Comparision between old and new “Othello” stories Essay Sample

such as "the standard-bearer" for significance Iago, "the captain" for Cassio, and "the Moor" for Othello. This is how they are presented in the original text.

In Hecatommithi, the protagonist's lust for Desdemona leads him to seek revenge when she rejects him. Although there are minor differences, such as the way Desdemona dies, these deviations from the standard narrative are noticeable.

In comparing Hecatommithi and Othello, one difference is the format - Hecatommithi is written in narrative form while Othello is a play. Additionally, Shakespeare created the character of Roderigo, who chases after Othello's wife and dies in an attempt to kill the captain. This is unlike the Hecatommithi narrative, which features Cassio (not Iago) supposedly loving Desdemona and the unfolding of the handkerchief scene.

In Cinthio's narration, the Moor never regrets killing his wife and, together with the standard-bearer, they flee from Venice and are eventually killed. Cinthio also has a moral lesson that European women should not marry men from other countries who are known to be hot-tempered and difficult to manage. However, Shakespeare decides not to incorporate this idea into his adaptation.

(Hecatommithi) In Shakespeare's interpretation, Iago has a strong sexual fixation, while Othello exhibits sexual restraint. Meanwhile, Cassio is portrayed as a womanizer. Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of Othello's race more than Cinthio. Additionally, Shakespeare's version is more creative in exploring Othello's foreign background and complex human emotions that are exposed throughout the play.

Cinthio's rendition can be described as "shallow", in comparison to Shakespeare's work which engages the reader with each character on a deeper level. Othello, unlike Cinthio's version, delves into the theme of jealousy.

The gradual destruction of a human mind due to

treachery, unsighted fury, and bitterness is explored in Shakespeare's Othello. The play reveals an alien past for the protagonist and the significance of the hankie. Othello is portrayed as both a romantic and a faithful military man. Shakespeare's work demonstrates his faithfulness and superiority as a writer.

Shakespeare added a personal and profound touch to the original narrative of Hecatommithi while preserving its main message. Unlike the original version, where the protagonist remains anonymous, he gave each character a unique physical and psychological identity.