Pemote: A Precise Review About The Shakespeare's Othello

A Precise Review About The Shakespeare's Othello

Story of Othello by Shakespeare

Othello: The Play

Othello is a tragic Shakespearian play which was written around the year 1603 and was based on a sixteenth century Italian story titled Un Captiano Moro which means ‘A Moorish Captain'. Othello is portrayed as a Moorish general serving in the Venetian army of the time.

The play addresses issues of that time period, most of which are still seen in existence today. It highlights the impact of racial discrimination, jealousy, love and betrayal; elements which are not alien to most Shakespearian plays. These elements are amongst other reasons why the play has been adapted into modern times in the form of film,literature and broadcasting.

Shakespeare: The English Poet and Playwright

William Shakespeare was baptized on the 26th of April, 1564 (his actual birthdate is unknown) in Warwickshire, England. He is considered by many as the greatest writer in the history of the English language which is why he remains in odes of admiration today.

He is also regarded as England's national poet and the ‘Bard of Avon'. He married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18 and rose to be an actor, playwright and the owner of a theatrical enterprise which was later known as King's Men.

He died in 1616 at the age of fifty two. Today, four hundred years later, his legacy is no stranger to conspiracy and controversy regarding the originality of his work, his appearance, his sexuality and his beliefs.

Why did Shakespeare Write Othello? Addressing the Prevalent Racism

Shakespeare lived in a time when racism was prevalent and racial discrimination and segregation were acceptable norms in developed societies and civilizations. He tried to shorten the gaping divide between the white race and peoples of color.

It meant to counter the commonly accepted philosophy of racial superiority of the white race hence it was bound to create waves and controversy in a time when slavery was perfectly acceptable in human societies.

Although traveling was not as frequent in that age and racial compositions were more homogenous, Venice was a major trading hub in the entire world and it attracted sailors and merchants from countries and continents afar. Therefore racial intermingling was relatively common.

Elements of Humanization

Through Othello, Shakespeare intended to humanize the perception of other racial groups and showed how they fitted into the virtues and ills of society just like ordinary locals did. As with most of his plays, Othello showed human passion and human weakness through tales of seduction, love, power and betrayal.

Othello's Criticism

Shakespeare's works always possessed a tinge of subtlety which was a double-edged sword. It beautified his writing prowess yet it also led to conflicting interpretations of his work. Several critics argue that Othello contains slurs of racist jargon which were prevalent in that society. Although it shows the helplessness of black men, it consistently shows the West as the beacon of rationality and the East as its irrational counterpart. Turks were not considered to be of equal mental ability and devoid of humane mannerisms in the eyes of the European characters, and arguably, in Shakespeare's. His critics include A.C. Bradley and Anthony Gilbert.

Othello in the Modern Era

Despite the controversy, Othello survived the engulfing tides of time and is a part of modern theatricals and has been inscribed in literary history for all times to come. It has had several influences on modern works as well.

Adaptations

Film

The play has been adapted in multiple films which include:

Jarum Halus (2008) a Malaysian version.
Omkara (2006) a Bollywood feature.
Eloise (2002) set in Australia.
Kaliyattam (1997) a Kerala based production.
Othello (1995, 1982, 1965, 1955, 1914 and 1909) made in different countries all over the world.
The Tragedy of Othello (1952)

Plays

Othello has been performed in theatricals and operas all across the modern world which includes Naples and Milan based operas. It has also surfaced in the form of ballet in New York City.

Other Adaptations

The play has also been made into a few television series in 1981, 1990 and 2001 for various production houses such as the British Broadcasting Corporation. It has also been adapted into a graphic novel by Oscar Zarate.