Othello Literary Essay
The Assignment
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Write a well-constructed 700-800 word Analytic Literary Research Essay on Othello.
You will need to complete the following steps in preparation for your essay.
Steps
Explanation
Question of
Inquiry
Notes
You will come up with your question of inquiry. What question will you attempt to answer in your
essay?
Once you have selected your question of inquiry, you will select two articles from the resources that
have been put on reserve for you in the Earl Haig Library to help you with your research. (Please
see the circulation desk). You will then write point form notes on the articles.
 Readings on Othello
 William Shakespeare's Othello
 Modern Critical Interpretations – Othello
* If you do find other appropriate sources that may be more helpful to you, please feel free to see
me for approval first. They should be appropriate academic sources (no sparknotes, free essays,
wikepedia, etc.)
Write a well-developed critical thesis statement on one of the topic listed below.
 E.g. Thesis Statement: Desdemona in Shakespeare's Othello reveals that she is a strong
woman through her willingness to marry Othello, her advocacy of Cassio, and her
response to Othello's jealousy.
Complete the thesis proposal for discussion with me.
You will complete a FULL essay outline for your essay.
You will complete a first draft of your essay in-class. You will have time to peer edit.
Your essay must make reference to your primary source (Othello) and have a minimum of two (2)
secondary sources from your research.
You will hand in all work at the end. This includes:
 Notes
 Your Outline
 Your Drafts
 The Final Copy
Thesis
Proposal
Outline
Drafts
Final Draft
Topics
No topics will be assigned. You will come up with your own question of inquiry based on something in the play
that interests you. Here are some examples to get you started.
1. Is Othello a noble moor or a dangerous savage? Does he regain his status as a tragic hero?
2. Do Othello and Desdemona truly love each other?
3. The events of the play are conveniently explained when various characters find letters exposing and
confirming Iago’s evil plans. How does this technique strengthen or weaken the play?
4. Discuss prejudice in Othello. What points do you think Shakespeare was attempting to make?
5. Is Othello a strong play? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
6. Has Shakespeare created believable characters and a realistic play?
7. To what extent is Iago the embodiment of evil, and to what extent do ordinary human motivations affect him?
Does Iago’s have any valid reasons for his actions? Did he really intend to hurt the other characters? Why?
8. How does sexual insecurity influence Othello and Iago?
9. “This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon; / For he was great of heart”. Despite the fact that Cassio
publicly expresses his fears, he gives Othello the weapon to commit suicide. Was this the act of a true friend
or does Cassio help to solidify Othello as a coward and weak person?
10. Why do you think Shakespeare has ignored the problems in the structure of his play? Does this affect the
realism of the play?