Shakespeare...well, he’s overrated. Yeah, I said it. He is HIGHLY overrated. Some recognize him as the “greatest writer in the English language.”If you love Shakespeare, I am deeply sorry that I'm offending you (not really). Apparently talking unorthodox and making really corny jokes will make you the greatest writer ever! However, that doesn’t make any sense because I’m hilarious--why am I not famous?
It’s early on in Othello when Iago tells Brabantio “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise!” (I,I 97-98). This isn’t even THAT funny. I could have written something much more clever and had EVERYONE in the audience dying laughing--not just the old people. It is in Hamlet where Shakespeare writes "To be, or not to be: that is the question" (III,I). Every Shakespeare fanatic absolutely loses it when they hear Hamlet say this. But, WHY? It’s so simple, everyone could come up with something that “intelligent.” If you live by these words, I promise you, you will be successful: If Shakespeare can do it, so can you. Shakespeare should be replaced by other literature--different authors from different times and backgrounds. Shakespeare is often “shoved down our throats” making our learning experience sometimes too one-dimensional. The biggest reason a lot of students don’t like him is the same reason our learning is too one-dimensional. We are forced to read a ton of Shakespeare in our curriculum; It’s very repetitive and it offers ZERO variety to our literature experience. With added variety into our curriculum it opens countless doors for countless opportunities. Our learning of different backgrounds and authors would be broadened at the same time we are experiencing something that is different. It’s time for a change, somebody needs to step up and make one.
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I remember when Shakespeare first came into my life--I was in 8th grade-- and I was super EXCITED that I had the opportunity to read Romeo and Juliet. I remember after the first act I asked myself “What drugs was this man on? Whatever they were, I want them too.” I had never seen such odd diction with an even more complex syntax in my entire life. I had a better chance of understanding Swahili than anything Shakespeare said. BUT...fast forward to my Junior year to when I love Shakespeare and I can finally understand him. Just kidding, I don’t love him, but his diction and connotation have become much easier to grasp. I think it would make me a good person if I shared my tips with you on how to understand Shakespeare. So pay attention, and listen closely:
We’ve all played the blame game before-- it’s his fault, it’s her fault, blah, blah, blah. It’s sad most of us are never too quick to put the blame on ourselves; even when it’s obvious. Sometimes more than one person is at fault. For example, in Shakespeare’s Othello, the question of who is to blame for the tragic deaths of Desdemona, Othello, Emilia, and Roderigo, is always one that is asked the most. To answer that question, the answer is everyone. But, if someone said, “Alex, be specific,” I would most likely respond with either Othello or Iago. Both characters deserve to have “Sorry, it’s all my fault” branded on their foreheads. Whether you agree with me or not, let me tell you why it’s their fault and how they were the main cause for the deaths in this play.
Othello- Othello begins the play as a prominent--well respected--military man. However, like many other Shakespeare characters, his tragic flaw would eventually cause his tragic death. Othello’s hamartia, or fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero, is his jealousy and insecurity. For a man of his strength and power, it seems very odd to have such low self-esteem, but I guess that’s how literature works: even the real world too. Thanks Shakespeare. Othello’s jealousy begins when Iago says “Ha, I like not that” (III,III 37) in reference to Desdemona chatting with Cassio. Iago had sparked Othello’s fire of jealous with just one line. Othello followed by asking Iago questions like “Was that not Cassio parted from my wife” (III,III 40) in hopes for an answer regarding to the relationship between Desdemona and Cassio. Othello’s narrow mindedness and uncontrollable jealousy are two of the main causes for everyone’s death. Othello felt he needed to kill Desdemona because of her actions that didn’t even happen. This is a common theme for relationships in today’s society as well. Too many jealous boyfriends or girlfriends lead to the ruin of relationships. The solution hundreds of years ago is the same solution now; no relationship can work without communication. Better communication between Othello and Desdemona would’ve solved this issue quicker than it started. Cmon Othello, you’re better than that. Iago- Well, this doesn’t need much introduction but I’ll give you some anyways. Iago is upset with Othello because Cassio was awarded the lieutenancy over him, even though Iago was more qualified for the position. When Iago is “speaking to himself” he says: “But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets He has done my office. I know not if 't be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety” (I,III 429-433). In response to Othello’s decision, Iago plots his revenge on Othello by making it look like Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio. He is aware of Othello’s insecurities and he hopes to bring out the worst in him so Othello will feel his pain. It is often argued that Iago doesn’t really have a motive, which makes him even more psychotic. However, it’s evident that his jealousy of Cassio and Othello is the main trigger for his indignation. Iago discovers Desdemona’s handkerchief which was given to her from Othello. He then finds a way to plant it on Cassio. I think you see where this is going. Eventually Othello becomes aware of the handkerchief that Cassio “stole’ and becomes enraged. If you’ve read Shakespeare I bet you know what is coming next. If you guessed Othello kills himself, you are right. Well, kind of. Before Othello kills himself, he makes sure to suffocate Desdemona until she passes away. Othello becomes aware that his jealousy has caused him to commit a horrible act of violence. Othello’s regretfulness becomes apparent when his delivers his final speech where he takes responsibility for his actions. Iago’s master manipulative plan worked nearly to perfection--he got what he wanted--Othello is out of the picture and so are the other characters standing in his way. |
AuthorMy name is Alex Newman and I dislike Shakespeare. ArchivesCategories |