My take on Othello:
I had a challenging time understanding the text in this play. However, as I continued to read I gained more of an understanding and was comprehending the story much better in Acts III and IV than in Acts I and II. I really enjoy the story and understand why it is a classic. I would like to find the 1951 version and watch the full length movie. I also think that if there was a book that adapted the text into a format that would be easier to read and understand I would enjoy that as well.
If you would like to post a response to this I would be interested in reading your comment.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Blog Entry 21: Scene response on Youtube
Of the four videos I feel I enjoyed the 1951 scene the most. Partly because I think it appeared to me to be the most authentic. I did not feel however that the casting for Othello was a good representation of his heritage, Northern African. I thought this film followed the script closely and the acting was very well done. It did not appear to be as dramatic as the other scene III version. The setting was very appropriate and the lighting was sunny and bright in most locations. The costumes were mostly white, with leather and brown colors. The movie is in black and white so it was not colorful. Iago was very deviant looking and I enjoyed the actors facial expressions. Othello was very big and masculine and had a very deep strong voice. In contrast I did not think Lawrence Fishburne did a very good portrayal of Othello. I felt this was less true to the original script, and although it was in color I did not get the feeling this was as good as set as in the earlier version.
The other two clips I felt were a little over acted. I understand this scene is more intense but both characters were very distraught, one grabbing Iago and one slamming himself into the wall openly sobbing. I did not enjoy the settng of the civil war. I like the setting that closely represents the original setting.
I would have liked to have scene the contrast of all four movies using the same scene. I would have liked to see the 1951 version actor campared to Anthony Hopkins.
The other two clips I felt were a little over acted. I understand this scene is more intense but both characters were very distraught, one grabbing Iago and one slamming himself into the wall openly sobbing. I did not enjoy the settng of the civil war. I like the setting that closely represents the original setting.
I would have liked to have scene the contrast of all four movies using the same scene. I would have liked to see the 1951 version actor campared to Anthony Hopkins.
Blog entry 20: Shakespeare Act III Quote Response
Iago:
"I do beseech you, though I perchance am vicious in my guess as I confess it is my nature's plague to spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy shapes faults that are not-that your wisdom then, from one that so imperfectly conceits, would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble out of his scattering and unsure observance. If were not for your quiet nor your good, nor for mu manhood, honesty, and wisdom, to let you know mu thoughts.
Othello:
What dost thou mean?
Iago:
Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, is the immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; but he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed.
This exchange takes place shortly after Othello enters the room and sees Cassio leaving Desdemona's presents. Othello becomes interested in why Cassio was visiting with Desdemona and his suspicions are born. Desdemona desperately wants to put this idea to rest and begs Othello to meet with Cassio and discuss his loyalty and return him to favor. OThello is not interested in doing this anytime soon and suggest that if something made him stop loving her the result would be chaos.
Iago takes this opportunity to manipulate Othello and using reverse psychology appears to hook Othello's interest. Once Iago catches Othello's attention he draws him into his web of deceit. He suggests that a man can steal his money (purse) and that is not disheartening; but rather a man steals your good name then you are left poor and he is none the richer. This statement seems to invoke Othello's pride and puts him in a defensive and suspicious frame of mind.
I believe this passage represents the central conflict in the play. Iago is determined to destroy Othello and is going to use wit and deceit to do so. The story is a tragedy because two people that love each other are torn apart by senseless jealousy. But if Othello had possessed a stronger presence he could have dismissed Iago's suggestions and could have believed in Cassio's friendship and Desdemona's love. I believe this quote best represents what is at the heart of this story.
"I do beseech you, though I perchance am vicious in my guess as I confess it is my nature's plague to spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy shapes faults that are not-that your wisdom then, from one that so imperfectly conceits, would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble out of his scattering and unsure observance. If were not for your quiet nor your good, nor for mu manhood, honesty, and wisdom, to let you know mu thoughts.
Othello:
What dost thou mean?
Iago:
Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, is the immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; but he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed.
This exchange takes place shortly after Othello enters the room and sees Cassio leaving Desdemona's presents. Othello becomes interested in why Cassio was visiting with Desdemona and his suspicions are born. Desdemona desperately wants to put this idea to rest and begs Othello to meet with Cassio and discuss his loyalty and return him to favor. OThello is not interested in doing this anytime soon and suggest that if something made him stop loving her the result would be chaos.
Iago takes this opportunity to manipulate Othello and using reverse psychology appears to hook Othello's interest. Once Iago catches Othello's attention he draws him into his web of deceit. He suggests that a man can steal his money (purse) and that is not disheartening; but rather a man steals your good name then you are left poor and he is none the richer. This statement seems to invoke Othello's pride and puts him in a defensive and suspicious frame of mind.
