Shakespeare, William: 1564-1616
Othello, 1622 - Information about the Book
- General Information
- Some of the major themes in this play include racial prejudice, manipulation, and jealousy.
- Information from Wikipedia
- Information from StageAgent
- Facts
- The play is believed to have been written in approximately 1603, and based on the Italian short story 'Un Capitano Moro' ('A Moorish Captain') by Cinthio.
- Sources
- Pronunciation of Iago
- Major Characters
- Minor Characters
- Desdemona and Emilia: Othello remains a classic masterpiece even today because it ignites the discussion of modern tendencies. Given this, it is still difficult to decide if either Desdemona or Emilia has contemporary views on men because both were unhappy in marriage.
- Jealousy
Jealousy is the driving force behind the tragic events of the play. Iago plants the seeds of jealousy in Othello's mind, falsely convincing him that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Othello's overwhelming jealousy leads him to murder his innocent wife.Racism and Prejudice
As a Moor in white Venetian society, Othello faces constant racism and prejudice. This underlying prejudice makes him insecure about his marriage to Desdemona, allowing Iago to manipulate him more easily. The play explores how ingrained racism can lead to tragic consequences.Manipulation and Deception
Iago is a master manipulator who deceives all the major characters through his lies and machinations. His ability to twist the truth and plant compelling fictions drives the play's tragic trajectory.Appearance vs. Reality
Iago's deceptions highlight the gap between appearance and reality. Othello is convinced by Iago's fiction rather than the reality of Desdemona's innocence, showing how jealousy can distort one's perception.Love and Betrayal
The play explores different types of love - romantic love between Othello and Desdemona, platonic love between Desdemona and Cassio, and twisted love like Iago's possessive feelings for Othello. Betrayal of these bonds of love leads to the tragic downfall.Shakespeare's Othello is a searing exploration of how jealousy, prejudice, and manipulation can shatter lives when fiction is mistaken for reality.
Developed by AI
- Othello, as a Moor, would have been perceived as an exotic and foreign figure by contemporary English audiences. This perception was shaped by the limited and often stereotypical views of Africans and non-Europeans during the early 17th century. There was an ambiguous and complex understanding of race.
The play would have been seen as offering moral lessons about the dangers of jealousy and the consequences of manipulation and deceit.
Its depiction of gender roles and the treatment of women like Desdemona and Emilia would reflect contemporary attitudes towards women and marriage. Issues of power, honor, and the subjugation of women would have been familiar and perhaps even accepted as normative.
The way "Othello" was staged, including the use of male actors for female roles and the portrayal of Othello by a white actor in blackface, would reflect the theatrical conventions of the time. These practices would shape the audience’s perception and interpretation of the characters and the story.
In summary, the general perception of "Othello" in 1622 would have been shaped by contemporary attitudes towards race, gender, and morality, as well as by the dramatic conventions of early 17th-century English theatre. The play's powerful exploration of jealousy, trust, and betrayal would resonate with audiences, while also reflecting the social and cultural norms of the time.
Developed by AI
- Commentary
- William Shakespeare’s "Othello" is a tragic exploration of jealousy, manipulation, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions. Set in Venice and Cyprus, the play follows Othello, a Moorish general, whose life unravels due to the deceit of his ensign, Iago. Iago, motivated by resentment and ambition, manipulates Othello into believing that his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful with his lieutenant, Cassio. Using insinuations and planted evidence, Iago fuels Othello’s jealousy, leading to a tragic spiral of suspicion and violence.
The play examines themes such as racism, sexism, and the conflict between appearance and reality. Othello’s initial confidence as a noble leader diminishes under Iago’s influence, revealing vulnerabilities rooted in societal prejudice and personal insecurity. The climax sees Othello murder Desdemona in a fit of jealous rage, only to discover her innocence too late. Overcome with guilt, he takes his own life. "Othello" remains a powerful study of human flaws and the devastating consequences of manipulation and mistrust.
Developed by AI
- Reviews
- Book Review: "One thing I don’t love about this play is how utterly ambivalent I am to the characters’ inner lives. I do think there’s depth to be added to these characters by good actors and good directors, but I also think a lot of that depth is not necessarily present in the text itself." Peace, love, books; July 21, 2020
- Book Review: "This play is more than a cautionary tale about jealousy. It also shows how an honest man may be too quick to see honesty in others." Tiger Riding for Beginners; January 15, 2025
- Explanations
- Racism in "Othello"
- Themes in "Othello"
- Themes and Motifs
- Looking at the central question of race and its significance in the play. Emma Smith: University of Oxford
- Video (7:37)
Exploration of Othello. With more videos. Helen Smith, University of York - Audio (8:41)
Jill Kaufman reports on how Paul Robeson, the first black performer of Othello, changed the world of the theater in America and how modern actors look at the part today. NPR-Audio; March 2, 2002 - David Harewood on the Racial Prejudice in Othello. He also shares his experience on being the first black actor to play Othello. PBS; February 6, 2015
- David Harewood on White Actors Playing Othello. He discusses mainly Larry Olivier's performance in 1964. PBS; February 6, 2015
- Podcast
Shakespeare’s devastating exploration of race, reputation and jealousy. The Play Podcast with Farah Karim-Cooper, Professor of Shakespeare Studies; February 11, 2024
- Podcast
A Look at the Central Question of Race and its Significance in the play. Emma Smith, Oxford University - Othello, The Moor Of Venice; with background information
- Podcast
Video (5:53)
Othello and Iago - Podcast
How the Elizabethans portrayed blackness onstage, offering a startling, new interpretation of Desdemona’s handkerchief that is changing the way scholars understand the play. - “Othello” as a Racist Play: Even though racism is not Othello’s core theme, it practically impacts everything in the play.