othello essay questions

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Study Help Essay Questions

1. Describe the course of Iago's deception of Othello, showing which incidents were planned and which were opportunistic. Does Iago succeed by skill or by luck?

2. Discuss how age, social position, and race impact the relationship between Othello and Desdemona.

3. A tragedy concerns the fall of a great man due to some flaw in his character. What is Othello's flaw, and explain how he is truly a tragic hero.

4. What are possible motives for Iago's hatred of Othello? Consider both the motives he states and the motives implied in his speech and behavior.

5. In addition to exposing the prejudices of Venetians, discuss how the play also exposes the prejudices of the audience.

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107 Othello Essay Topics & Research Questions + Examples

If you’re searching for ideas for your paper on Shakespeare’s famous play, our Othello essay questions will be of great help to you! You’ll also find plenty of good Othello essay examples. Read on to get inspired!

💀 TOP 7 Othello Essay Questions

✍️ othello essay prompts, 🏆 best essay topics for othello, 🎓 othello research paper topics, 👍 good othello essay topics to write about, 💡 simple othello essay ideas, ❓ othello essay questions.

  • Analysis of Reverse Psychology Used by Lago in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
  • “Othello” a Tragedy by William Shakespeare
  • Black and White Colors in “Othello” by Shakespeare
  • Emilia’s Role in the Play Othello by Shakespeare
  • Analysis of the Character ‘Othello’
  • Critical Analysis of “Othello”
  • Women Role in Shakespeare’s Othello and Hamlet

Are you looking for writing prompts for your “Othello” research paper or a literature essay? Check out the ideas below:

