Hello!
I want this essay on Othello to be one of the foundation stones of your coursework essay. Therefore, I'll mark it using the assessment objectives, and I hope you will be able to gve your best effort.
Here are a few things I will expect to see:
1.AO3 An introduction outlining critical debate on the character of Othello. Bradley versus Leavis are traditional opponents. Summarise their differences and add your interpretation, either aligning yourself more with one than the other, or outlining your opinion.
2. AO4 the context of race. By writing a tragedy about a Moor, Shakespeare was breaking new ground. Othello was not the first Moorish character, but he was the first to be given tragic hero status. How significant do you think Othello's race is? What dramatic problems might Shakespeare encounter with this choice of hero? Do a little research here.
3. AO1 although a successful soldier, Othello is a novice in love. This should be discussed with several examples explored in relation to your essay title.
4. The noble savage concept: our first impression of Othello is from Iago and Roderigo's derogatory descriptions to Brabantio. But then enters our hero, assured, calm, confident and a poet: "keep up Your bright swords or the dew will rust them" explore this idea in relation to your essay title.
There are some key speeches deserving of your attention: first descriptions 1 1 85-115; first speeches 1.2.6, 1.2.17-28, 1.3.77 (the tale of his background); 1.3.129 (the tale of his courtship); 2.1.179-211 (Othello lands at Cyprus and is reunited with Desdemona); any of the speeches from 3.3; the speeches from the handkerchief scene 3.4.
For A02, his language changes as the play goes on. His poetry deteriorates to ranting. He often mixes military with romantic language; he mixes Christian references with mystical ones. The play is structured so that the audience enjoy the privilege of dramatic irony: we know we are watching a man being tricked. This mode of presentation may influence our reaction to watching othello struggle on. The form of tragedy perhaps confers dignity upon him, would you agree?
A03 can you write a paragraph comparing him to another literary character, in the light of the essay title. Heathcliff springs to mind. Angel Clare?
All in all, loads to get your teeth into. I would think that 3 hours re-reading/notemaking and 2 hours writing would be about right for this. The more you can put into this, the better groundwork you are laying for your coursework essay. Good luck!
