Othello, by William Shakespeare
Combine love, jealousy, hatred, revenge, lust, betrayal, and chaos, and you will come close to describing the masterpiece Othello, by William Shakespeare. When pressed for time for school, it might be tempting to just spark notes the book or just watch many of the movies and play adaptations, but do not let those take away from the experience of reading the actual tragedy. The cast of characters include Othello, a brave soldier who is easily manipulated; Desdemona, the beautiful wife of Othello who receives constant admiration for her elegance; Lago, Othello's trusted companion and advisor who is secretly jealous of all the adulation and success Othello receives; and Emilia, Lago's wife and Desdemona's attendant, a minor character but an important part of the plot. There are other characters that play more minute roles. The plot though exceptionally simple, is equally complex, a great story that can be related to any time. Enjoy a drama-ridden novel and experience Shakespeare's brilliance by reading Othello. - Reviewed by Anonymous.
Comments
I enjoyed reading this play especially because of the development of the characters. Most of the characters were completely different by the end of the play than they were at the beginning. Also, each character's personality is multifaceted and really interesting to uncover. I also really liked how the ending was unconventional and very unexpected.
Reviewed by Hailey, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
I absolutely love Othello. There is so much character analysis that can be done with each character, especially Othello! The motifs of black and white, as well as their connotations bring a whole other layer to the play. The progression of Othello’s mental state is also a very interesting topic to analyze. The play is a perfect read for older teens. The language can be difficult at times but it is definitely worth the read.
Reviewed by Isabella, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library