  • The theme of trust and betrayal in “Othello.” Trust plays a critical role in this play. You can write a literary analysis essay exploring how trust is gained, lost, and manipulated in “Othello.”
  • Imagery and symbolism in “Othello.” Here, you can write an argumentative essay supporting your understanding of the play’s symbols. For example, what does the handkerchief symbolize? Or what does animal imagery mean, like a “black ram” and a “Barbary horse” in reference to Othello?
  • Jealousy in “Othello.” You can write a persuasive essay convincing your audience of the dangers of jealousy. Use evidence from the play to prove your point. Consider how it drives characters’ actions and what adverse consequences result from it.
  • Iago’s manipulation techniques. Iago is a master manipulator, so you can focus your discussion on exploring how he persuades others to think and do what he wants. You can review how he exploits Othello’s trust, fabricates evidence, creates false friendships, and provokes jealousy to achieve his goals.
  • Domestic Violence in “Othello” by W. Shakespeare The Othello tragedy reflects the current domestic violence incidences in society, hence the need to formulate authentic ways to overcome them.
  • William Shakespeare’s Othello as a Tragic Hero Othello by William Shakespeare is an excellent example of the traditional Aristotelian tragic hero as far as his destiny and inner suffering.
  • Shakespeare’s Othello and Its Cultural Aspects “Othello” is not a simple domestic tragedy, as it seemed to many generations of viewers, actors, critics, and historians of literature and theater.
  • William Shakespeare’s “Othello, the Moor of Venice”: An Aristotelian Tragedy The experiences that Othello went through – from prominence to downfall are sufficient to label him as a tragic hero; hence, the play can be classified as an Aristotelian tragedy.
  • Analysis of Othello Speech With Brabantio The analysis focuses on Othello’s speech from the writing’s Act 1, Scene 3 where context is based on Brabantio accusing Othello about the latter stealing the former’s daughter.
  • Othello and Antigone: Compare & Contrast There can be little doubt as to the fact that Sophocles’ “Antigone” and Shakespeare’s “Othello” are highly emotional dramaturgic pieces.
  • “Othello” by Shakespeare: Desdemona as a Strong Character In his tragedy “Othello” Shakespeare describes Desdemona as a strong woman who can resist oppression and protect her values and ideas.
  • Dramatic Purposes of Roderigo in Shakespeare’s “Othello” Roderigo is one of the characters in this book having significance and dramatic purposes, particularly the dramatic purpose of being a one-sided lover.
  • Examining the Role of Desdemona in Shakespeare’s “Othello” This essay discusses Desdemona’s role and its specific features that support the idea of her being a powerful woman behind the drama of the mighty men.
  • Othello as Aristotelian Tragic Hero This paper presents that Long before Shakespeare, the Greek philosopher Aristotle formulated specific attributes or principles of a tragic hero.
  • “Othello” by William Shakespeare In his play, Shakespeare portrays a very jealous character named Lago, who got disappointed with his friend Othello for denying him the chance of becoming a lieutenant.
  • Mustafa Sa’eed from Season of Migration to the North Compared to Shakespeare’s Caliban & Othello Mustafa Sa’eed is uniquely similar to Caliban from William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” in his resistance to invading cultures of colonialism through the context of sexual revenge.
  • Shakespeare’s “Othello”: Iago’s Honesty As the play progresses we see how Iago changes from an honest and sincere person to become evil, by introducing Iago’s character the evils in society are brought to light.
  • Shakespeare’s “Othello” Play Exploration The current essay deals with a difficult but quite important topic tied with the role of race in Shakespeare’s Othello.
  • The Play “Othello” by William Shakespeare It is worth noting that the play “Othello,” written by William Shakespeare, is a rather complicated story that can be explored at different levels.
  • Shakespeare’s “Othello”: A Venetian Tragedy of Love William Shakespeare’s play “Othello” is about anxiety and lack of peace of mind as well as the fact that other actions may have saved people’s lives.
  • Strength in One’s Convictions in Shakespeare’s “Othello” Objectification of women is an important concept that Shakespeare impressively incorporates throughout Othello.
  • Othello, Cassio and Iago in the Play “Othello” by William Shakespeare Othello, Cassio and Iago are very different people with their own life experiences and this plays a very important role in the play “Othello” by William Shakespeare.
  • Othello: Iago and His Self-Knowledge The paper discusses that in Othello, the struggle over love, loyalty, and will is exacerbated by Iago’s manipulation of everyone around him.
  • Plot, Themes, and Characters of “Othello” by Shakespeare Two themes dominate the plot of “Othello” by Shakespeare – jealousy and racism, both of which this paper will explore.
  • Female Characters in “Antigone” by Sophocles and “Othello” by Shakespeare Female characters Antigone and Emilia, from Sophocles’ play “Antigone” and Shakespeare’s “Othello”, constitute examples of independent women who do not lose control of their lives.
  • Shakespeare’s Othello’s and O. J. Simpson’s Tragedies This article compares and contrasts Shakespeare’s Othello and O.J. Simpson in the context of racism and class inequality.
  • Iago: Black Man in “Othello” by Shakespeare
  • Honesty, Dishonesty, and Manipulation in “Othello”
  • Dramatic Poetry and Direct Prose in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
  • Hatred and Harsh Trickery With Extreme Consequences in the Play “Othello” by William Shakespeare
  • Gender Roles and Racism in “Othello”
  • Differences and Similarities Between “Othello” and “Things Fall Apart”
  • Friendship Between Othello and Iago According to Friedrich Nietzsche
  • Can Pathos and Ethos Compel “Othello” Out of Logic?
  • Iago’s Cunning Character Exposed Othello’s Vulnerability in Jealousy
  • Desdemona and the “Jewel” Motif Recurrence in William Shakespeare’s “Othello”
  • Desdemona and the Patriarchy in “Othello”
  • Iago’s Motive for Power and Revenge in “Othello”
  • Brabantio, the Protective Father in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
  • Honesty and Trust Throughout “Othello” Play
  • Did Othello Truly Love Desdemona?
  • Literary and Psychological Prowess of Shakespeare’s “Othello” Shakespeare uses Othello’s weaknesses to justify his sad conclusion that people such as Othello and his ilk are unfit to rule because of their inherent flaws.
  • Negativism in “Othello” by William Shakespeare Othello is one of the most popular plays by William Shakespeare. It has a lot of themes that intricate the mind of a viewer and a reader as well.
  • Who Is to Blame for the Tragedy of Othello by Shakespeare The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice by Shakespeare is a sexual jealousy tragedy that pioneers the investigation of racial discrimination.
