Othello: Study Guides

"Although there are many possible approaches to writing on Othello, one of the most interesting is to examine the role of race. As you read this play, then, be sure to follow carefully the complex meanings and function of race. Do not fall into the trap of seeing this play as simply a black man victimized by the racism of a white society. While it is this to an extent, what the play has to say about Othello's relationship with the white Venetian community, as well as his own sense of racial identity, is far more intricate ... "

"For many students, the greatest obstacle to writing about Shakespeare is the process of reading Shakespeare. The root of the problem for many, not surprisingly, is Shakespeare's language, which is unfamiliar at times and can seem difficult to read. Like everything else, practice, patience, and a little effort will help. In the meantime, there are some things you can do that will make Shakespeare much more accessible to you. First ... "

"When writing about Shakespeare's tragedies, ... , one way of approaching the task is to start by understanding the precise nature of ... gap, in the play or plays you are treating, between what could have been and what is. Then identify, in as much detail as you can, the reasons why the darker outcomes emerged, why the brighter possibilities were eclipsed ... "

Click through the various types of essays and parts of essays to access advice and guidance from Bloom's Literature Database. You may need the password to access this article. Click on the link below.

"The Timeless Shakespeare Study Guides provide a wealth of reproducible support materials to help students extend the learning experience Features
include critical background notes on both the author and the times, character descriptions, chapter summaries, and seven “universal” exercises which may be used to follow up the reading of any Timeless Shakespeare novel or play ..."

"Believed to have been written in 1603, Shakespeare's Othello is a tragedy that puts the playwright's prodigious creative gifts on full display. Based loosely on a Renaissance-era Italian tale, Othello follows the stormy relationship of the Moorish general Othello and his lovely wife Desdemona. Addressing timeless themes of love and betrayal, as well as surprisingly contemporary concepts such as race-based stereotypes, Othello is a satisfying read for modern-day fans of the Bard ... "

" This guide offers students and scholars an introduction to the play's critical and performance history, including notable stage productions and film versions. It includes a keynote chapter outlining major areas of current research on the play and four new critical essays. Finally, a guide to critical, web-based and production-related resources and an annotated bibliography provide a basis for further research."

"Othello has a long history of provoking profound emotion in its audiences and readers. This'freeze frame'volume showcases current debates and ideas about the play's provocative effects. Each chapter has been carefully selected for its originality and relevance to the needs of students, teachers, and researchers. Key issues and themes include: - Gender, Love, and Desire - Race, Ethnicity, and Difference - Social Relations, Status, and Ambition - Tragedy, Comedy, and Parody - Language, Expression, and Characterization All the essays offer new perspectives and combine to give readers an up-to-date understanding of what's exciting and challenging about Othello. The approach based on an individual play, unlike that of topic-based series, reflects how Shakespeare is most commonly studied and taught."

"The story of an African general in the Venetian army who is tricked into suspecting his wife of adultery, Othello is a tragedy of sexual jealousy. First performed around 1604, the play is also a pioneering exploration of racial prejudice. Explore the plot summary, list of characters, and important quotes ... "

"All of the information you need about the play is divided into four sections: Story, Characters, Language and Staging. Each section has three different levels of information. Choose which level is right for you or simply move between them to find what you need ... "

"Synopsis and plot overview of Shakespeare's Othello: The Moor of Venice ... "

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"Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on William Shakespeare's Othello. Created by the original team behind SparkNotes ... "

"Here is a more detailed look at what happens in each scene of Othello, to help you look at the structure of the play and interrogate it. As you look at each act we’ve included some things to notice. These are important character developments, or key questions that an acting company might ask when they first go through the play together at the start of rehearsal. If you work through these as you go, they will help you to make sense of the play as well as starting to look at the text itself. It’s a good idea to have a copy of the play nearby! ... "