Values change with time. Ideas and morals which were once standard can be changed to suit the present time. Othello’s and O’s time periods are very different. Othello is set in Elizabethan times, while O takes place at a modern high school. Shakespeare’s Othello and Nelsons movie ‘O’ explore changes in values over time. Both films and plays explore similar themes. They are however presented in different circumstances and settings. Shakespeare uses poetic techniques, while Nelson uses the techniques of film to illustrate themes. Both portray jealousy as a major theme. Iago’s jealousy and desire to avenge Othello because of his rank, despite Othello being black, is the first thing that comes across in Othello. Hugo (played by Iago) is jealous of Odin’s basketball skills and attention in O. Racism is another major issue in modern society and Elizabethan culture. Othello, the main character in the play is verbally abused and called many names based on Othello’s skin color. Racism is represented in O by stereotypical expressions. Othello was set in different times, but Shakespeare’s themes of racism and envy have not changed.
Both the play and movie are dominated by the theme of jealousy. Iago plots against Othello because he is jealous. He is jealous because Othello, who is a black person, was seen as a highly regarded person by society. Also, when Othello made Cassio lieutenant instead of Iago. Iago claims that Othello has made him hateful for giving the promotion to Cassio who was less experienced on the battlefield. Iago’s hatred of Othello grows as the story progresses. ” I hate moor. It is said abroad that between my linens, my office has been done. I know it not if be true. (Act1 scene3 lines 329-333). Here Iago is stating that he dislikes Othello as there was rumours of Othello sleeping with Emilia. Iago isn’t sure if it’s true but adds this rumour to the growing list of reasons for his hatred and jealousy. Iago uses different characters in the play to get revenge on Othello, pretending to be loyal.
Hugo portrays jealousy in O by Nelson based upon Othello by Shakespeare. Hugo plays Iago. Hugo plays basketball with Odin. The scene begins with Hugo’s dad, Hugo’s coach, awarding Odin’s MVP award. Odin’s speech by the coach states that “he loves him like his own child.” Hugo then claps with a stoic face. The next scene is everyone having fun at a birthday party. In the next scene, everyone is enjoying themselves at a party. However, then Roger and Hugo start talking in a dark corner. They both want to separate Odin from Dessie. Hugo convinces Roger ring Dessie’s father Dean, and spread a false rumour that Odin is forcing himself onto Dessie.
Both Othello and O portray racism. Iago’s impression of black men is that they have animalistic behavior. Iago informs Brabantio, in this scene, that Othello has eloped his daughter Desdemona. Iago contrasts words, using black to describe Othello and imply dark, gloomy feelings, while Desdemona is described in white. Othello is also referred to as the devil by Iago. Blackness seems to be associated with negative connotations and wrongdoings.
Odin, the protagonist of O by Nelson is often associated with negative symbols such as when Odin was accused of taking drugs by the duke. There is a black heroin dealer in a later movie. This could be a hint that most of the drug dealers would be black. The colour gives off the impression of filth and contamination, just like drugs. Rap songs are also used in certain scenes that use offensive words referring to black.
In spite of the fact that it was many years ago, when comparing themes as diverse as racism and envy in Elizabethan times we can see how little has changed. These issues are still very much present today. In the two movies and plays, jealousy is what causes people to be reckless and their attempts at revenge do not go well.
