The main reason behind Othello's ability to withstand the currents of time is the fact that Shakespeare used universal human themes in the play. Themes such as racism, jealousy and love are values that have persisted in human society. Therefore it is no surprise that when these themes become the most important part of the storyline in Othello. It is the ability of a piece of literature to move the crowds by the core values and human emotions of each and every individual that makes it popular. The play Othello has succeeded in achieving that. Among the main themes is racism. Othello, the title character, was a Moorish general serving the Venetian government. Being a black, he was subjected to so many different forms of discrimination and hatred by others around him. Iago who was his ensign was probably the worst racist in the play "old black ram tupping your ewe" to Brabantio, "thick lips" and he describes Othello as a "Barbary horse." While racism may not be as prominent, it still exists. Through Shakespeare's Othello, today's audience could relate to the idea of racism, a very real social dilemma that confronts them in their daily lives as well as in human history.
The theme of jealousy which is a highlight in the play is a catalyst theme that is extremely relevant in today's society. This is because jealousy is a universal human emotion. Every person feels envy. Iago was the main reason for jealousy in Shakespeare's Othello. He was extremely envious of his colleague Cassio who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant by Othello. Othello, who mistakenly saw Iago as the "most honest" among his friends was put under his spell of jealousy.to make Othello jealous of Cassio, Iago "advised" him "O, beware, my lord of jealousy; It is the green monster." This shows how jealousy in Othello relates to a modern day audience. Another important theme is of love and infidelity.
William Shakespeare is really the defining icon for modern literature. ... My goal for this paper is to convince you, reader, that William Shakespeare had the greatest affect on the future of modern literature. ... George's Day) to John and Mary Shakespeare. ... (Macbeth) 'Othello,' (1604) and 'King Lear.' (1605) During the third s...
The Indian film industry has drawn heavily on Shakespeare as seen in movies like Angoor, where the plot is drawn almost entirely from "A Comedy of Errors" and Omkara, an adaptation of Othello. ... His works continue to captivate audiences to this day. ... Such forwardness of thought and modernity of outlook was previously unseen in his day and age. ... His plays were written keeping in mind the tastes and preferences of the Elizabethan audiences. ... The themes he dealt with, although in accordance with a particular setting, were universal and easy to relate to irrespective of social class o...
In winning the day for Rome, she has sent Coriolanus, her son, to his death at the hands of the Volscions. ... This is not just a modern invention to reconcile an old play with a modern world and modern values; there is evidence that this was Shakespeare's intent. ... In Shakespeare's Othello, Iago says, "guiltiness will speak, though tongues were out of use" (Othello V.i.109-10). ... Volumnia's silence is ambiguous in the same way, and has usually been interpreted to exercise any thought of redemption for her from the minds of the audience. ... Volumnia's shortcomings ...
" (Ofsted, 2010) This report contained a case-study where students in one of the schools studied Macbeth and not only performed the play to an invited audience, they also participated in producing costumes, designing and building the set (while working alongside professionals). ... I don't find it surprising that when students are aware that their efforts will be received by an audience – be it an audience of parents and carers, or simply inviting members of SLT to see the efforts of the students – it will motivate and impact pupils in a positive manner. ... Due to acti...
