Shakespeare’s “Othello” and the Film “O” by Tim Blake Nelson Essay Example

2, Scene II, Line 1-7, Lago asserts that “I will pour this pestilence in his ear, that she repeals him from her body lust……, that shall enmesh them all.” In the soliloquy, Lago offers an explanation in the manner he will turn the existing trusting nature between Desdemona and Casio by poisoning the mind of Othello with his deception.
The play ‘Othello’ by Shakespeare and the film ‘O’ by Nelson has very much in common in portraying the theme of deception. Shakespeare succeeds in portraying deception by making use of characterization together with dramatic irony where Othello on constant occasions refers to Lago as ‘honest Lago.’ It is, however, evident on the part of the audience is aware that Lago is not honest based on various incidents that take place in the play. Shakespeare, however, uses soliloquy in juxtaposing the scenes where the audience understands the plans of Lago. Similarly, in the film ‘O’ Nelson makes use of characterization and dramatic irony in conveying the theme of deception. Irrespective of the change of characters in the film while compared to the play, deception is evident.

Odin possesses complete trust in Hugo that prompts him into believing everything he says as true. The use of dramatic irony is depicted in the quite by Odin when he asserts that, “Say what you gotta say player.” The quote serves in demonstrating Hugo’s ‘two-faced’ personality based on the significance of the term ‘player’ in the film where it signifies trust and respect. Hugo’s crave for attention of others is evidenced by the deceptive nature of his life. The importance of the theme of deception increases in that Nelson succeeds in using

a whole different concept, yet the theme is captured all through the film.

Works Cited

1. O. Directed by Tim B. Nelson, 2001. 2001.
2. Shakespeare, William, et al. Othello. Yale UP, 2005.