The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 12.2385 Thursday, 18 October 2001
[1] From: Ed Kranz <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Wednesday, 17 Oct 2001 21:56:40 -0400
Subj: Re: SHK 12.2371 Othello's Name
[2] From: Gary Allen <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Wednesday, 17 Oct 2001 23:03:18 EDT
Subj: Re: SHK 12.2371 Othello's Name
[1]-----------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ed Kranz <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Wednesday, 17 Oct 2001 21:56:40 -0400
Subject: 12.2371 Othello's Name
Comment: Re: SHK 12.2371 Othello's Name
I think it was Stanley Cavell who pointed out that in the center of
Othello is Ot-hell-o and Desdemona is Des-demon-a. As for the
significance of this...??
Ed Kranz
[2]-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Gary Allen <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Wednesday, 17 Oct 2001 23:03:18 EDT
Subject: 12.2371 Othello's Name
Comment: Re: SHK 12.2371 Othello's Name
Martin Steward writes:
> In conversation once the subject of where Othello's name came from and
> what it might mean (if anything) arose.
>
> I have always harboured a pet theory that it is an Italilanized version
> of Ottoman/Othoman/Othman, and that the play might be capitalizing on
> contemporary interest in the Turkish empire following the publication of
> Knolles's Generall Historie of the Turkes... to the rising of the
> Othoman Familie (1603).
> ...
> Any thoughts?
My assumption had always been that Otello is the diminutive of Otto,
perhaps after the Roman emperor Otho.
Gary
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