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ETD Abstract Container

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The Use of Modem Film to Examine Iago in Shakespeare's Othello

Seymour, Justin E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1352849007

Abstract Details

2007, Master of Arts (M.A.), Xavier University, English.
Using modem film to study Shakespeare's text is more effective when combined with performance theory criticism. Within the classroom, students should be allowed to compare the various actors’ performance interpretation of a character to the text. The viewing of the key scenes of modem film versions can assist the students in creating their own understanding of Shakespeare's Othello arid the character Iago. The Introduction presents a brief overview of performance theory arid the methods for performance criticism. The Introduction will also provide background from scholars who have found film in the classroom successful. Within Chapter One, I have concluded that two modem film versions are required for this theory. One version is a replication of the script in its textual setting arid poetic dialogue. The second version is an adaptation of the text into students' current language, setting, and attire. I argue that my chosen films of Oliver Parker's Othello (1995) and Tim Blake Nelson's 0 (2001) provide different interpretations of Iago arid grasp students' attention with recognizable characters. In Chapter Two, I conclude that the selection of the key scenes from films is not always the key scenes in the text. I have conducted this research through performance criticism of the soliloquies of Kenneth Branaugh's Iago as well as Josh Hartnett and his body language. The students' performance criticism of these two actors can lead to contrasting interpretations of Iago, other characters, and the text. The process of using a combination of performance theory criticism arid modern films can assist the students in determining their own understanding of Shakespeare's text. This argument is significant because it presents a new interpretation method to students examining Iago and the Othello text.
Kara Northway, PhD (Committee Chair)
51 p.
Literature
William Shakespeare; Othello; Iago; Drama

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Seymour, J. E. (2007). The Use of Modem Film to Examine Iago in Shakespeare's Othello [Master's thesis, Xavier University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1352849007

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Seymour, Justin. The Use of Modem Film to Examine Iago in Shakespeare's Othello. 2007. Xavier University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1352849007.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Seymour, Justin. "The Use of Modem Film to Examine Iago in Shakespeare's Othello." Master's thesis, Xavier University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1352849007

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

xavier1352849007
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© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Xavier University and OhioLINK.