  • Review of “Othello” by Shakespeare An analysis of Shakespeare’s “Othello” work will help to understand better the author’s central message about how blindly following feelings can ruin a person.
  • Lies vs. Truths in Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Othello” In his play “The Tragedy of Othello,” Shakespeare successfully addressed various lies that different characters believed in. Most of these lies are tied to racism.
  • Shakespeare’s Othello Movie Adaptation Overview and Social Relevance William Shakespeare’s “Othello” has been adapted to a variety of media forms, and among the most contemporary versions is Olive Parker’s movie with the same name.
  • “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu vs. “Othello” by Shakespeare “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu is an example of a Non-Western work of literature that qualifies as classics. “Othello” by William Shakespeare is an example of Western classics.
  • Othello Versus Shakuntala: Ultimate Lessons Both Shakuntala and Othello explore the notions of love and conflict, but the ultimate lessons learned differ significantly because of the main characters’ actions.
  • William Shakespeare’s “Othello”: Analysis the Play The paper begins with a brief note about the character of Iago in William Shakespeare’s play Othello. Causes of Iago’s revenge.
  • From a Villain to a Victim and Back: Othello and Iago Despite the fact that Othello does turn into a beast at a certain point, the splendor of his character and the misery that seizes him completely do not allow him to choose him as the main villain.
  • Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello Play This paper examines Shakespeare’s play; it explores the conflicts between the dominant characters, their personalities, and their goals.
  • A Worldwide Famous Tragedy: Othello by Shakespeare Othello is a worldwide famous tragedy written by Shakespeare that has always been popular among theater directors interpreting it in different styles.
  • Othello’s Image in Shakespeare’s Tragedy The purpose of this work is to analyze how Othello’s difference influences his image in the enemies’ eyes and how he starts to evaluate himself once he has killed his wife.
  • About Acts I and II Othello: Analysis Iago, portrayed as highly ambitious in the tragedy, exhibits a readiness to take any action for personal gain, evident from the opening verses.
  • Emilia & Iago’s Schemes in “Othello” by Shakespeare The essay demonstrates justifications for the idea that Emilia from “Othello” is not innocent as she seems regarding Iago’s schemes.
  • Desdemona and Lago’s Conflict in “Othello” by Shakespeare The paper discusses Othello by Shakespeare. There is a conflict between Desdemona and Iago over women’s nature, which ends with a rational way of thinking.
  • Character Analysis of “Othello” by Shakespeare At first glance, Othello seems simply a tragedy of jealousy. However, the ideas ingrained in the play seem to be broader and more complicated from the very first acts.
  • Othello and Paradise Lost Literary Analysis Desdemona was devoted to her husband until the end and treated him with patience even after all the mistreatment that was done to her.
  • The Play “Othello” by William Shakespeare Shakespeare’s play “Othello” is a storyline behind a respectable general and the main character, Othello, who endures a series of tragedies from his deceitful and vengeful advisor.
  • Master of Deceit in “Othello”: Iago in the Film Adaptation The paper states that the film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello, directed by Oliver Parker, mirrors the original play’s chronology and setting.
  • Racial Issues in Othello and Their Relevance Most of the conflicts unfolding in the play are built around the problems of racism, which do not lose their relevance even after centuries have passed since Othello was written.
  • “The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice” by Shakespeare Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice” is a play about secrets, plotting and revenge telling the tragic story of Othello, who is secretly married to Desdemona.
  • Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Shakespeare’s Othello The entire implementation of values needful to a man in every epoch and under any circumstances is displayed on the examples of Othello and Oedipus Rex for further generations of people.
  • Explain How Iago Manipulates the Other Characters in the Play “Othello”
  • Does Iago Cause the Tragedy of Othello?
  • The Reasons Why Othello Orders the Death of Desdemona
  • Discuss How Lago From “Othello” Exploits Others to Achieve His Goal
  • Honorable Admirable and Unchanged Character of Othello
  • Desdemona and the Norms of Sexual Morality in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
  • Examining Othello’s Character, Flaws, and Changes Throughout the Play
  • Challenges and Prejudices Faced by Othello Shaped His Character
  • Contrasting the Characters Desdemona and Emilia in the Play “Othello”
  • Describing the Courage and Heroism of Othello in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
  • Critically Exploring William Shakespeare’s “Othello” From a Marxist Perspective
  • Gender Equality and the Status of Women in the Play “Othello” by William Shakespeare
  • Analyzing the Tragic Hero in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
  • Evil and Immoral Characters in the Play “Othello” by William Shakespeare
  • Feminist and Psychoanalytical Interpretations of Shakespeare’s “Othello”
  • Does Othello Meet the Standards of a Tragic Hero?
  • How Do Age, Social Position, and Race Impact the Relationship Between Othello and Desdemona?
  • Why Does Iago Hate Othello?
  • Does the Context of War and Soldiery Contribute to the Tragedy in Shakespeare’s “Othello”?
  • How and Why Does Iago Convince Othello of Desdemona’s Infidelity?
  • Would the Themes in “Othello” Appeal to a Contemporary Audience?
  • How Are Othello and Blanche Dubois Alienated in Their Societies?
  • Should William Shakespeare’s “Othello” be Called “Iago”?
  • How Are the Characters Empowered or Disempowered in “Brilliant Lies” and “Othello”?
  • Were “Othello” and “The Merchant of Venice” Racist Plays?
  • How Does Shakespeare Use Humor in “Othello”?
  • What Are the Contextual Factors Important to the Study of “Othello”?
  • How Does Iago Attempt to Poison Othello Against Desdemona and Cassio and to What Extent Is Iago’s Plan Working?
  • What Are the Qualities “Othello” Possesses Which Makes It a Tragedy?
  • How Does Othello’s Attitude Towards Desdemona Change Towards the End of the Play?
  • Does Othello’s Character Change Over the Course of the Play?
  • How Does Shakespeare Use Language and Dramatic Devices to Present the Theme of Jealousy in “Othello”?
  • What Are the Similarities Between “Macbeth” and “Othello”?
  • How Does Sax Portray Othello and Desdemona’s Relationship?
  • What Can Lawyers Learn From “Othello”?
  • How Does Shakespeare Present Iago’s Manipulation of Othello?
  • What Role Does Incoherent Language Play in “Othello”?
  • How Does Shakespeare Present Love in “Othello”?
  • What Role Does Race Play in “Othello”?
  • How Effective Are the First Two Scenes of “Othello”?

