Book Review of Othello by William Shakespeare
Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The titular
character- Othello is a Venetian general of Moorish origin. He wins the heart
of Desdemona, daughter of a Senator. They elope much to her father's
dismay. Meanwhile, Othello's ensign,
Iago is secretly plotting against him.
The play explores themes of racism
and jealousy. Othello is crudely referred to as “black ram" and a “Barbary horse”. Iago describes him to be
lusty and a barbarian- stereotypes commonly associated with people of colour.
Brabantio only disapproves of Desdemona's marriage to Othello due to him being
a moor. He would rather have her marry Roderigo, a low ranking soldier.
The word “black” is often used by the
characters to mean “ugly” or “evil", denoting how deeply racism is
ingrained in the Venetian culture.
“How if she be black and
witty?” – Desdemona, Act 2, Scene 1
Iago poisons Othello's mind against
his wife by sowing seeds of suspicion. He nurtures this paranoia in Othello,
maddening him. Iago himself is troubled by the green eyed monster, as he
suspects his own wife of having an affair with Othello and Micheal Cassio.
Iago makes for an unforgettable
villain. He is cunning, crafty and manipulative. He is so skilled at putting on
a facade, that others refer to him as “honest” Iago. But it was the character
of his wife, Emilia, that took me by surprise. Fiercely loyal, intelligent and
unafraid of speaking her mind, she delivers some of my most favourite lines in
the play.
Othello not only has a very gripping
plot, but it also offered insights into what drives the male psyche. Its doomed
characters and imagery, is sure to stay with you long after.
Book Review by Jenifer Almeida S.Y.B.Ed
References: Shakespeare, W.
(2005). Othello. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com.
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