"Othello" and "Gli Hecatommithi"

Paper Summary:

This paper compares William Shakespeare's "Othello" with Cinthio's (Giovanni Battista Giraldi) story, "Gli Hecatommithi." The paper compares the themes of the two works and contrasts the way the works are focused on either the characters or the plot. The paper concludes that "Othello" was created by Shakespeare under the heavy influence of "Gli Hecatommithi."

From the Paper:

"In Gli Hecatommithi and Othello both Desdemona and Othello used poor judgment and allowed themselves to be under Iago's spell. Both failed to think for themselves or to use reason in assessing each other's actions. Both acted in extremes and failed to take a more reasonable route. Both loved with all their hearts, and it is clear that Othello sought vengeance in the end stemming from his love for Desdemona. Cintho's story ends differently than Shakespeare's, having the Ensign tortured and the Moor banished. Shakespeare's story ends with Othello's suicide and the reinforcement that he will always be an outsider with his speech about the Turks. However, both end tragically and seemingly almost abrupt, leaving curiosity about the fate of the other characters up in the air."

More papers on "Othello" and "Gli Hecatommithi":

• Analytical Essay # 71082 : "Othello and Iago"
• Analytical Essay # 16113 : "Othello and Human Nature"
• Essay # 32796 : "Tragic Figures in "Othello" and " Paradise Lost"

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