Othello : Theme question
Choose a play which has a theme of revenge or betrayal {or jealousy}.
Show how the dramatist explores your chosen theme and discuss how this
treatment enhances your appreciation of the play as a whole. 2007
Introduction
Shakespeare’s Othello is a tragedy where....
Specify theme. Specify dramatic techniques used to explore the theme (the how) –
characterisation/language/imagery/dramatic irony/key scenes/structure
Use keywords- enhances my appreciation of how jealousy can motivate revenge/the
resentment that can be created by betrayal.
The characterisation of Iago is extremely important for our understanding of Shakespeare’s
theme...
Explain Iago’s motivation to take revenge on the Moor/ Michael Cassio- in what sense does
he feel betrayed? Outline the skilful way in which he convinces Othello that Desdemona has
betrayed him, awakening jealousy in him and the desire for revenge. Comment on aspects
of Iago’s character and provide analysis and evidence in general terms.
Two important ways in which Shakespeare conveys Iago’s sense of betrayal and /or his
jealousy/his desire for revenge are through his relationship with Roderigo and in his
soliloquies. (could be one or two paragraphs)
Give some closer analysis of the language Iago uses in his soliloquies linked to theme – can
comment on the imagery here - and the way Shakespeare uses the character of Roderigo.
The playwright makes effective use of dramatic irony as Iago’s revenge plot unfolds/ he
seeks to make it seem that Desdemona has betrayed...
Give an example and our response as an audience/reader (horror/sympathy for Desdemona
admiration of Iago’s skills as an actor and opportunist?)
Shakespeare’s success in portraying Othello as a man consumed by jealousy/intent on
revenge/incensed by supposed betrayal is vital to our appreciation of the play as a whole
(2+paragraphs)
Then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely but too well,
Of one not easily jealous but, being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreme; (5:2)
A brief analysis of how mistaken jealousy/ sense of betrayal /desire for revenge affects
Othello could be based on key scenes where Iago successfully manipulates him eg Act 3
scene 3 where after Iago’s providing ‘ocular proof’ Othello vows to kill Desdemona or Act 4
scene 1 where he sinks into a fit of jealousy / strikes Desdemona in public. Again quote and
analyse the use of dramatic techniques- dialogue/dramatic irony/imagery/language.
The horrifying climax of the play fully clarifies Shakespeare’s theme...
Give an assessment of the dramatic impact of the murder of Desdemona/ Othello’s
character- how do we understand him as tragic hero /how Emilia’s betrayal of her husband
leads to the denouement and the truth of his deception being revealed....
In conclusion I appreciated the play because of its...
Refer again to technique and theme
Expand on your personal response
Now go back and proof read your essay!
Note –other theme type questions you could plan for- deception/appearance versus
reality/isolation