Othello Book Review by: Raheem Ahmad

Othello Book Review by: Raheem Ahmad

Shakespeare’s Othello is a tragedy that includes; marriage, downfall, etc. Othello, a Moor and general in the Venetian army, marries Desdemona, without her family’s permission. Lago, the antagonist of the play, plans with Roderigo to kill Othello. He gives his reasons to kill Othello, one was Othello sleeping with Lago’s wife, Emilia, without permission. Roderigo, falls in love with Desdemona and is in the plan because he believes if they destroy Othello, he can win her. Lago’s plan goes well and he preys upon Othello’s insecurities and convinces him that his new wife is having an affair with Cassio. Enraged, Othello kills his wife, despite her innocence in the situation. Once they realize Desdemona died, Emilia is killed by her husband when she realizes her role she played in Dedemonas death. Othello wounds Lago, who is taken in custody, before killing himself, thus bringing to an end a life marred by tragedy. 

My Rating: I would give this a 7/10 because Lago doesn’t have good reasons to kill Othello and loving someone’s wife isn’t a reason to kill them; not well written. The play Othello is based on a short story “Un Capitano Moro” by Cinthio so I wouldn’t exactly classify this as Shakespeare’s original. Another reason why I would give it a 7/10 is because Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is fake. He marries her privately and quickly changes his feelings for her and even ends up killing her. Besides that, the story has a pretty interesting plot; jealousy of two guys that end up dying and Shakespeare’s typical tragedy ending of everyone dying.