Othello | Shakespeare for kids

By Jeanette Vigon

Step into the heart of Venice and the windswept shores of Cyprus with "Othello," a captivating adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tale of love, jealousy, and betrayal, thoughtfully reimagined for children by Jeanette Vigon. This version preserves the core of Shakespeare's story while transforming it into an accessible narrative that young readers will find both engaging and educational.

Highlights Include:

• Simplified Shakespeare: Jeanette Vigon masterfully adapts the complex themes and language of "Othello" into a story that's easy for kids to understand and enjoy.
• A Tale of Adventure and Morals: Discover the exotic locales of Venice and Cyprus through the eyes of Othello, a noble general, as he navigates the treacherous waters of friendship and love, teaching valuable lessons about trust and honesty along the way.
• Interactive Learning Experience: This book invites children to explore the richness of Shakespeare's work in a fun and interactive way, encouraging them to appreciate literature and the timeless themes that continue to resonate today.

"Othello" is not just a book; it's a doorway to imagination and learning, perfect for young readers and families to explore together. Whether for educational purposes or just a captivating bedtime story, this adaptation brings the magic of one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies to life for a new generation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanette Vigon
• Release date: May 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223036594

Book preview

Othello

SHAKESPEARE FOR KIDS

JEANETTE VIGON

Copyright © 2023 Jeanette Vigon

All rights reserved.

Contents

Why I wrote this book the way I did

Introduction

ACT I

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

ACT II

Scene 1

Scene 2

ACT III

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

ACT IV

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

ACT V

Scene 1

Scene 2

The Life of William Shakespeare

About the Author

Afterword

Shakespeare for Kids - Other books in the series

This book is a modern adaptation for children of William Shakespeare's Othello, a work in the public domain. While retaining the original story's essence and characters, this version has significant original content designed for young readers. It includes simplified language and reimagined scenes to make the profound tale accessible and engaging for children. The adaptation respects Shakespeare's original work's essence while presenting it in a relatable and understandable manner for a younger audience. The goal is to introduce children to this classic story in a friendly and engaging way.

Why I wrote this book the way I did

When I embarked on the journey of adapting Shakespeare's plays for children, my primary goal was to bridge the gap between the timeless allure of Shakespeare's narratives and the imaginative worlds of young readers. The decision to adapt these plays for children was driven by a desire to introduce them to the richness of literary classics at an early age, fostering a love for literature that could grow with them.

Choosing to maintain the original structure of acts and scenes was a deliberate effort to preserve the integrity and rhythm of Shakespeare's works. This approach not only honors the original compositions but also introduces young readers to the conventions of drama and the beauty of structured storytelling. It was important to me that children experience the plays as they were intended, albeit in a more accessible form.

Incorporating literary language while ensuring it remains engaging and understandable for children was a balancing act. I aimed to simplify the complexity of Shakespeare's language without diluting its power and beauty. By carefully selecting vocabulary and crafting sentences that convey the essence of the original plays, I aspired to captivate young minds and stimulate their intellectual curiosity.

Adapting these plays also involved making thoughtful choices about content, ensuring that themes and scenes were appropriate for a young audience. This required a sensitive approach to storytelling, where the lessons of love, loyalty, betrayal, and justice are presented in a manner that is both educational and entertaining.

In summary, the creation of this book was a labor of love, guided by the belief that Shakespeare's works are not just for adults but for everyone. By adapting these plays for children, I hope to plant the seeds of appreciation for classic literature in the fertile ground of young imaginations, encouraging a lifelong journey of reading, learning, and discovery.

I truly hope you will enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoyed re-writing it.

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant and enchanting world of Othello, a journey to the bustling streets of Venice and the exotic island of Cyprus. This isn't just a story of love and jealousy; it's a tale of trust, bravery, and the twists and turns of the heart.

Our adventure unfolds in a time of grand palaces and daring sea voyages, where secrets echo through marble halls, and true motives are hidden behind friendly smiles. In this world, Othello, a noble and brave general, faces challenges both in his heart and from those he trusts.

In the heart of Venice, we find Othello, celebrated for his valor, yet facing the complexities of love and friendship. But watch out, this is no ordinary love story—it's entwined with cunning plots and whispered lies!

Fear not, for this tale is not all shadows and whispers. There's laughter and fun to be had, with clever friends, surprising turns, and even a bit of mischief and fun. Amidst these intrigues, there are also moments of loyalty and kindness that will warm our hearts.

So, snuggle up in your favorite spot and get ready to dive into Othello in a way that's just right for kids. Imagine thrilling chases turned into games of tag, mysterious puzzles to solve, and learning about the importance of honesty, courage, and being true to friends.

Are you ready? Let's join Othello, his beloved Desdemona, the crafty Iago, and a cast of memorable characters, as we explore a story that has thrilled audiences for ages, now reimagined for young adventurers like you! Come along, into the magical world of Othello, where every corner of Venice and Cyprus has a tale to tell, and every character has a lesson to share!

ACT I

Scene 1

In a busy street in Venice, two men named Roderigo and Iago were having a conversation filled with complaints and frustration.

Roderigo said, I can't believe it; I'm really upset that you, Iago, who've used my money like it was your own, didn't tell me about this.

Iago replied, Oh please, but you won't listen to me. If I had even dreamt about something like this and didn't tell you, you should be mad at me.

You said you didn't like him, Roderigo reminded him.

Think I'm lying if I don't, Iago shot back. Three important people from the city asked me to be his assistant, bowing and scraping to him. I know what I'm worth, and I deserve that job. But he, putting his pride first, brushed them off with a lot of big talk stuffed with fancy war terms, and in the end, turned down my friends. 'Certainly,' he said. 'I've already picked my assistant.' And who did he pick? A man named Michael Cassio from Florence, who might have a pretty wife but has never led troops into battle or planned a fight; he only knows what he's read in books, and no real experience in fighting. Yet, he was chosen, and I, who've proven myself in battle in Rhodes, Cyprus, and other places against different enemies, am pushed aside. This man who counts coins will be the assistant, and I—just imagine!—am left as his flag-bearer.

Roderigo, frustrated, chimed in, I swear, I'd rather be his executioner.

The two men were grumpy because a man named Othello had chosen Cassio over Iago to be his lieutenant, even though Iago felt he deserved the position. And Roderigo, who didn't like Othello either, wished for a more vengeful role rather than having to deal with being overlooked.

Iago sighed, Well, there's nothing we can do about it. That's the problem with working for others. Moving up in the world isn't about how long you've been there anymore, but who you know and who likes you. Now, think about it: does it make sense for me to like the Moor?

If I were you, I wouldn't follow him, Roderigo said.

Oh, just relax, Iago advised. "I'm only sticking close to him to get what I want in the end. We can't all be the boss, and not all bosses are followed for the right reasons. You'll see plenty of people acting super dedicated, bending over backward for their bosses, working hard like a donkey for little reward, and then getting kicked to the curb when they're too old. Such fakers get whipped, if you ask me. But then there are those who look and act like they're loyal, yet they're really looking out for themselves. They make a show of serving their leaders but are secretly padding their own pockets. These people have some brains, and that's