Othello Essay Test
Directions: Read the source for Shakespeare’s Othello. The source can be found on
my website as a link, or you can go to
http://opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Otello/source.html
~Think of 3 major differences (for example, a name change would not be a “major”
difference!) between the original source and Shakespeare’s drama. In a 5-paragraph
essay (typed or legibly written), compare the differences in these two works citing
specific quotes from Shakespeare’s Othello and providing specific details from the
translation of Giraldi Cinthio’s Gli Hecatommithi.
Your thesis (usually the last sentence of the introductory paragraph) should list, in
order of appearance, the three main differences you will be discussing.
*Attach this sheet for your rubric. If this sheet is not
attached, you automatically are docked 5 points!
NAME____________________________________
Follows Directions
_____/5
Organizes ideas/uses transitions
_____/6
Clear and specific thesis (UNDERLINED)
_____/4
Well-supported details that demonstrate a deep
understanding of the text and a grasp of thematic
concepts discussed
_____/10
Well-chosen quotes (3 quotes from Othello)
_____/6
Correct MLA quote format and headings
_____/4
Demonstrates an understanding of both the play
and the source
_____/5
Total
_____/40