Final Words on Othello Mr. Moccia

Back to Shakespeare’s “Greatness” What were the FOUR aspects of Shakespeare’s plays that made them great?

Use of Language In following him, I follow but myself; Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so, for my peculiar end: For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, 'tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.

Continued Shakespeare as master of language and language techniques Word plays; paradoxes; extended metaphor; poetry Iago as a master of language seems a favorite of Shakespeare’s

Reinterpretation of Stories From Cinthio to Shakespeare Iago’s manipulation is more “clever” Iago goes from being motivated solely from his “love for Desdemona” to having more psychological motivation but also a less easily understandable motivation

Reinterpretation of Stories I hate the Moor: And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets He has done my office: I know not if't be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety.

Psychological Depth Iago’s psychology is rich and complex, as well as ambiguous and nuanced The play also explores the psychological effect of many things on characters – well converted to language

Psychological Depth For that I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap'd into my seat; the thought whereof Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards; I had been happy, if the general camp, Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known. O, now, for ever Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell content!

Universality / Depth of Content This story of rumor, lies, two-faced friendship, jealousy and manipulation sounds incredibly “contemporary” This is true for a lot of the content, characters, reactions and situations

Discussion of Gender/Gender Roles While Desdemona’s responses seem stereotypical, Emilia’s strong independence shows Shakespeare as ahead of his times

Discussion of Gender/Gender Roles My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty: VERSUS 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.

Race Where do we see race play a role? Brabantio Stereotypes used by Shakespeare: loyal, but prone to anger Anywhere else?

One Approach to Interpretation “…when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, 'tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at” Using this as a interpretative lens, the play follows: Iago’s ability to use people on both sides of the spectrum; and His ability to get people from one side to the other

Iago! One of the most creative, devious, and intelligent characters Why? He lures us on his side; he manipulates us, like everyone else

Format (like A Raisin in the Sun test) Part 1: Multiple Choice Introductory PowerPoint Play *Speakers of quotations Part 2: Quotation Analysis Part 3: Short Answers