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StudyCorgi. (2022, May 10). 107 Othello Essay Topics & Research Questions + Examples. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/othello-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . 2022. "107 Othello Essay Topics & Research Questions + Examples." May 10, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/othello-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Othello were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 21, 2024 .

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Othello: Essay Questions

A list of potential essay questions to form revision and speed planning practice

Jealousy is at the core of all the tragic events that occur in Othello.’ In the light of this statement, explore the dramatic function of jealousy in Shakespeare’s play. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

‘Despite his suffering, Othello learns nothing.’ In the light of this statement, explore Shakespeare’s presentation of Othello in the play. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

‘Othello depicts a world riddled with corruption and prejudice’. In the light of this statement, explore Shakespeare’s presentation of the values of the world in which the play is set. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

‘Irony is a powerful device that Shakespeare uses to heighten the tragedy of Othello.’ In the light of this statement, discuss Shakespeare’s use of irony in the play. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors

‘Othello’s foolishness, as much as Iago’s cleverness, is responsible for the tragedy that unfolds.’ In the light of this statement, explore where responsibility for the tragedy might lie. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

‘The settings in Othello are not just times and places in which action happens: they are deeply symbolic and add greatly to the meaning of the play as a whole.’ In the light of this statement, explore Shakespeare’s use of settings in the play. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

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Discussion Questions

Why do you think Shakespeare chose to write Othello as a Moor and Desdemona as a Venetian? How do their respective races affect the plot? Support your answer with evidence.

In Act I, the Venetian Senate asks Othello to defend Cyprus against the Turks. All of the play’s major characters sail to Cyprus, but a storm stops the Turkish fleet in Act II, eliminating the reason for Othello’s journey to Cyprus. Why do you think Shakespeare moved the action of the play to Cyprus, rather than leave his characters in Venice?

Which character does Iago have the easiest time manipulating, and why might some characters be more susceptible to his manipulation than others?

