Othello

There are times when I am glad that I am introduced to something that I wouldn’t normally do on my own. Of course this entire class’s content is included, but Othello is an exceptional example. As college students, we have all certainly been exposed to Shakespeare in our lifetime. There is something different, more realistic about this story.
I think it may be Iago’s character. Something about his personality and motives related me to many other people I have met in my lifetime. He had this almost raw need for attention or to be the favorite. I must say I have been guilty of that character attribute myself. Now the steps he took to become “the favorite” are beyond my abilities, but I have seen the actions in other people.
Many times in my life have I witnessed a friend or acquaintance mold a story or leave the ending open for the listener to complete in order to further their own agenda. The other scheming he does with Othello, Cassio, and Emilia is great entertainment but also things people do in real life. Planting evidence, lying, setting someone up, an evil genius.
Part of our college education is to learn how to survive and succeed in the real world. My advice is to always look for the Iago’s in your life. If you are not looking at your Iagos they are probably behind you stabbing you in the back. ;)

Paradise Lost

Although the story of Genesis, about how God created the earth, animals, man, etc., is one of the most dramatic and entertaining in the bible, the thing I find most interesting about it is that when you compare and contrast it to John Milton’s version, how we find what most people consider the current story of Genesis.
We discussed in class how the apple is not present in the original story of Genesis and how Eve’s role has changed through Milton’s version and become widely known as the correct story.
The reason I find this interesting is basically my whole view of…the bible, history books, biographies etc. History is slanted, and it is usually slanted in the author’s favor. How have we come to our current version of history? The bible versus John Milton’s Paradise lost is a perfect example of how through time stories can be changed to be more sexy, make a figure look better, or cover up any negative actions that may have occurred.
George Washington didn’t cut down the cherry tree, Abe Lincoln wasn’t straight…are these facts that will destroy our current society? Probably not, but were important ideas in their time.
This brings me back to my main point. Not unlike John Milton’s Paradise Lost, the bible was an important story for its time. Where Milton challenged the original story in script to create deeper thought about the bible, the bible itself was a tool to teach morality, spread the author’s agenda; like no shellfish, (I know the author just hated some fisherman or was trying to start the first McDonalds, lol) and to picture a higher version of historical events.
So, why is this a major tool that governs our society today? I am NOT the right person to ask. I believe that we have evolved enough as a society, with rules that govern our morality and keep the good people good without the need of a dusty old story book. But for those that need it to guide their hearts and souls, I am all for it, just don’t use it as a tool for hate or judgement against other people and their ideals.
My last thought and I don’t know who I am quoting but it goes, “The winners get to write history”. The winners have written a great story but facts and education have it unraveling at the seams.

Oedipus

I want to cover a few themes that I don’t think are truly covered in most classes when it comes to Oedipus.  The first thing is that you can never escape your past.  I mean this for Jocasta and for Oedipus.  What must  have  Jocasta’s life been like on a daily basis?  Start with the fear of being found out with information that she was the mother/wife of her husband/son Oedipus.  The fact that she left her baby  to die in an extreme manor and finally worrying that her kids were going to have a hand growing out of  their heads when they were born.  OK, she knew that her son was prophesized to kill her and his father.  Yet, she marries him and has his kids?  Confusing plot point and just a side note. 

Well, we eventually see the outcome of such a dark secret.  Her death is way easier than Oedipus’ punishment upon himself.  Speaking of Oedipus, he cannot out run his past either.  Without his own knowledge, he completed the prophecy that was bestowed upon him by the Oracle.  Can’t out run your past, buddy.

Oedipus’ quest seems very daunting at the outset of the story, with himself being the key way to get rid of the plague.  I like that he is open enough that he wanted everyone to hear what Creon’s thoughts were on how to solve the problem and the reality of what was really happening.  It showed me that he thought that he led a virtuous life that he didn’t have to hide.  Theme two, even though you live virtuously, there may still be skeleton’s in your closet.

Finally, protect your eyes!!!!  Oedipus blinds himself and then asks to be taken from his land and left on his own?  Think it through buddy.  Now the herdsman is thinking…jeez, I should have just left him posted to the ground. I would have saved a lot of confusion and heartbreak.