Friday, October 4, 2013

For Monday: Shakespeare's Othello, Act V



Only ONE question, similar to our final question for The Iliad:

In Act Five, the tragedy unfolds, people die, and others are brought to justice.  Imagine how this must have looked the first time it was performed on-stage.  Would people have been surprised—shocked—or satisfied with the outcome?  Is there a sense of “catharsis,” emotional cleansing or balance that occurs by the end of the play?  How do the characters who live respond to these events, and are they are ‘guides’ to help us interpret whether or not justice has been done? 

Most importantly, how do you feel as you read the final lines?  Do you feel more satisfied or more upset by the ending?  Do you think Shakespeare wanted you to feel this way—and if so, how did he accomplish this?  Try to explain what you feel and how the play does this to you.  Try to focus on a specific line or passage to help support your reading—don’t just say “I’m frustrated because all the main characters die.” 


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