Product Overview
Othello: A Tragic Tale Of Love, Jealousy, Power, And Betrayal
This play's complex characters and rich language provide valuable opportunities for critical analysis.
Ordering Books for Othello by William Shakespeare
No order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of books for Othello now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!
Notes About The Literary Touchstone Classics Edition of Othello
We think the Literary Touchstone Classic edition of Othello is the best for classroom use. These affordable editions of beloved works are designed by former educators with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.
To help students fully understand the classic work they're studying, every Literary Touchstone Classic includes pre-reading notes that cite important aspects of the text that students should examine and question while reading. Each book also contains an extensive vocabulary list and a glossary that explains unfamiliar allusions and challenging passages.
If you're looking for books that will last for years, Literary Touchstone Classics fit the bill. Sturdy bindings and high-quality paper ensure they'll hold up to repeated use, and they're made in the U.S.A.
Other Editions
If you need to add onto a class set of a different edition or simply prefer another edition, contact us with the ISBN or edition information, and we'll check the availability for you.
If you are reading Othello with students who need a simplified version, contact us, and we'll help you find one that is appropriate for your situation.
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About the Play Othello |
The play opens with Roderigo and Iago discussing their hatred for Othello. Iago feels slighted because Othello chose Cassio over him for a promotion. They inform Brabantio, Desdemona's father, of her secret marriage to Othello. This sets off a chain of events that brings Othello into the spotlight and sets the stage for Iago's sinister plans. The setting shifts to Cyprus, where Othello is stationed. Iago begins to plant seeds of doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona's fidelity. He manipulates several characters, including Cassio and Roderigo, to create situations that make Othello question Desdemona's loyalty. The tension begins to build as Iago's machinations take root. Act III marks the height of Iago's manipulation. He uses Desdemona's handkerchief, a token of Othello's love, to convince Othello of her infidelity. The symbolic handkerchief becomes the "ocular proof" Othello demands, driving him into a jealous rage. His relationship with Desdemona starts to crumble. Othello's jealousy spirals out of control in Act IV. Iago further manipulates the situation by staging conversations and orchestrating misunderstandings. Othello's behavior becomes erratic, and he begins to isolate himself from Desdemona. The tension escalates as the play hurtles towards its tragic conclusion. In the final act, Othello, consumed by jealousy, murders Desdemona. When the truth about Iago's deceit comes to light, Othello realizes his grave mistake. Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, he takes his own life. The play ends with Iago's arrest and the audience left to ponder the catastrophic consequences of jealousy and trust.
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Themes in the play Othello |
Jealousy: One of the most dominant themes in Othello is jealousy. Othello's transformation from a confident leader to a jealous husband illustrates how destructive this emotion can be. Iago's manipulation preys on Othello's insecurities, highlighting the vulnerability even the strongest characters can possess. Race and Discrimination: Othello, a Moor, faces prejudice despite his high rank and accomplishments. His marriage to Desdemona challenges societal norms, and his race becomes a focal point for manipulation and mistrust. Manipulation and Deceit: Iago is the embodiment of manipulation and deceit. His cunning tactics and ability to exploit others' weaknesses drive the plot forward. The theme of deceit is woven throughout the play, showing how lies and betrayal can destroy lives. Love and Trust: The relationship between Othello and Desdemona serves as a poignant exploration of love and trust. Their love is genuine, but the lack of trust becomes their downfall. The play examines how trust is an essential foundation for any relationship and how its absence can lead to tragedy. Reputation and Honor: Characters in Othello are deeply concerned with their reputation and honor. Othello's status as a respected general contrasts with his internal struggle for personal honor. Similarly, Iago's quest for revenge is fueled by his damaged reputation, illustrating how societal perceptions influence actions.
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Activity Ideas for the play Othello |
Role-Playing: Bring the play to life with role-playing exercises. Assign students different roles and have them act out key scenes. This interactive approach helps students grasp the emotions and dynamics between characters, making the text more relatable. Modern Adaptations: Ask students to reimagine a scene from Othello in a modern context. They can write scripts, create videos, or perform live skits. This activity encourages creativity and helps students connect the play's themes to contemporary issues. Journaling: Ask students to keep a journal while reading Othello. They can record their thoughts, questions, and reactions to each act. Journaling encourages reflection and helps students track their evolving understanding of the play. Historical Context: Provide background information on the time period in which Othello was written and performed. Discuss the societal norms, cultural attitudes, and historical events that influenced the play. Understanding the historical context enriches students' interpretation of the text. Comparative Analysis: Compare Othello with other Shakespearean tragedies or works that explore similar themes. Students can identify common motifs and differences in character development. Comparative analysis broadens students' literary knowledge. |
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