English Language Theater (Bachelor Year 1 / Fall)

Othello by William Shakespeare
The Elizabethan and Jacobean periods are often hailed as the Golden Age of English literature, and students will be offered an opportunity to focus on a particular challenging play of that time. We will study the historical context and the philosophy of Shakespearean times in order to reach a better understanding of Othello, although its modernity challenges most of our preconceived ideas about the period. This is a violent and sensational play about manipulation, the ruthless annihilation of an unsuspecting victim and the domination of men over women. Racial issues, in particular fear of miscegenation, are also alluded to in the play, even though they may not be essential to understand the characters’ motivations. Iago as the archetypal villain remains opaque and ambiguous, representing lust for sheer evil with not much to gain in return. The play alternates violent and poetic moments, as love is destroyed and the downfall of a great man, Othello, reaches its climax.