Othello by William Shakespeare

Othello by William Shakespeare

Finished my next Shakespeare play and again it wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. It's another tragedy and up on the depressing level with King Lear. Nearly as many deaths. 

Othello is all about the dangers of jealousy and how dangerous trusting the wrong people can be. Who should you trust? When two 'trustworthy' people's values conflict- who do you trust? Shakespeare possibly coined the term "green eyed monster" to explain this which is still used today. 

This play actually brings up a lot of issues that were overlooked in the 1600s. It looks at different races and the role of women. I don't know if that was deliberate or an accident but definitely interesting. 

Othello, who is black, secretly married Desdemona, who is white, which Desdemona's father disapproves of. Roderigo and Iago are also jealous so plot to dismantle their marriage. Iago becomes too independent and forgets the morals regarding everyone else but himself. Iago tells Othello that his wife is having an affair with Cassio. He proves this by passing around a precious handkerchief. Never knew a handkerchief could play such a big role in a play!!! 

Othello also becomes too jealous that his wife could be having an affair and puts his trust in the wrong man, Iago without giving anyone else a chance. 

 "Our bodies are gardens; to the which our wills are gardeners"

Not only our own wills garden ourselves but also others like Iago who manipulate and play on others' weaknesses. It is true though we control ourselves but when we're unable to do that, others take advantage. 

"Thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call the thee devil"

Many of the characters also say things and get into fights when they're drunk and others again, especially Iago take advantage of this. Even though this play was written in the 1600s this quote is still meaningful today. Everything comes out when you're drunk and you do lose control and others do play on that. 

The play also explores the opposite of jealousy and distinguishes pride in materialism and emotions such a love. Desdemona who is suspected to have everything says;

"Poor and content is rich"

Furthermore, the play explores the dangers of telling the truth in a corrupt world; 

"O, world, to be direct and honest is not safe"

"Honesty is a fool"

"Why should honour outlive honesty"

When all is too late Othello realises that Iago "ensnared my body and soul" and maybe that is when honesty becomes a fool as he realises he has made huge mistakes but they are irresolvable. 

Hope you enjoyed this review. Not sure which play to read next so any suggestions would be great. 😄