Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Othello as Shakespeare's "most domestic tragedy"

In lecture, Professor Little spoke of the interesting dichotomy between public and private in Othello. Othello was in a position of power and public visibility as a key mercenary in the fight against the Turks until he changes the terrain by marrying Desdemona. He brings his private life into his public, governmental sphere; he is now in the position to become the new head of Venice and replace Desdemona's father.

When the play's setting physically moves to Cypress, the play is taken to a more private place and deeper into the personal, private drama of individuals. We are taken into the bedroom spaces and intimate dialogue between two individuals. This brings an element of voyeurism into the play that sets the audience ill at ease.

This move in Othello to the more personal and internal drama reflects meta-theatrically the move of the physical theatre indoors from the outdoor venues.


Kimberlee Vander Most
Waldo - Section1D

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