Background++Resources

=Background Resources = ** The KriZo original presentation: Modern Students and Shakespeare: ** Feel free to sign the petition at the end of the powerpoint. ** Full, free online text - Othello ** ** @http://www.william-shakespeare.info/script-text-othello.htm **

@http://shakespeare-navigators.com/othello/

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Loads of pre-reading information and links to other useful sites: []

“William Shakespeare Facts” [] There are some interesting facts about Shakespeare; they could be used individually (write a new one up on the board each day?) or put them on a hand out at the beginning of the unit.

“Introduction to Shakespeare's Tragedies” [] While this clip is quite long, it is quite informative. In this mini-bio, Shakespeare’s life story is covered, as well as some interesting notions about Shakespearean tragedy. There is also a “review” section at the end of the movie, which could be used on its own as a quick starter to review at the beginning of a class.

Some critical views on "Othello:"

“Shakespeare On Screen: Threshold Aesthetics in Oliver Parker’s ‘Othello’” [] While this is a challenging article, some of the points raised would be worth discussion in an advanced year 13 class. This link would be most useful if paired with the appropriate film version, as it discusses the use of doorways to create a “film noir” version of “Othello” in detail.

“That Which Heaven Hath Forbid the Ottomites” [] An interesting examination of ethnocentric views as expressed within “Othello.” In particular, I think that this article might be used as a discussion starter in relation to the character of Iago.

“Perceptions of Race in ‘Othello’” [] This article evaluates the idea of race and racism within “Othello” and would be helpful as a reading to be paired up with one of the early acts when Othello’s character is still being established. I would most likely use this as a starting point to help students form their own opinions about racism within the text.

Shakespeare life and times - [] · Fantastic web site providing thorough examination of the life and times of Shakespeare · Includes; o Detailed biography of Shakespeare’s life o A variety of stages listed that Shakespeare wrote for with a brief examination of each period o The site shows a difference between present day society and the Elizabethan era through means of comparison. o Discuss the history and politics of Elizabethan England o Ideologies about religion and the Universal make-up o A list of the type of plays and literature Shakespeare read o View paintings of the time and listen to Renaissance music o Resources to show you how to understand the plays. o Extensive reference volumes that gives chronologies, maps, and bibliographies for further reading

Life and Times - [] · This site is a collage of primarily and tangentially related information from a wide variety of different sites focusing on Shakespeare’s biographical and historical material, and material related to Elizabethan era.

[] The Shakespeare Birthplace trust’s website is rich with information about the life and times of Shakespeare. Has heaps of great pictures and links to other great sites.