Othello 4.1, key passage

I think one key passage of Othello, Act 4, scene 1, appears on page 173 where Cassio first laughs at Iago's questioning him if he is planning on marrying Bianca. At this point of the story, Iago is attempting to convince Othello that Desdemona is entirely untrustable and doesn't deserve to live. When Cassio begins to talk down about Bianca, Othello's rage becomes uncontrollable and finally convinces him that Desdemona should be poisoned, and Cassio murdered. I think this sets up the ending of the book well and is arguably, a climax of the story.





On Olivia Cordell's blog:
"I really like how well you quickly analyzed, almsot debriefed your passage. Plus, I agree that the one you chose is very key to this section. (:"

Othello casting

For Othello I would cast Corbin Bleu (with a decent haircut) because he’s a young actor that has a face with soft features, making him seem easy to talk to and knowledgeable, but still young and sometimes naïve.

“Worthy Montano, you were won’t be civil; the gravity and stillness of your youth the world hath noted, and your name is great in mouths of wisest censure. What’s the matter that you unlace your reputation thus and spend your rich opinion for the name of a night-brawler? Give me an answer to it.” (93)

“Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore! Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof, or, by the worth of mine eternal soul, thou hadst been better have been born a dog than answer my waked wrath!” (137)

For Desdemona, I would choose Liv Tyler because she has a natural beauty that also makes her appear very innocent and considerate.

“Why do you speak so faintly? Are you not well?” (131)

“Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, if I have any grace or power to move you, his present reconciliation take; for if he be not one that truly loves you, that errs in ignorance and not in cunning, I have no judgment in an honest face. I prithee, call him back.” (113)

For Iago, I would cast James Franco for his dark appearance, making the ambiance of a dark character entirely possible.

“Though I perchance am vicious in my guess-as I confess it is in my nature’s plague to spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy…” (121)

“Oh, beware, my lord of jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds on. The cuckhold lives in bliss who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;  but oh, what damned minutes tells he o’er who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet fondly loves!” (123)

For Emilia, I would select Michelle Rodriguez because of her defined face with extreme features, she could easily pull off a tough, self-dependent woman.

“Do not you chide. I have a thing for you.” (133)

“No, faith. She let it drop by negligence.” (133)

Piano Lesson, analytical paragraph

n The Piano Lesson, August Wilson uses a variety of aggressive and neutral characters to create a contrast in personalities to further deepen the character and plot understanding for the reader. The most prominent, neutral character is Doaker. Throughout the story he can be found attempting to keep peace between his niece and nephew, Boy Willie and Berniece. The majority of their bickering is surrounding the piano that holds much sentimental value to Berniece (who wishes to keep the piano) and cash value to Boy Willie (who wishes to sell it). At one point in the story, as Boy Willie attempts to remove the piano from Bernieces’ and Doaker’s living room, Doaker says, “Boy Willie ain’t done nothing for me to put him out of the house. I told you if you can’t get along just go on and don’t have nothing to do with each other.” (87) In this situation, Doaker is trying to maintain a neutral and powerful position within the home that could turn chaotic without his authority.

Piano Lesson, blog #4

From our reading last class, I tabbed several things including maybe a reason for Boy Willie seeking to sell the piano so aggressively. On my tab, I noted that it really seems like Boy Willie is less concerned about the history on the piano, and more concerned about the fact that it was partially his father's. I believe he is searching for some gratification for his father's death; some justification. He needs to feel like his dad died for a reason, and that his life will be honored after death. Boy Willie believes he can achieve this feeling by selling the piano to make success of it.

I also commented: "Austin, I was also thinking about the fact that were half way through the book and I have no idea what the conflict/resolution could be. Hopefully it will be exciting. I'm also wondering what the author was thinking when he decided to have Berniece and Boy Willie argue so much." on Austin's blog.

Piano Lesson, blog #2

After our reading in class today, I went back and looked at some of the tabs I made. One of them that I was really wondering about is why Doaker insists on talking about the railroad lines and the building of them. He almost uses them as a parallel for his life I think. I think the author might be trying to give us an idea of his wisdom and age. He, so far, seems like the reasonable, thoughtful man of the group.

I also commented: "I was also wondering that. Berniece seems to be verryy attached to the piano and I would maybe like to know why. I would also like to know why Boy Willie wants to sell it so bad." on Rachel Cooper's blog.

Piano Lesson, blog #1

From our in-class reading today of The Piano Lesson, I noticed the authors use of dialect. I think this is very powerful in giving us a setting and portraying the characters personalities. To begin the novel with so much dialogue I think as helpful because we as readers already have a good idea about how the characters act and think.

I also commented:
Soooo Trevor (: I thought the same thing when I first heard the title, I thought it would be completely centered around a piano of some sort. I wonder how the title will tie in.

Cry, chapter 32 tabbing

"He opened Msimangu's letter and read about all the happenings of Johannesburg and was astonished to find within himself a faint nostalgia for the great bewildering city." (275) I tabbed this sentence because I thought it kind of contrasted his first thoughts of Johannesburg. I thought it showed character transmutation.

"So an hour passed, while there was quite an array of sticks and flags, and Kumalo looked on as mystified as ever." (277) This quote appears when Jarvis and the magistrate are planting the sticks and flags. I tabbed this sentence because I thought it did a good job at expressing the seperation that is felt between the ability of the white and black man in South Africa at this time.