Found this absolutely fascinating article by Isaac Butler on Slate.com, exploring a concept that, I have to admit, I’ve had a curiosity about. The question involves Shakespeare’s famous play Othello, and the question is:
I have to give considerable credit to Mr. Butler. In a relatively short essay he addresses many of the questions I’ve had regarding the character and, even more importantly, why Shakespeare presented him in this way and for what reason. There is history here and an awareness of what “black” meant to the author in the 1600’s versus what it means to us today.
The conclusions, specifically about what the play tells us about Othello the character (a noble soul driven to -and revealing- his base nature or a man ultimately betrayed by those far less noble -and beastly- than him?) as well as those around him and the questions that are never completely answered, are fascinating and had me appreciating all the more the play and its deep meanings.
A must read!