DISCUSS: (similar words –argue, debate, justify, critically examine)
Meanings: (1) present an argument, discussing the pros and cons, (2) prove
or try to (dis)prove by giving reasons/ evidence.
“Jealousy …the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds upon” (Iago).
“Jealous souls … are not ever jealous for the cause, / But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a
monster/ Begot upon itself, born on itself” (Emilia). Discuss Shakespeare’s treatment of
jealousy in Othello
Othello as a play is “Shakespeare’s most wounding representation of male vanity and fear of
female sexuality” (Bloom). “They eat us hungerly, and when they are full/ They belch us”
(Emilia, speaking of men’s behaviour toward women). “It is the fate of all three women in
[Othello] to be condemned as prostitutes.” (Pamela Mason, Cambridge Student Guide to
Othello, 2002). Discuss Shakespeare’s exploration of how men treat women in Othello.
“Truly, men should be what they seem” (Othello). “I am not what I am” (Iago).”Iago, forever
beyond Othello's understanding, is not beyond ours, because we are more like Iago than we
resemble Othello.” (Bloom) Discuss how Shakespeare shows us the two-faced nature of
people in Othello.
“Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners”(Iago) “Like to the Pontic
sea … Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, Shall ne'er look back” (Othello)
Discuss the degree to which Iago and/ or Othello represents the best and/ or worst of
reason and/ or passion
Examine the conflicting views of human nature thrown up by Othello Note that, as with
all the other tasks, this requires examination of imagery and language.
“It is Othello's tragedy, even if it is Iago's play.” (Bloom) Discuss the degree to which Iago
and/ or Othello are responsible for the tragedy that unfolds.
“Othello is a great soul hopelessly outclassed in intellect and drive by Iago.” (Bloom). “Othello
seems incapable of seeing himself except in grandiose terms. He presents himself as a living
legend or walking myth.” (Bloom) Discuss the degree to which Othello is a tragic hero.
Iago “is War Everlasting …. because war is the supreme game of will against will.” (Bloom).
“Iago, forever beyond Othello's understanding, is not beyond ours, because we are more like
Iago than we resemble Othello.” (Bloom). Discuss the nature and/ or degree of Iago’s evil
Discuss the importance of Desdemona and/ or Emilia in Othello.
DISCUSS: (similar words –argue, debate, justify, critically examine)
Meanings: (1) present an argument, discussing the pros and cons, (2) prove
or try to (dis)prove by giving reasons/ evidence.
“Jealousy …the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds upon” (Iago).
“Jealous souls … are not ever jealous for the cause, / But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a
monster/ Begot upon itself, born on itself” (Emilia). Discuss Shakespeare’s treatment of
jealousy in Othello
Othello as a play is “Shakespeare’s most wounding representation of male vanity and fear of
female sexuality” (Bloom). “They eat us hungerly, and when they are full/ They belch us”
(Emilia, speaking of men’s behaviour toward women). “It is the fate of all three women in
[Othello] to be condemned as prostitutes.” (Pamela Mason, Cambridge Student Guide to
Othello, 2002). Discuss Shakespeare’s exploration of how men treat women in Othello.
“Truly, men should be what they seem” (Othello). “I am not what I am” (Iago).”Iago, forever
beyond Othello's understanding, is not beyond ours, because we are more like Iago than we
resemble Othello.” (Bloom) Discuss how Shakespeare shows us the two-faced nature of
people in Othello.
“Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners”(Iago) “Like to the Pontic
sea … Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, Shall ne'er look back” (Othello)
Discuss the degree to which Iago and/ or Othello represents the best and/ or worst of
reason and/ or passion
Examine the conflicting views of human nature thrown up by Othello Note that, as with
all the other tasks, this requires examination of imagery and language.
“It is Othello's tragedy, even if it is Iago's play.” (Bloom) Discuss the degree to which Iago
and/ or Othello are responsible for the tragedy that unfolds.
“Othello is a great soul hopelessly outclassed in intellect and drive by Iago.” (Bloom). “Othello
seems incapable of seeing himself except in grandiose terms. He presents himself as a living
legend or walking myth.” (Bloom) Discuss the degree to which Othello is a tragic hero.
Iago “is War Everlasting …. because war is the supreme game of will against will.” (Bloom).
“Iago, forever beyond Othello's understanding, is not beyond ours, because we are more like
Iago than we resemble Othello.” (Bloom). Discuss the nature and/ or degree of Iago’s evil
Discuss the importance of Desdemona and/ or Emilia in Othello.