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  • Essay / An Analysis of Othello by William Shakespeare

    There are many powerful stories in the world. Tales of intrigue, revenge and redemption. But it is the skill of storytelling that makes these stories memorable. Well-told narratives that involve the compelling characterization of complex individuals, an engaging and suspenseful plot that reflects the values ​​of the narrative context, and a masterful use of language to create a story that has stood the test of time. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Great storytelling captivates the audience with its captivating plot through the universal themes that were demonstrated in the tragedy of Othello and New Boy through their individual context, using the Aristotelian elements. Othello by William Shakespeare has been reimagined by Tracy Chevalier, where she encapsulates the strong and timeless themes of jealousy, duplicity and the use of the tragic hero and transports them to a schoolyard. With the change in time, from 17th century Venice in Othello to the much more contemporary era of New Boy, 1970s Washington DC, the same themes are explored in both texts and are used to their full potential. So what makes Othello so powerful and memorable that his story can be reimagined in the present day? How skillfully must the story be shaped so that the intact themes can accommodate the radical change in context? “A tragedy is the imitation of an action which is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasant language;… in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, with which to achieve a catharsis of these emotions. » “A cartharsis of pity and fear” is what made Othello so memorable. The words spoken by the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle recognized the basis of what constitutes powerful storytelling, plot, character, melody, and aided some of the most classic and timeless stories, including Othello. chose to mirror Othello in New Boy, she felt that "an American playground" would be most appropriate, where there is active evidence of dramatic affairs in progress, a clear pecking order and plenty of room for the drama. All these factors linked to the context of the playing field allow Chevalier to write a more contemporary version of Othello, where times and values ​​have changed. One thing Chevalier noticed in Othello was the lack of involvement of the ladies in the play, as the values ​​of the people of the time viewed women as weak and submissive. So she chose to give New Boy's daughters, Dee, Mimi and Blanca. no longer a voice, fit for today's contemporary era as the feminist movement grows stronger. This would appeal to a wider audience given that "girl power" is much more prominent today than in the 16th century when Othello was written, thus making New Boy a powerful tale across time whilst summarizing the same timeless themes of jealousy and duplicity. which brings the story to life. They are captivating characters who keep the story alive. Othello is a stranger, a moor in Venice and has run away with the most wanted girl in the city. Osei is a new boy, the Ghanaian son of a diplomat and has earned the title "Dee's Boyfriend". Does this sound similar to you? This is what makes these characters complex. They are not one-dimensional and have facets that are revealed throughout the play and novel. The tragic heroes of Othello and New Boy were developed and distorted by the antagonists, Iago respectively.