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.