in roles that were written centuries ago.

One thing that I find amusing every time I revisit anything Shakespearean is how closely his name has become associated with high-brow entertainment. Because nothing could be further from the truth during his lifetime. His humor is crude and vulgar, and always has been. If he were alive today, his social media would be filled with rude jokes and NSFW pics, and I doubt the modern scripts he wrote would be considered masterpieces. And yet, the stories he crafted have more staying power in our modern culture than anything outside of the Bible. How often have these plays been adapted under different names? How deeply do these stories influence newer books, movies, and television shows, whether the writers are consciously aware of it or not?

While not his most popular play, Othello is another example of this staying power. This play and its characters have influenced countless stories since it was first written and performed, especially when it comes to race and jealousy. Iago remains one of the most terrifying villains I've ever encountered in fiction, and jealousy based on false information and imagined slights is a very prominent theme in many modern works. A few years ago, I watched Shakespeare Live! From the RSC, and there was a jazz dance of the climax of Othello's jealousy that has stuck with me ever since. I could still see and hear it in my mind as I was reading. I've searched YouTube for the clip, but to no avail. I might have to break down and buy a copy of the entire show just so I can see that dance again.

I'm going to be on the lookout for other dramatized, full cast audio versions of Shakespeare's work, especially his tragedies, as they've always been more difficult for me to enjoy. Because, you know, they're tragic. But I firmly believe that, even though Shakespeare would probably laugh at how his work has been embraced as entertainment for the upper class, the fact that it has maintained an important place in our culture for four centuries means that it's well worth your time.

You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.

Shakespeare's masterful use of characterization in "Othello" vividly描绘了the character of Othello as a brave, courageous, and honorable soldier.

He presents a complete contrast to Othello through the character of Iago. Iago is portrayed as a two-faced and manipulative individual, representing the evil aspect within the novel.

Shakespeare artfully employs Iago to exploit Othello's trusting personality and prey upon his good nature. As a result, Othello becomes overwhelmed with hate and jealousy, which consume all of his other emotions.

This transformation in Othello showcases how a character can cross the line between good and evil. Shakespeare's exploration of these complex characters and their interactions adds depth and richness to the play, making it a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Othello is often regarded as the weakest among Shakespeare’s four major tragedies. Its body count is significantly lower compared to the others, and its plot lacks the same level of complexity. The themes explored in Othello are also not as broad. At the core of the story is a false accusation that leads Othello to believe his wife has been unfaithful. This situation may seem familiar, but in a tragedy, there is no happy ending. Instead, acts of suicide and murder take center stage.

Othello himself is a highly gullible character. Shakespeare attempts to convey the idea that a single well-planted seed of doubt can fuel our jealousy and cloud our judgment. However, Othello is perhaps a bit too gullible for some. He fails to consider alternatives and is easily manipulated. This flawed nature makes him less likeable as a hero, especially when combined with the fact that he beats his wife.

So, why did I rate Othello so highly despite these issues? Perhaps I didn't really have a problem with it. I simply don't believe it reaches the same level of brilliance as King Lear, Hamlet, and Macbeth. Those plays have more complex characters and plotlines that Othello cannot match. However, I must admit that I did enjoy reading about Iago. His diabolical mind is both fascinating and entertaining.

4.5 ⭐️(rnd ⬆️)

A breathtaking, timeless commentary on what makes us human, what we do to ourselves through how we treat each other, the difference between tolerance and acceptance, how tragedy forgoes sanity, and ultimately what we humans can endure at the hands of our own kind.

Shakespearean Tragedy, "Othello," with its labyrinthine exploration of jealousy, race & betrayal, remains a compelling masterpiece that defies the confines of time. This tragic narrative unravels the complexities of the human psyche & perhaps spirit, illuminated even further by many modern interpretations that shed new light on its enduring themes.

The eponymous character, Othello, a Moorish general in the respected Venetian army, encapsulates the quintessence of ‘the tragic hero’ - both by contemporary & Shakespearean standards. He is complexly flawed, apoplectic, and yet meticulously human. Othello’s inescapable descent into execrable jealousy & inexorable madness, catalyzed by the Machiavellian machinations of Iago, reflects a timeless exploration of the darker facets and nebulous nature of love, and indeed trust. Lago’s role as the archetypal villain, ensnaring Othello in a web of deceit, is a testament to Shakespeare's inimitable understanding of psychological manipulation and the fragility of the human condition.

Numerous modern interpretations of Othello have illuminated its racial dynamics, presenting a nuanced perspective on Othello's isolation, amidst the clear prejudice he faces. This contemporary lens highlights the text's relevance in discussions about race, power, societal structure & identity, challenging audiences to reflect on the social constructs that continue to pervade society today. Additionally, the portrayal of women here - Desdemona as the innocent victim, Emilia as the voice of reason amidst male folly - duly invites a feminist critique, offering insight into the patriarchal structures that dictated their fates. Further insights into character development, especially Othello's tragically displayed flaws - his vulnerability to Iago's manipulations due to his deep-seated insecurity & external societal pressures - resonate deeply, profoundly, in a modern context. Where the themes of identity & belonging remain as pertinent as ever.

Othello’s exploration of the destructive power of jealousy & the catastrophic consequences of manipulation remits a timeless cautionary tale. It remains a masterful exploration of the human condition, its themes of jealousy, racism & betrayal resonating with audiences across ages. Sure, modern interpretations enrich our understanding of its characters, themes and so forth, allowing Shakespeare's work to continue inspiring profound reflection on the complexities of love, power, want and identity. It is an important play and piece of Literature that should never become lost or deemed irrelevant, for this too, would be a tragedy of its own.

Among all the tragedies of Shakespeare that I have read, this one is my favorite. It is so engaging that it makes me tremble with excitement. To the extent that sometimes I even find myself daydreaming about an imaginary happy ending...

