Othello Update Project
Individual Component:
Keep in mind that all stories are full of topics, and that a story’s
themes are the author’s messages about the topics in his or her
story. For example, a story might include the topic of fear, but
fear is not a theme. The theme might be something like fear
makes people do extreme things.
Using the journal you kept while reading Othello, you will decide what you
believe one of the play’s themes is. You have collected evidence of several topics within the
play. First, choose one – perhaps the one that you find most interesting, most relatable, or
simple the one you had the most evidence about. Then, decide what Shakespeare’s message
is about your chosen topic. That message is one of his themes. Finally, write a 1-2 page
expository paper that explains and gives multiple pieces of evidence for your theme. You
may choose to write in a 5-paragraph essay format, but that is not required. I want you to
make your point in whatever format you feel best fits your explanation. Here are the
requirements:
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12-point, Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins
Double-spaced and no less than one full page
A clear thesis stating the theme
At least five pieces of textual evidence
Analysis of your textual evidence that explains the author’s purpose and/or
impact on the reader
An effective and original introduction and conclusion
A paper that is overall well-organized, focused and easy to follow
Vivid word choice, knowledgeable voice, and correct conventions
Due: _______________________________
Othello Update Project
Group Component:
Once you’ve chosen the theme you’ll focus on, find 2-3 others in the class who are writing
on the same or a similar theme. Your themes do not have to be an exact match, but should
be regarding the same topic or at least suggest a same truth about the nature of humanity.
Once you’ve decided on your group, you will write and film a scene (or a mashup of scenes)
from Othello that conveys your theme in a modern setting. Your dialogue, characters, props,
and costumes should all be related to the “update” you’ve given the play, but Shakespeare’s
universal message should remain the same. Use “O” as an example here: It has new
dialogue, characters, setting, and conflict, but the same truths Othello has always
represented. Look at 10 Things I Hate About You (Taming of the Shrew) and Hamlet starring
Ethan Hawke as examples of Shakespearean updates.
Due: __________________________
Scoring:
5 pts
Students show a
thorough
understanding of
Othello as well as an
appropriate update
to the story
3 pts
Students show a
partial
understanding of
Othello and have
somewhat but
unclearly updated
the story
1 pt
Students do not
demonstrate an
understanding of the
play and/or have not
updated the story
Theme/Message
The updated play’s
theme is clear,
engaging, and
accurate to Othello.
The updated play’s
theme is somewhat
clear, engaging, and
accurate.
The updated play’s
theme is unclear,
unengaging, and/or
inaccurate.
Quality
Video has high visual
appeal, thoughtful
detail (costumes,
setting) and is at
least three minutes
in length.
Video has some
visual appeal, some
detail, and is at least
three minutes in
length.
Video has little to no
visual appeal or
detail, and/or is
significantly less
than three minutes
in length.
Updated Content
Score x 4 = ___________ / 60 pts