Rating Othello - 1404 Words

Rating Othello Is this Shakespearean tragedy Othello at the top of the rating chart, or is it just near the top? And why? This essay intends to examine various aspects of this subject, along with critical opinion. This play ranks near the top. The Bard’s presentation of emotions, character, of good and evil actions that are down-to-earth – these are sometimes seen as the main reasons for the high ranking of Othello. Louis B. Wright and Virginia A. LaMar in â€Å"The Engaging Qualities of Othello† maintain that the popularity of this play has been consistent for about 400 years because it treats emotions that are universal and persistent in human nature. Its characters do not exist on a plane far removed from†¦show more content†¦(37) Such human wisdom can be found in Iago’s initial words to sleepy Brabantio: â€Å"Zounds, sir, y’are robbed! For shame, put on your gown! / Your heart is burst; you have lost half your soul.† Indeed, the disappearance of Desdemona from home would seem as such to an elderly father. Human wisdom is obvious again and again; for example, when the senator escorts the general to the council, the duke addresses the â€Å"valiant Othello† without even noticing the senator at first: â€Å"I did not see you. Welcome, gentle signior.† As Othello begins his address before council, he employs much wisdom in the first two verses: â€Å"Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, / My very noble, and approved good masters,† by being as complimentary as possible, it would seem. Shakespeare’s human wisdom no doubt comes partially from his understanding of the workings of man’s mind. He possesses the ability to analyze in a psychological manner. Harry Levin’s General Introduction to The Riverside Shakespeare includes these comments regarding the psychological aspect of Shakespeare’s characters: During the later eighteenth and most of the nineteenth century, Shakespeare’s interpreters practiced what Bernard Shaw liked to call â€Å"Bardolatry.† They all but deified the Bard of Avon because he was the creator of so many characters who could be treated as if they were human beings – could be identified with, psychologized over [myShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes A Good First Impression?1508 Words   |  7 Pagesclear their good names. Identity theft is a serious problem that claims millions of innocent victims, and the government must implement better regulations to help put an end to this crime. 2. Begin with a Quotation Example In Shakespeare s Othello, Iago claims that he who steals my purse steals trash / . . . But he that filches from me my good name / Robs me of that which not enriches him, / And makes me poor indeed (3.3.157-161). Today, identity theft is a new way that thieves steal bothRead MoreDevry Eng 135 Week 14163 Words   |  17 Pagescredit cards. In many such cases, victims incur minimal, if any, out-of-pocket expenses to resolve the matter. More serious levels of identity theft have much more damaging effects. Victims sometimes spend thousands of dollars to clear their  credit ratings  or to cover fraudulent activity. In extreme cases they may be threatened by collection agencies, be denied new credit or use of existing credit cards, have utilities cut off, have a job application rejected, or be subjected to criminal investigationsRead MoreLion King vs. Hamlet2415 Words   |  10 Pagesyoung child, â€Å"Honey, come downstairs and watch Hamlet!† A statement which might sound ludicrous at first, is in reality, more sensible than one might think. Since 1994, The Lion King has been a must-see film for children all around the world. Its 8.5 rating on IMDB lists it alongside of some of the greatest movies ever made. Children’s movies that were released around this time were all shallow and simplistic. The reason why The Lion King was so successful is because it was an unexpected and pleasantRead MoreGp Essay Mainpoints24643 Words   |  99 Pagesthe way of a good story† is an instruction often heard in the newsroom †¢ Concept of media ethics is conceived to be an oxymoron. Sadly, many aspects of the modern media are stripped of almost all ethical concerns. In a reality of competition, ratings and economic considerations, ethics becomes a secondary, sometimes irritating, issue †¢ E.g. But consider 2003, New York Times writer Jayson Blair caught for plagiarising and falsifying elements of his stories †¦ clear to public that newspapers