Isn't it ironic?

Dramatic irony can be defined as irony occurring when the implications of a situation are understood by the audience but not the characters of the play itself. Shakespeare used dramatic irony in Othello by allowing the audience to see the innocence of Desdemona and the deceitfulness of Iago. Why did Shakespeare use this approach to write Othello? Shakespeare wanted the audience to see Iago damage the marriage of Desdemona and Othello, but if the other characters knew of Iago's plan to sabotage the newlyweds, Iago's plans would be ruined. Shakespeare also used dramatic irony to allow the audience to feel sympathy for Desdemona when they see Iago “poison” Othello's mind with thoughts of Desdemona's unfaithfulness. Shakespeare did not want to portray Desdemona as a “whore” to which she is referred to many times by Iago and Othello towards the ending of the play. Shakespeare wanted the audience to see Desdemona as her true self, which was pure and innocent. Shakespeare needed to show the audience the deceitfulness of Iago in order to build his suspense throughout the play. Othello would not be the same if the audience did not know the true sides of Desdemona and Iago.
http://hudsonshakespeare.org

Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales

Biography of Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer's birthday is unknown, but it is believed to be around 1345. He was born in London, England. Chaucer is often referred to as “the father of English poetry” and is marked “as one of the greatest poets of the late Middle Ages”. Chaucer was a page for the Countess of Ulster. Chaucer married Philippa, the daughter of Sir Payne Roet. In 1368, Chaucer was promoted from page to squire. He wrote a poem for the Duke of Lancaster titled The Book of the Duchess. Chaucer's most famous works include Troilus and Criseyde and The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer retired in 1399 and passed away in October of 1400.

http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ch-Co/Chaucer-Geoffrey.html

"The Canterbury Tales"

The Canterbury Tales is about a group of people going on a pilgrimage to see the remains of Thomas Becket. Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales as a frame narrative. A frame narrative means a story lies within another story. He used this approach so the work could tell each tale separately from the next. The Pardoner's Tale is a “frame” of The Canterbury Tales. The Pardoner sold pardons to the public people to “free them of their sins”. The Pardoner's character is quite ironic. He preaches to people all day about how “money is the root of all evil”, but he is selling these illegitimate merchandise to make a living. He would not care if he took the last cent from a woman who had starving children waiting at home. The Pardoner was corrupted. Chaucer used The Pardoner's Tale to visualize the theme of The Canterbury Tales which is corruption.

Sophocles and Oedipus the King

Biography of Sophocles

Sophocles, 496 B.C.E. - 406 B.C.E., is considered to be one of the most successful Greek playwrights in history. Sophocles, son of Sophilius, was born into a wealthy and prominent family. Sophocles won many awards in school which continued through his adulthood where he received first place many times for his dramatic performances. Sophocles wrote an estimated one hundred twenty five tragedies, but there are only seven that survived. The seven tragedies that remain were placed in a book with the plays of other great Greek playwrights and taught in roman schools. Sophocles also served as the Athenian empire imperial treasurer. He was honored after his death in 406 B.C.E., as Dexion, because he turned over his house for a place of worship until a proper temple could be built for Ascelpius (Greek god of medicine). Sophocles had strong religious beliefs, and he also served as a priest.

http://www.notablebiographies.com/Sc-St/Sophocles.html
http://www.freeclipartnow.com/people/famous-people/writers/greek/Sophocles.jpg.html

"Pro-Fate"


Sophocles' Oedipus the King presents an argument determining whether Oedipus was ruled by fate or free will. Apollo cursed Lauis, Oedipus' father, because Lauis broke the Laws of Hospitality. Apollo ill-fated Oedipus to kill Lauis and marry Jocasta, his mother. I do not believe Sophocles' created Oedipus with the mindset for Oedipus to make his own decisions. I believe Sophocles' created Oedipus to show the good versus evil relationship in divine intervention and predetermined fate. I do not believe the Gods are seeking to destroy Oedipus. I believe that Apollo did not know that he was going to cause more harm to Oedipus than Lauis. I believe Sophocles' created Oedipus “pro-fate” because he gives Oedipus the great detective skills that he will need in order to complete the will of the Gods.

http://homepage.univie.ac.at/Michael.Berger/lit/freud-3.html

"10 Things I Hate About You"

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/10-things-i-hate-about-you/links/7763425

“10 Things I Hate About You” is a modern day adaptation of Shakespeare's “The Taming Of The Shrew”. Although the setting, Padua High School, kind of offsets expectations for an adaptation of a Shakespeare play, the movie is one of my all time favorites. It is hard to compare a modern day teen comedy to a Shakespearean play wrote during the late 1500's. I believe the movie “loosely” gets Shakespeare's point across. I do not think he envisioned his setting in an American high school with snobs,preps, rebels, and nerds as the major characters. I did not know that this movie was based off of “The Taming Of The Shrew” until I did my Shakespeare assignment over Heath Ledger. I am glad society can still reflect back to the roots of literature.

William Shakespeare's Biography

William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare attended school until he was fourteen years old, and it is believed he studied classical poetry, plays, and history. Many believe these classes inspired his plays. Shakespeare is thought to be one of the most prominent playwrights in history. His works include an estimated 37 plays and numerous sonnets. Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet,and Macbeth are some of Shakespeare's most famous works. Shakespeare joined a group called The Chamberlain's Men in 1594. He worked for this group as a dramatist, actor, and co-owner for many years until 1599 when a new theater company opened called the Globe. Shakespeare died in 1616 in Stratford-upon-Avon.
http://www.biography.com/articles/William-Shakespeare-194895
http://www.freeclipartnow.com