'Othello' by William Shakespeare is a tragic play that delves into themes of racism, jealousy, revenge, and betrayal. The story follows the downfall of Othello, a Moorish general, manipulated by his ensign, Iago, into believing his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful. The play is renowned for its exploration of human emotions and motivations, showcasing the tragic consequences of deception and insecurity. Shakespeare's writing style in 'Othello' is characterized by its deep psychological insights, intricate character dynamics, and poignant dialogue that continues to resonate with modern audiences.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include violence, marital abuse, racial prejudice, and the themes of jealousy leading to tragic outcomes.
Has Romance?
While romance is central to the plot, it is deeply intertwined with themes of jealousy and betrayal.
From The Publisher:
In its vivid rendering of the savagery lurking within civilization, Othello is arguably the most topical and accessible tragedy from Shakespeare's major phase as a dramatist.
Othello is an intense drama of love, deception, jealousy and destruction. Desdemona's love for her husband Othello, the Moor, transcends racial prejudice; but his trusted ensign, the envious Iago, conspires to devastate their lives. The play raises uncomfortable and pertinent questions about both racial identity and sexuality, as Othello and Desdemona's relationship becomes the voyeuristic site of Iago's attempt to destroy them.
Ratings (39)
Incredible (10) | |
Loved It (16) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (60):
Read It (49) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Not Interested (2) |
5 comment(s)
I usually really enjoy reading Shakespeare and find his works very giving and entertaining. But with this I just found the language to be rude and disgusting and makes me very uncomfortable go read and because I know the ending to this story I will not finish this one. But hey I can't like everything
Jealousy, race, and gender issues
Uno de esos clasicos que siempre me ha dado pereza.
Pero ni mucho menos, es bastante intenso. Hay un par de escenas bastante dificiles de soportar. No se como esto puede tener mas de 400 años, es increible
Shakespearian language is hard to grasp but after studying Othello in Literature I've definitely found it easier to follow. The love within the play is overwhelming but the pure jealousy and rage that can be found within the pages is enrapturing and it makes readers question their own ideals and values. The questions Shakespeare asks of our own relationships is valuable to anyone and his views and values are still relevant today. And who doesn't love a villain? Iago is awesome.
Excellent and well written with many twists .
Makes great reading. Othello made Super Super Easy has a unique structure with detailed explanations alongside the text which makes it easy to understand.
What can you read after
Othello?
About the Author:
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, in 1564. The date of his birth is not known but is traditionally 23 April, St George's Day. Aged 18, he married a Stratford farmer's daughter, Anne Hathaway. They had three children. Around 1585 William joined an acting troupe on tour in Stratford from London, and thereafter spent much of his life in the capital. A member of the leading theatre group in London, the Chamberlain's Men, which built the Globe Theatre and frequently performed in front of Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare wrote 36 plays and much poetry besides. He died in 1616.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
