FROM CINTHIO TO SHAKESPEARE: THE PORTRAYAL OF OTHELLO IN THE LIGHT OF SHAKESPEAREAN AND RENAISSANCE INTERTEXTUAL THEORY

Abstract

Judging by the most famous quote No one is self-sufficient for John Donne, no text is self-sufficient for Shakespeare. Throughout the history of literature, Shakespeare has proven himself shrewd when it comes to borrowing texts to write stories. Based on the view of intertextuality theory, this study reveals the close connection between Shakespeare's Othello and Hecatomati (1565) by Giovanni Battista Giraldi also known as Giradi Gencio (1504-1573). Shakespeare derives his playwriting freely from history, literary works, as well as other sources. This reading of intertextuality will show what and why Shakespeare adds and deletes to adapt his stories to his plays, including events, characters, plot, and style. By comparing Shakespeare's Othello and Hekatomati (1565) to Gentheo, we see how Shakespeare crafts his characters during his time to bring political, romantic, and theatrical depth to the story.