Monday, September 17, 2007

Othello

This is the first time I've read Shakespeare and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Some of the main characters were quite intriguing. At first I felt a little sorry for Othello, but after thinking about it I feel he doesn't deserve pity. He had no faith in his wife who was completely devoted to him. Iago wants to destroy him and move into his position of power, so he insinuates to Othello that his wife is cheating on him. He also believes his own wife Emilia has cheated on him so he is convinced every woman in incapable of being faithful to her husband.

Emilia defends her mistress Desdemona to Othello, but he has already convinced himself that she has played him falsely. It's hard to believe someone in his position of authority would be so easily turned by ideas that were manifested and blown out of proportion. He very naively believes that Iago is a trusted friend and has only his best interest at heart

He ulitmately kills his wife Desdemona and then kills himself. By taking this way out he does not have to face the consequences of his actions, but I believe he thinks he will eventually be reunited with Desdemona in the afterlife.

My first impression of him was a man of great honor and strong mind. He had earned the respect of many by his earlier actions in battle, so I expected him to have a much stronger character. One not so easily led astray by ideas that were suggested and then manifested.

1 comment:

Allen Webb said...

How great to so much enjoy your first Shakespeare! Hey, there are many other wonderful plays waiting for you out there. I have read them all, and find many very interesting. Hamlet, of course is rather special...