Write an essay about Othello:
The Moor of Venice that addresses questions 1 and 2 and either 3, 4, or 5 below, plus any other ideas you have about the play. Take care to use the terminology appropriate to drama. Terminology from fiction will be applicable, too. Cite examples from the play to back up your assertions about it.
1. Discuss the connections between this play and the traditions of tragedy. Why and how is this play part of the tradition of Tragedy? Why is it not a Dark Comedy or a History?
2. Out of all the Shakespeare plays, why do you think I chose this one for you to read? ("It's in the book" isn't the reason-- that's part of the reason I chose the book!)
3. Discuss the role of Othello's race in the play. How does Shakespeare address race? What does Othello's race contribute to the events of the play? Is there proof of racism? Give us act/scene/line numbers to check your proof of this.
4. What role does gender play in this tragedy? Are the women typical women for the time, or do you see them as feminists? Is there any sexism? Give us act/scene/line numbers to check your proof of this.
5. Other than race and gender-related issues, what other themes, concepts, or ideas does Shakespeare address in this play? How does he use figurative language to convey and address these themes?
Remember that an essay has an introduction with a thesis, multiple body paragraphs (one to answer each question, 5-8 sentences each, with citations from the play to back up your ideas), and a concluding paragraph.