In Shakespeare’s play Othello, race, class and gender clash with villains and victims. During this session, moderators Cathy O’Connell and Fred Venrick will examine the tragedy with an emphasis on Othello, the wronged Moorish general, and Iago, the passed-over ensign who carries out a spiteful agenda against him. Is Othello Shakespeare’s most romantic hero? Is Iago his most evil villain? And what about Othello’s wife, Desdemona? Is she the most heartbreaking of Shakespeare’s victims with her fidelity and trust aiding in her demise? In addition, we will explore other themes that permeate the play such as love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge and repentance.

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