ENGL 78

Prof. A. Eastwood

Essay 2: Othello and O

Write an essay (2-3 pages, single spaced, 1 inch margins) in which you follow the steps below.

STEP ONE: Select a theme that you take to be the most important theme in Othello.  Two of the themes we discussed in class were “jealousy” in its many forms, and “deception.”  Another crucial theme was “difference” and the way in which Othello gradually internalizes his difference from the other characters.  Discuss why that theme is important to the play as a whole. 

STEP TWO: Write a few paragraphs explaining the ways in which your theme manifests itself in the play.  Include here a quotation or two that you use to illustrate the theme. 

EXAMPLE: One of the ways jealousy manifests in the play is in Iago’s jealousy over Cassio’s promotion.  Right in the beginning of the play, Act 1, scene 1, line 10, Iago says, “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.” Iago refers here to his view that it is his rightful “place” is as Othello’s lieutenant. 

Write at least a page and a half on Shakespeare’s theme, using several examples from the playtext. 

STEP THREE: Discuss the way in which this theme appears, or fails to appear, in Tim Blake Nelson’s O.  Does the updated version do this theme justice?  Does the importance of this theme diminish or intensify in the film?  Use specific examples from the movie. 

SOME TIPS: 

1.              Give your paper a title.  This will help you focus your essay.

2.              Refer to the films by the name of the director: e.g. “In Nelson’s film…”.

3.              Make sure to discuss the details (and possibly the language, if indicated) of the play.

4.              Part of this assignment involves analyzing the film. Discuss the film’s details, but keep summary to a minimum.

5.              Underline or italicize the titles of plays and movies.