March 8th, 2010
Open Question: Do you think this intro to my Othello essay is good?
Othello, a Shakespearian tragedy written in the early 17th century, is one of Shakespeare’s more iconic plays. Shakespeare, an established play-writer, was claimed to be inspired to write the play “Othello”, after a Moorish ambassadorial visit to the court of Queen Elizabeth, in the year 1600. Drawn by curiosity, Othello observed the exotic nature of the Moor, who remained as a diplomatic resident for 6 months. Due to the Moors religious beliefs, being a descendant of North Africa who was Islamic (a religion yet to ascend in popularity in those times), his presence in London disturbed the Christian society around him. He was referred to being “Barbaric” and critics often debate that due to this common belief, Shakespeare found it to be an important essence in his Play, and even today it is often believed Othello can be associated to being “Barbaric”. The Play Othello, along with such other signature titles such as “Macbeth” and “Romeo and Juliet”, were composed during “Shakespeare’s tragic period”, where Shakespeare composed arguably his greatest works. The play follows the General of the Venetian Army, in the year 1570. It is noticeable that Othello was a black man. For quite a few centuries, it was unusual for a black man to have such a reputable job, in the case of Othello, the general of the Venetian army. The play is split between Venice and Cyprus; however the major plot develops in Cyprus. Othello, the protagonist, becomes the victim of his ensign’s scheme in the play. It follows Othello’s mental decline, from once a great and noble warrior, to a pitiful and confused man, due to his ensign’s deceit and devious nature.
What do you think?
