Othello Journal 7

The character I thought was crucial to the dynamics of this play was Emilia. Even though it seems as though she's playing a small role as Desdemona's maid which parallels her personality as quiet and submissive. She plays her part well too, following whatever orders Iago might give which happen to include stealing the hanker chief. This ultimately helps lead to the demise of Desdemona herself and her relationship. However, its very interesting how Emilia suddenly stands up when she KNOWS something isn't right. She risks her life and ultimately dies to correct a wrong she committed. In essence I find it very interesting how quiet she is to speak up to a known wrong, but is otherwise remarkably submissive.

Othello Journal 6

Easily one of the most important symbols in Othello is the hanker chief which could represent both love and deceit. This hanker chief was given to Othello from his mother who received it from a gypsy. It said to have magical abilities to keep the spouse in love with him/her and I suppose now that I think about it it has worked. Although Desdemona dies at Othello's hand Desdemona by all appearances still loves Othello. At the beginning this item symbolizes their love for one another however, through the course of time due to jealousy its let jealousy itself represent it.

Othello Journal 5

"[Othello:] Get me some poison, Iago, this night. I'll not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again. This night, Iago. [Iago:] Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated" (179).

In this quote it appears as though all Iago's plans are beginning to wrap up and come to fulfillment. Specifically he has Othello so wrapped up in jealousy that he honestly believes that a women who loves him would and did cheat on him. Also Shakespeare here decided to include foreshadowing in how Desdemona is killed. This adds a lot of suspense to an already suspenseful play and leaves us wondering if he'll actually do it.

Othello Journal 4

For Othello I would cast Will Smith because I think he could play that noble and respectful soldier part well.
"I will round unvarnished tale deliver of my whole course of love."
"I love Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea's worth."

For Desdemona I would cast Natalie Portman because I picture Desdemona as this beautiful girl that knows it however, she is also intelligent and uses that to accomplish what she believes is right.
"Why do you speak so faintly? Are you not well?"
"Sure there's some wonder in this hankerchief. I am most unhappy I lost it."

For Emilia I would cast Emma Watson because I think both are somewhat submissive and don't speak up as much as opposed to just following what someone tells them blindly.
"I nothing but to please his fancy."
"I am glad I have found this napkin; This was her first remembrance form the Moor."

For Iago I would cast Edward Norton for the part he played in The Italian Job. I think in the movie his character perfectly mirrors that of what I would picture Iago. Both are scheming and ironically both are motivated at least in some way by the necessity to attain more wealth.
"I am one, sir, that co mes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs"
"I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly"

Othello Journal 3

I think its really interesting how intelligent Iago is. For one he not only has the ability to manipulate Roderigo as seen by him totally following his every command. The other example is him being able to manipulate everyone else around him such as Brabantio, Othello, Desdemona etc. So not only does he manipulate others---He manipulates others into manipulating others. It almost seems like its "blind love" vs "guided knowledge". Iago would be the "guided knowledge" in the sense that he knows exactly what he wants and he's very smart. The blind love would be Othello and Desdemona due to their love for complete love for each other.

Othello Journal 2

Prior to the Ottoman Empire controlling Cyprus the Venetians did. However, by the  16th century the Ottomans had already attacked Nicosia with 60,000 soldiers and quickly began to gain control of other Venetian territories such as Kyrenia and Famagusta. Lala Mustafa Pasha who was the commander that led the 60,000 soldiers to victory in Nicosia was placed as governor. In 1573 the Venetians after their attempts to get rid of the Ottomans to no avail. With them left the Roman Catholic Church.

Trevors - Epilespy

Yea I wonder how the person in Othello that has epilepsy will be treated. Also really good connection to the Odyssey.

 

Rachel - Venice

Its interesting how Venice became such an important trading center but I guess it makes sense since people in that time period would have to use a ship.

 

Haley - Moors

I think its interesting how many words come from the word black but are seen in a negative way. I wonder how that times culture perceived the word Moor?

 

Maegen - Turks

Its really interesting how much land the Ottomans controlled and they almost reminds me of the Romans.

Othello Journal 1

Reading Othello, I found it completely confusing. The words he used I had to constantly go back and find out what they mean or just think about for a few seconds. However, despite my difficulties I think I got the essence of it. Basically Iago and Rodrigo go to Desdemona's house to lie about Othello. This begins their attempts to tear them apart.

Paper: The Piano Lesson

n The Piano Lesson, August Wilson uses Lymon’s thoughts and actions to further develop the theme of (transientness - Is this our theme?). Lymon has just returned from a saloon alone and is now talking to Berniece. Here Wilson shows Lymons true feelings to demonstrate a kind of lost individual. “Mostly they be lonely and looking for somebody to spend the night with them. Sometimes it matters who it is and sometimes it don’t. I used to be the same way. Now it got to matter."  In his discussion I believe Wilson gives us a deeper view to Lymon. Furthermore, he nearly represents polar opposite ideals to that of Boy Willie. Lymon doesn’t long for only materialistic wealth. Instead, he mainly longs for a family and a meaning-full relation. I think its ironic that the very essence of what Boy Willie strives to rid from his life is the very essence of what Lymon strives to attain.