Othello
By
William
Shakespeare
Major Themes in Othello
Jealousy – envy of
what others have and
fear of losing what we
have
Race – has a great
amount of influence on
how people regard
Othello, determines
how Othello perceives
himself (as an
outsider); he is very
self-conscious and
values his reputation
Major Themes in Othello
Pride – Othello is
extremely proud of
himself and his
achievements, his
honorable appearance;
he wants to appear
powerful
Self-esteem – very
important; it is affected
by his hurt pride when
he thinks Desdemona
has betrayed him
Major Themes in Othello
Appearance vs.
reality – Iago’s
character
Misrepresentation
Brotherly Love
The Devil
Magic
Major Themes in Othello
Romantic Love
Reputation and
Honor
The Handkerchief
Magic
Proof and
Judgment
Major Themes in Othello
Self-knowledge
Honesty
Good vs. evil
Slaves
Music –
Desdemona’s
“Willow” song
Major Themes in Othello
A tale of love, jealousy
and betrayal
A study of human
nature and psychology
A prime example of
Aristotelian drama
Focuses on two people
who defied society to
follow their own hearts
Major Characters in Othello
Complete credited cast:
Laurence Fishburne.... Othello
Irène Jacob.... Desdemona
Kenneth Branagh.... Iago
Nathaniel Parker.... Cassio
Michael Maloney.... Roderigo
Anna Patrick.... Emilia
Nicholas Farrell.... Montano
Minor Characters in Othello
Indra Ové.... Bianca
Michael Sheen.... Lodovico
André Oumansky.... Gratiano
Philip Locke.... 1st Senator
John Savident.... 2nd Senator
Gabriele Ferzetti.... Duke of Venice
Pierre Vaneck.... Brabantio
The End
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