Related Literary Works to Shakespeare's Othello
Let's explore some of the key literary works that either influenced Shakespeare's "Othello" or share significant thematic connections with it.
Un-Capitano Moro (The Moorish Captain)
One of the most direct influences on "Othello" comes from Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinthio's "Un-Capitano Moro," published in 1565 as part of his collection "Gli Hecatommithi."
NoteWhile Shakespeare borrowed the basic plot from Cinthio's work, he significantly developed the characters and added complex psychological dimensions that weren't present in the original.
Key differences from Othello:
- Characters have no names except Desdemona
- The Iago equivalent is much less developed
- The motivation for the villain's actions is simple lust for Desdemona
- The murder is more brutal, involving a beating with a sand-filled stocking
Titus Andronicus
Shakespeare's own earlier tragedy shares several thematic elements with Othello:
- The exploration of racial prejudice
- A prominent military figure as the protagonist
- The destruction of a noble character through manipulation
Understanding these connections can help you draw meaningful comparisons in your Paper 2 responses, especially when discussing Shakespeare's development as a writer.
The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd
This revenge tragedy, which predates Othello, established several conventions that Shakespeare would later employ:
- The theme of jealousy leading to catastrophe
- The manipulation of evidence to create false proof
