|
The text was visually unappealing as well, not spaced or indented well for easy reading. Two stars instead of one just because the play itself is a masterpiece. I had to read it for Academic Team, so I HAD to read it. The notes are decent, just enough to get by, but not nearly as in-depth as I wanted. Folger would have kept me from discovering what has since become my favorite play. And I suffered.
I bought another version -- Othello (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series) -- to get me through the Academic Team season, and I found its notes to be much more comprehensive and the printing much more aesthetically pleasing. The first time I attempted reading Othello several years ago, it was this version. Maybe that all sounds picky, but it's important to me. The Folger format is tedious (and archaic language needs no help feeling tedious) -- there are notes, yes, but they are on pages opposing the text. It felt like a stilted read, like I was getting nowhere, because you have to go 'backwards' (to the previous page) instead of 'forward' (to a footnote) to find out what anything means. I would only suggest Folger if you've already read the play and want to compare notes/definitions.
Period.
The book was delivered to my international address much quicker than I thought it would be, and was in great condition.
Buy this book online and never received, Very disappoint for the service, I will be think twice before buy anything from this side again.
Shakespeare's "Othello" is a captivating examination of jealousy, human inconsistency, gender relations, marriage, and so much more. Critical of nearly all of his characters - and leaving very few completely blameless - Shakespeare's depiction of human nature is far darker than the actions of his play. "Othello" will provide audiences with a twisted pleasure that is sure to leave a long-lasting impression. A masterpiece.
From its cultural aspect, Othello is a Moor known to have a dark skin. Like the infamous Romeo and Juliet, Othello is a tragedy. We do not learn about his actual nationality but some argue that his title refers to a country in North Africa. In these V acts, Shakespeare accounts one of humanity's darkest secrets-- jealousy. The play occurs in the midst of Turkey's invasion of Venice. Despite this high status, he is brought under the power of Iago's manipulative treachery.Dramatic irony alone labels Iago as the main antagonist. The handkerchief, the proof of Desdemona's infidelity, coupled with some doubting words from Iago was enough to make Othello kill his beloved wife.
However, to Othello, Iago's fidelity makes him a friend not a foe. However, jealousy will be this hero's tragic flaw, or hamartia. In light of this deception, Shakespeare describes jealousy as a "green-eyed monster", foreshadowing the tragic end of his play. At the end of the play, karma plays its role when Iago's true identity is revealed and he is taken to execution.
Othello is another masterpiece written by Shakespeare. The hero is no longer revered by the audience since jealousy blinds his trust and arouses vindictive jealousy. Shakespeare's references to medical, historical, and cultural aspects in Othello, makes it another successful play. The plot takes place in Cyrus, after the Turkish ships were drowned on their way to this Venetian Island. Iago himself is jealous of Cassio's title as lieutenant. Shakespeare's vivid descriptions of epilepsy also inform the audience about interesting medical information from the Shakespearean era. Othello, a valiant Moor from Venice, has just married the beautiful Desdemona. We also learn about Desdemona's attraction to Othello's story telling and how it led to their marriage.
Iago easily succeeds in deceiving Roderigo, Cassio, and his wife Emlia to satisfy his selfish motives. This coupled with Roderigo's love for Desdemona, begins Iago trail of revenge and ultimately destruction.Shakespeare also conveys that "ocular proof" is not always reliable. Brabanzio's refusal to let his daughter marry a Moor demonstrates the protective roles of parents and the strict definition of gender roles. As a typical tragedy, the hero is distracted from his quest and jealousy proves to be stronger than his will power or values.
|
