English 1 Accelerated
Analysis of THEMES in William Shakespeare’s Othello
Directions:
Choose one of the following topics to write a well-supported, organized essay about THEMES in
William Shakespeare’s Othello. Remember, in order for your essay to be acceptable, it must have
the following criteria:
a) Introduction contains the following elements:
• Opener/Attention Getter
• Author/title
• Background/connection/link from opener to thesis
• Specific thesis statement
b) Body paragraphs contain the following elements:
• effective topic sentences, which state a position, NOT sentences that summarize plot
elements (See “Writing about Literature.”)
• detailed evidence/support from the play (Your evidence must do more than just
explain ‘what’; it must explain ‘how.’)
• specific quotations (properly cited: 2.3.24-25 or II.iii.24-25)
• specific examples from the play
• transitions between specific points
• effective concluding sentences that connect the evidence to the thesis
c) Conclusion accomplishes the following:
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provides closure for the paper
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reinforces main idea
• leaves the reader with something to think about
A. Shakespeare’s Themes in Imagery and Symbolism
1. Shakespeare uses light and dark images throughout the play to represent good and bad. Explore this
light/dark imagery and what it symbolizes at specific points in the play. Then write a well-developed essay
with specific details explaining what THEMES are developed with this imagery and how the themes are
revealed through these symbols.
2. Shakespeare uses the metaphor of planting seeds and growing what you want to make yourself what you
want and to plan your fate. Explore these metaphors in the play and how Shakespeare creates important
THEMES with that figurative language. Then write a well-developed essay with specific details explaining
what THEMES are developed and how the themes are revealed through these symbols.
B. Shakespeare’s Themes in Characters
3. Analyze various characters to show Shakespeare’s THEMES. Iago is evil incarnate; Emelia is a
subservient wife; and Desdemona is pure innocence. What is Shakespeare saying about evil, subservience,
and innocence in these characters? Write a well-developed essay with specific details explaining what
THEMES are developed and how the themes are revealed through these characters.
4. One of the major themes of the play is about power. We watch Iago throughout the play using his power
for evil, manipulating various people to get what he wants. What are Shakespeare’s themes about power?
Notice that Iago gets power because people GIVE it to him after being manipulated by him. What is our
responsibility in bestowing power to other people in our lives? Who is in control? Write a well-developed
essay with specific details explaining what THEMES are developed and how the themes are revealed
through Iago’s character.
(over)
C. Shakespeare’s Tragic Hero and THEMES
5. Aristotle wrote his ideas for tragedy about 1,200 years before Shakespeare wrote anything. How does
Shakespeare’s protagonist (Othello) fit Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero? Write a well-developed
essay with specific details explaining what THEMES are developed and how the themes are revealed
through Shakespeare’s adherence to or deviation from Aristotle’s ideas.
Due Dates and Other Requirements
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I recommend that you meet with an English teacher outside of class with your outline (BEFORE you begin
writing) to analyze the scope of your topic, the structure of your essay, and the support and elaboration you
are providing.
I recommend that you meet with an English teacher outside of class with your completed paper BEFORE
the due date so that you can make revisions.
Your complete paper, perfectly written, proofread, and revised is due on Monday, May 14, 2012, although
elements of the paper will be due along the way.
Record due dates here:
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When turning in your final draft of the essay, you must also submit your essay to turnitin.com.
Essays not submitted to turnitin.com will be considered incomplete.