A curiosity: during the reading, I was amazed to discover that Shakespeare's verses have been used equally by Modugno and Pasolini to create the song "Che cosa sono le nuvole".

This shows the universality and timelessness of Shakespeare's works. His words can inspire and be reinterpreted in different ways by different artists in different eras. It also makes me appreciate his genius even more.

The story in this tragedy is full of passion, love, and conflict. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their emotions are palpable. I was completely drawn into their world and felt their joys and sorrows.

Overall, this tragedy by Shakespeare is a masterpiece that will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a work that I will continue to read and study, and one that I will recommend to others.

I've always firmly believed that Iago is indeed one of the greatest literary villains in history! He is a true nemesis, a character so warped and twisted by hate that he even admits to having no legitimate reason for his intense desire to destroy the hero. Iago serves as the archetype for countless modern villains, influencing generations of writers and storytellers.

Whenever I take the time to reread "Othello", my mind immediately conjures up a vivid cinematic version. In this imagined movie, Denzel Washington would bring the noble Othello to life with his powerful acting skills. Cate Blanchett would grace the screen as the beautiful and innocent Desdemona, captivating the audience with her charm. And Tim Roth, with his unique and intense presence, would be the perfect choice to play the diabolical Iago. In fact, I think this movie would be so outstanding that it wouldn't even need to be titled "William Shakespeare's Othello". Instead, it could simply be named "Greatest Movie Ever"!

Such a film would not only do justice to Shakespeare's masterpiece but also become a classic in its own right, captivating audiences for years to come.

How does one even begin to review a play by Shakespeare!?

Honestly, it's a daunting task. I feel as if I haven't nearly enough words in my vocabulary to truly do his work justice. Every time I read Shakespeare, I find myself repeatedly blown away. The depth of emotion that I experience is simply staggering.

And yet, I'm also overwhelmed at the thought of joining the countless generations who have held him in such long-lasting adoration. His name has endured through the ages, and it shows no signs of being relegated to the annals of history.

Although I have still only read a relatively small selection of his work, I have come to realize that Shakespeare has managed to inspire this ageless devotion because of the themes that permeate his writing. His plays are not really about what the synopsis might lead you to believe. Instead, they are about the perpetual, driving machinations of the human psyche.

This is what gives his work its timeless quality. We like to think that we are so evolved, but Shakespeare shows us that, in many ways, we are still the same creatures with the same basic desires and emotions as those who came before us.

His plays speak to the universal human experience, and that is why they continue to resonate with audiences today.

“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;

It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock

The meat it feeds on.”

This famous quote from Othello made my 14-year-old son, who was reading Shakespeare for the very first time, come into my room to complain. He was deeply frustrated with the duplicity of the evil Iago. Iago spoke with a sweet tongue but acted in a completely different way. He spread fake news and rumours while pretending to be supportive and unselfish.

“Iago is even worse than Uriah Heep,” he said, referring to a previous discussion we had about David Copperfield. “I begin to believe that being ‘umble is the most treacherous thing in the world, hiding evil purposes!”

Of course, I had to quickly go back and reread Othello to be able to answer him properly. And I realised that my son had a valid point. Truly honest people are not humble in a false sense and do not claim to be. They show their strengths, weaknesses, and intentions clearly. They play with open cards, only to sometimes lose to those who seem the most ‘onest but are actually very ‘umble in a deceitful way.

It was interesting to see that my son viewed Othello not so much as a passionate drama centred around jealousy but rather as a political post-truth play, where the most wicked players on stage end up winning.

Shakespeare indeed incorporated both jealousy and politics into the plot. And young people today, who are beginning to understand the world politically, especially after 2016, feel more strongly about the lying, manipulation, and slander than about the unreasonable reaction to the suspicion of faithlessness.

For me, reading Shakespeare now with more pleasure than ever, it is evidence that his voice is universal and timeless. He continues to speak to yet another generation of readers, just like Dickens.

Unfortunately, in real life, we can't simply write our villains into prisons as easily as Dickens and Shakespeare did in their works.

Where can one even begin to fathom this magnificent tragedy? It is replete with symbolism and burdened with an almost overwhelming sense of gravitas. Amidst the darkness, there are nearly imperceptible tiny glimmers of light and humor, but they are hardly enough to drown out the heart-wrenching cries of the dying, innocent Desdemona and the tortured wails of the jealous, vengeful Othello. The manipulation by Iago is perhaps the most diabolical, masterful deception in Western literature, perpetrated by one of its most truly heinous and amoral villains. He and Heath Ledger's Joker are on par in their capacity for violence for the sake of violence and their willingness to stake everything on destroying the good guy that fate has placed in their path. For Iago, the denial of a promotion in favor of the fun-loving yet capable Cassio, and his own barely-acknowledged lust for Desdemona, drive him to infernal heights. So much so that when Iago's wife Emilia reveals the deception, Othello looks to his feet to see whether they are cloven. There are no sideplots, hardly any diversions in this, the most straightforward of the Bard's plays. It is an absolute masterpiece through and through.

Othello is a play that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of love, jealousy, trust, and betrayal. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with their actions and motives often driven by powerful emotions. Iago's actions are particularly disturbing, as he preys on the insecurities and weaknesses of those around him, using them to further his own twisted ends. The relationship between Othello and Desdemona is also a central focus of the play, and their love is tested to the breaking point by Iago's machinations. The tragic ending, with the deaths of both Othello and Desdemona, is a powerful reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and the consequences of unchecked passion.

In conclusion, Othello is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its exploration of the human condition and its powerful themes make it a work of great depth and significance. Whether you are a Shakespeare aficionado or simply a lover of great literature, Othello is a play that is well worth experiencing.