Imagination

When reading the play, there are a lot of side notes and stage directions. The author specifically writes what he wants the actors to do and what he wants the stage to look like. Being said, the stage is not exceptionally decorated. There are a few props and the writer repeatedly makes note of the fire escape and landing, but other than these things, there is not a lot of exquisiteness. I think the author did this so that the audience would focus more on the meaning of the play rather than the stage. Although in some plays a stage is essential, in this one, the author moves beyond it. In certain scenes, like in scene 2, some spotlights illuminate certain objects. In scene 2, the picture of the father is lit up to so a significant value and to make Tom's point stronger. I think that seeing this play acted out would be really enjoyable.

Realistic? yes.

As far as I have gotten in the play (Scene 5), everything about it has been realistic. From Tom having to work at a warehouse to support his family to Amanda's almost crazy actions, the play is able to be related to and therefore, in my eyes, realistic. Even the conversations between the characters seem real. Amanda has trouble with her son and in Scene 1 feels deceived that her daughter lied to her about not going to college. In real life, parents at one point have trouble with their children. Since the emotions can be related to, at times, readers can be sympathetic or angry or whatever towards the characters. I cannot wait for the gentleman caller to come to dinner because I am very anxious to see how Laura acts. I think that in the two scenes to come, the actions of the characters will continue to mirror reality.

Thoughts...

Act V was one of the most important acts, and I feel like it happened extremely fast. Cassio and Roderigo got in a fight, then the next scene is Othello standing over Desdemona getting ready to kill her V.i.80. I wish Shakespeare would have taken more time to draw up the loose ends and explain things more. It would have added more dramatic irony if Iago would have unraveled and the audience would get the other characters' reactions. I liked how Emilia was the one who figured everything out. She went from being just Iago's annoying wife to a major part of the play. Without her, Iago's plan most likely would've worked and the whole work would end differently.

No One Dead Yet

Although I have already answered this question in the blog over acts I-III, I feel like some of the questions or guesses I posed have been answered or resolved. Like previously states, this play is a tragedy. I am very surprised Shakespeare waited until Act V to have someone die. I feel like he decided to do this to add suspense to the play and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Also, feel like the suspense added to Iago's plan and how long he could keep it up without getting caught. Eventually, Iago's plan started to crumble once the first person died. With each dead person, Iago was put farther and farther in a hole until he was caught. Because the play was a tragedy, someone had to die, but I thought Iago would be dead too.

Othello- Stage

By only reading a play, readers get a sense of understanding about the plot and some aspects of the characters. Adding various physical effects definitely adds to the advancement of the play. Only reading the story seems one dimensional. For example, when we watched a scene from the movie Othello today in class, we got to see emotions and facial features. We saw Othello have his convulsions which made me realize how upset he really was about Desdemona. I think Shakespeare did a fine job with stage directions and stage actions. They are just better shown through physical actions acted out on stage. With these actions, I fell like the play is better understood and, at times, enjoyed by the audience.

Pawns

Iago's character amazes me. I cannot believe how he has his plan so precisely mapped out. Not only is he plotting against Othello and Cassio, but he is also using Roderigo as a pawn in his game. It seems like everything Iago anticipates to happen or wants to happen, happens. Everything is going according to his plan. I feel like it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong and he is found out. I predict that Desdemona will be the one to figure it out since Cassio puts too much faith in every body and Othello's mind will be clouded with either love, hatred, or something else. Its just a matter of time to find out.

A Shakespeare tragedy. What's new?

Being a Shakespeare tragedy, the audience is safe to assume that someone is going to die. Like in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Mark Antony plots to kill Caesar which eventually leads to the death of Caesar. Since Othello is the protagonist, I think Shakespeare brilliantly foreshadows his death through some of his hidden clues. Not only does the play bring on a feeling of hinted sadness, the audience gets a feeling of suspense about what Iago is going to do next to plot against Othello. At the end of each act, Iago speaks alone which alludes to the fact that those are his true feelings (I.iii.364-384, II.iii.345-351). As a reader, I have come to anticipate Iago's words to see how they will advance the plot and judge if his plan indeed will work. I believe Othello, Desdemona, or Cassio will end up dead and Iago will eventually get what he's been working towards.