I believe this passage represents the central conflict in the play. Iago is determined to destroy Othello and is going to use wit and deceit to do so. The story is a tragedy because two people that love each other are torn apart by senseless jealousy. But if Othello had possessed a stronger presence he could have dismissed Iago's suggestions and could have believed in Cassio's friendship and Desdemona's love. I believe this quote best represents what is at the heart of this story.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Blog Enry 19: Freestyle
Shakespeare
Recently while reading Shakespeare's Othello, I believe this was my first experience with Shakespeare by the way, I struggled to understand the dialect. I began to get frustrated because no matter how hard I tried to concentrate the writing was so difficult to understand, written almost backward, like Spanish. But, I read on, trying to enjoy the story. In the end I enjoyed act I and II of Othello very little.
I think Shakespeare may be an acquired taste. That hath become accustom for the yearning that thou didst know twas of some such thing with little goodness did come of it?
I will continue to read the story and in the end who knows?
Recently while reading Shakespeare's Othello, I believe this was my first experience with Shakespeare by the way, I struggled to understand the dialect. I began to get frustrated because no matter how hard I tried to concentrate the writing was so difficult to understand, written almost backward, like Spanish. But, I read on, trying to enjoy the story. In the end I enjoyed act I and II of Othello very little.
I think Shakespeare may be an acquired taste. That hath become accustom for the yearning that thou didst know twas of some such thing with little goodness did come of it?
I will continue to read the story and in the end who knows?
Friday, August 6, 2010
Blog Entry 18: Quote Response Othello
Othello Act I Scene III
Desdemona -
My Noble Father,/
I do perceive here a divided duty./ To you I am bound for life and education;/ my life and education both do learn me/ how to respect you. You are the lord of my duty;/ I am hitherto your daughter. But he is my husband,/ and so much duty; as my mother showed/ to you, preferring you before her father,/ so much I challenge that I may profess/ due to the Moor my lord. (Shakespeare pg. 929)
I thought this was an interesting point in the play. After Brabantio speaks so strongly to the Moor I thought that he would never join the two together. Surprisingly, after Desdemona speaks the father joins the two of them together and says "I here do give thee that with all my heart." This was surprising to me and shows that Brabantio did not want to lose the relationship he had with his daughter. I also thought that Desdemona eloquently chose her words and won her father over.
I thought this scene was a testament to the strength of Desdemona. She had to stand before Nobles and her father to profess her love for a man that she should never have been with. This must have been very difficult to do. I also think this scene helped plant the irony in the outcome of the play. Desdemona was murder for being unfaithful.
Desdemona -
My Noble Father,/
I do perceive here a divided duty./ To you I am bound for life and education;/ my life and education both do learn me/ how to respect you. You are the lord of my duty;/ I am hitherto your daughter. But he is my husband,/ and so much duty; as my mother showed/ to you, preferring you before her father,/ so much I challenge that I may profess/ due to the Moor my lord. (Shakespeare pg. 929)
I thought this was an interesting point in the play. After Brabantio speaks so strongly to the Moor I thought that he would never join the two together. Surprisingly, after Desdemona speaks the father joins the two of them together and says "I here do give thee that with all my heart." This was surprising to me and shows that Brabantio did not want to lose the relationship he had with his daughter. I also thought that Desdemona eloquently chose her words and won her father over.
I thought this scene was a testament to the strength of Desdemona. She had to stand before Nobles and her father to profess her love for a man that she should never have been with. This must have been very difficult to do. I also think this scene helped plant the irony in the outcome of the play. Desdemona was murder for being unfaithful.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Blog Entry 17: "Trifles"
County Attorney: "I guess before we're through she may have something more serious than preserves to worry about."
Mrs. Hale: "Well, women are used to worrying over trifles"
County Attorney: "And yet, for all their worries what would we do without the ladies? Dirty towels! not much of a housekeeper, would you say, ladies?"
Mrs. Hale: "There's a great deal of work to be done on a farm" (Glaspell, 812)
As I was reading this poem this exchange really stood out to me. It was obvious that the writer was making a statement here about a women's position in society during this period, in this particular culture. The men in this play do not appear to hold women in high esteem. The attorney insinuates here that Mrs. Wright needs to do a better job of keeping her house clean for Mr. Wright. Mrs. Hale appears to stand up for Mrs. Wright and does not take the attorney's comments lying down (subplot, men vs. women).
At this point it was difficult to determine where the play was going and who killed the farmer, although everything appeared to point to his wife, Mrs. Wright. But as I read on it was apparent that the women were going to defend Mrs. Wright and that they felt the husband was deserving of his fate for killing the bird.
I don't feel that the play was looking at this particular incident and analyzing whether or not Mrs Wright should get away with murder. Rather, if men can mistreat their spouse and it is accepted what rights do women have to stand up for themselves (central conflict). Now Mr. Wright certainly did not deserve his fate for killing the bird. However, women do, on occasion, get away with murdering their abusive husband.
Mrs. Hale: "Well, women are used to worrying over trifles"
County Attorney: "And yet, for all their worries what would we do without the ladies? Dirty towels! not much of a housekeeper, would you say, ladies?"
