Shakespeare andOthello

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 inStratford-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?