Shakespeare and Othello Mr. Moccia

Freewrite You have been dating someone for a few months and are romantically in love. Your friend of a long time (someone who has never lied to you) tells you that your significant other might not be as “faithful” as you suppose. Who do you believe? How would you realistically react? What actions would you realistically take?

Questions What have you read by Shakespeare? Have your experiences been positive, negative, neutral, or other? Explain.

Demystifying Shakespeare He did NOT write in Old English; in fact, it’s Modern English Beowulf is Old English He was not a “high-brow” (cultured or academic) playwright in his time

Brief Sketch of the Man Baptized 26 April 1564, died 23 April 1616 Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist His plays have been translated into every major living language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright

Early Life and Marriage  Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon  At age 18, he married Anne Hathaway, who bore him 3 children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith

Lost Years  Between 1585 and 1592 is known as Shakespeare's "lost years“  What we do know: a few of his plays were on the London stage by 1592

Shakespeare in London  By 1594, Shakespeare's plays were performed only by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a company owned by a group of players, including Shakespeare  They soon became the leading playing company in London

The Globe  In 1599, a partnership of company members built their own theatre on the south bank of the Thames, which they called the Globe

End of Life and Death 1607 on, he wrote few plays and probably spent most his time back home in Avon  Died on 23 April 1616 and was survived by his wife and two daughters

Shakespeare’s Work  Wrote major works that were exceptional in all four categories of drama: comedy, tragedy, romance, and history  Later in life, some of these categories were mixed  Poetry – a bunch of sonnets are his most famous

Why is Shakespeare Sooo Good? Shakespeare was never revered in his lifetime, but he did received his share of praise  Why he is NOT famous:  His stories: he stole most of them (that was normal)  So why…?

Here’s Why 1. The power, clarity, creativity, and depth of his language and poetry 2. How he reinterpreted other people’s stories 3. The psychological depth of his characters 4. The depth and breadth his stories explore issues, themes, and ideas

Othello  Based on the short story "Moor of Venice" by Cinthio (He stole it!)

4 Major Characters Othello, a moor and the army general His (brand-new) wife Desdemona

Continued His trusted advisor, Iago His lieutenant Cassio

Themes (our lenses) Race Moor? The term "moor" meant dark and/or black Appearance vs. Reality Deception and Intrigue Friendship Marriage Sexism Trust

Guiding Questions 1. Can you ever trust another person? How does one gain or lose trust? 2. How easily are people manipulated? Why is this? 3. What is it about Shakespeare’s language that is so powerful and important? 4. What can literature teach us about psychology, especially in terms of human relationships?