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Final Words on Othello

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:

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Final Words on Othello

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  1. Final Words on Othello Mr. Moccia

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

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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!

  9. 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

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

  11. 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.

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

  13. 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

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

  15. 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

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