Mrs. Hale: "There's a great deal of work to be done on a farm" (Glaspell, 812)
As I was reading this poem this exchange really stood out to me. It was obvious that the writer was making a statement here about a women's position in society during this period, in this particular culture. The men in this play do not appear to hold women in high esteem. The attorney insinuates here that Mrs. Wright needs to do a better job of keeping her house clean for Mr. Wright. Mrs. Hale appears to stand up for Mrs. Wright and does not take the attorney's comments lying down (subplot, men vs. women).
At this point it was difficult to determine where the play was going and who killed the farmer, although everything appeared to point to his wife, Mrs. Wright. But as I read on it was apparent that the women were going to defend Mrs. Wright and that they felt the husband was deserving of his fate for killing the bird.
I don't feel that the play was looking at this particular incident and analyzing whether or not Mrs Wright should get away with murder. Rather, if men can mistreat their spouse and it is accepted what rights do women have to stand up for themselves (central conflict). Now Mr. Wright certainly did not deserve his fate for killing the bird. However, women do, on occasion, get away with murdering their abusive husband.
Blg Entry 16: "O"
Scene 8: Weakness
I chose scene 8, "Weakness," for my review. I believe that in this scene Hugo exposes Odin's weakness, Jealousy.
Hugo, driven by envy, wants to deprive O of his ability to fly, or in a literal sense, his ability to be a great basketball player. Hugo is jealous of the attention that Odin receives from everyone in the school, including his father, the coach. Driven to destroy Odin, Hugo sets his plot in motion by deceiving Odin and convincing him that his girl friend Desi, whom Odin cares for very much, is deceiving him. In doing so Hugo sets in motion a plot that will destroy several lives.
The scene is set in the weight room, with both Odin and Hugo working-out together. Odin, a person that appears to have everything going for him and is sitting a top the world, is exposed to his weakness, jealousy. In a conversation with Hugo he is manipulated into thinking that his girlfriend, Desi, is betraying his trust with his friend Mike. As the conversation continues Odin becomes more and more interested in what Hugo is telling him. He begins to believe that Desi may be deceitful and that Mike is seeking to steel his girl away. Hugo, a master of manipulation, puts into motion the last player of his plan.
I felt this scene was a critical point in the movie. Odin showed that he did have a weakness and that he would allow himself to be manipulated by Hugo. If Odin had been to strong for Hugo he would have faded into the background and Odin would have continued to soar. Instead he proved to be weak and was easy pray for Hugo. I believe this scene was the pivotal point in the central conflict. It involved the protagonist, Odin and the antagonist, Hugo in a one on one face off.
The director used many different techniques in this movie to sell the story. I enjoy very much when a director begins with a metaphor. I felt this movie did that very well. In the beginning when they show the hawk with all of the other white doves. The hawk represents a player that soars above the rest, who is strong and stands alone at the top. The doves represent the other players, weaker, less talented, that do not soar as high. It was unfortunate that the hawk did not continue to soar, or did he? A hawk is a bird of prey, who is the hawk in this story?
I chose scene 8, "Weakness," for my review. I believe that in this scene Hugo exposes Odin's weakness, Jealousy.
Hugo, driven by envy, wants to deprive O of his ability to fly, or in a literal sense, his ability to be a great basketball player. Hugo is jealous of the attention that Odin receives from everyone in the school, including his father, the coach. Driven to destroy Odin, Hugo sets his plot in motion by deceiving Odin and convincing him that his girl friend Desi, whom Odin cares for very much, is deceiving him. In doing so Hugo sets in motion a plot that will destroy several lives.
The scene is set in the weight room, with both Odin and Hugo working-out together. Odin, a person that appears to have everything going for him and is sitting a top the world, is exposed to his weakness, jealousy. In a conversation with Hugo he is manipulated into thinking that his girlfriend, Desi, is betraying his trust with his friend Mike. As the conversation continues Odin becomes more and more interested in what Hugo is telling him. He begins to believe that Desi may be deceitful and that Mike is seeking to steel his girl away. Hugo, a master of manipulation, puts into motion the last player of his plan.
I felt this scene was a critical point in the movie. Odin showed that he did have a weakness and that he would allow himself to be manipulated by Hugo. If Odin had been to strong for Hugo he would have faded into the background and Odin would have continued to soar. Instead he proved to be weak and was easy pray for Hugo. I believe this scene was the pivotal point in the central conflict. It involved the protagonist, Odin and the antagonist, Hugo in a one on one face off.
The director used many different techniques in this movie to sell the story. I enjoy very much when a director begins with a metaphor. I felt this movie did that very well. In the beginning when they show the hawk with all of the other white doves. The hawk represents a player that soars above the rest, who is strong and stands alone at the top. The doves represent the other players, weaker, less talented, that do not soar as high. It was unfortunate that the hawk did not continue to soar, or did he? A hawk is a bird of prey, who is the hawk in this story?
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