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Essay questions on 'Othello'

Essay questions

Seven exam-style essay questions on  Othello , with a range of critics' comments on the text to develop A-level students' understanding of key themes and characters in the play. 

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115 Othello Essay Topics & Examples

Most Othello essay samples analyze the plot, thesis, and characters of William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. The tragedy is based on n Cinthio’s story ‘Un Capitano Moro.’

Before you start writing your Othello essay, you must have a clear understanding of who The Moor is. We hope that you already have read the plot or watched the play.

However, some students lack an idea of the object because they have not come across Shakespeare’s masterpiece or any information concerning Othello. This post will help you to ask Othello essay questions and successfully write your paper.

✨ How to Write an Othello Essay?

  • 🏆 Best Othello Essay Topics & Essay Examples

👍 Good Ideas for an Essay on Othello

💡 most interesting othello topics to write about, ❓ othello essay questions.

Before you start outlining, you should ask yourself: what or who is Othello? Your answer is significant as it expresses your interest in the subject and, therefore, motivates you to research the chosen topic.

When working on your Othello essay introduction, you should get a clear understanding of The Moor character and its origin.

Your intro should thoroughly explain the subject to your audience. Don’t forget to include a thesis which discloses the central message of your paper. Put it at the end of your intro.

The next step is planning the essay body. Here are some questions you may answer in your Othello character analysis:

  • Describe Othello: Who is he? When he lives, his life, occupation, etc.
  • Is Othello a good character or bad? Do you identify with Othello?
  • Why is Othello famous to date? What makes him popular?
  • What is his role in the play? Why is Othello character crucial to the tragedy? Would the story so attractive without Othello?
  • Does the play reflect contemporary issues?
  • What did you learn from Othello?

Explain the pointers above and provide a better understanding of the Othello character to your readers.

If you need more sample ideas for your Othello essay outline, check them below:

  • The role of race in Shakespeare’s tragedy. At the beginning of the plot, Othello’s name is not mentioned, although everyone knows he is dark-skinned and different. Discuss in your essay, how it would impact the play if Othello were white. Argue if the character’s race is matter in the story.
  • The role of loyalty. Shakespeare showed how loyalty could have both positive and negative attributes. Othello’s belief in Desdemona’s lack of allegiance caused their destiny. Use it as an example of how devotion can be dangerous if it is used for bad reasons.
  • The role of Desdemona. Is she is a passive victim of Othello? Analyze how her character changes when she is not with him. Think of how victim behavior can cause even more violence.
  • Relationships between characters in the play. In your essay, you can examine relationships and emotions between Othello and Desdemona, the villainy of Iago’s character, Emilia’s emotions for Iago and Othello, and love of Roderigo for Desdemona.

In your Othello essay conclusion, sum up all the issues you disclosed in the body. Avoid introducing new points. Instead, highlight the thesis statement to show your readers that your essay supports it.

After you’ve finished your essay, don’t forget to proofread it and wipe out grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes.

We hope that the tips above will ease your writing an outstanding paper. Make sure to check our website for more Othello essay topics!

🏆 Best Othello Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

  • Othello and Snow Country: Personal Opinion As aforementioned, it is hard to differentiate between love and passion as they all come in the name of love. Nevertheless, because his ‘love’ for her is based on passion, he smothers her to death; […]
  • Othello and Oedipus Rex Characters’ Traits The two characters had to overcome several obstacles in a manner that led many of their followers to respect and honor them, and their royal positions Othello can be considered to be a black member […]
  • Minor Characters’ Role in the “Othello” by William Shakespeare In his play Othello, William Shakespeare also accentuates the meaning of minor characters and their actions for the development of the tragedy in Othello’s life.
  • Theme of Jealousy in Othello by Shakespeare The jealousy displayed by Othello and the villainous nature of Lago are some of the qualities that impress the readers of the play.
  • The Issue of Racial Prejudice The significance of Othello’s race and pigmentation work hard to expose racial prejudice in the Elizabethan era. Shakespeare is using the Moor to challenge the ideologies of race, sex and miscegenation in the Elizabethan period.
  • Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello: The Words and Actions of Iago To my mind, one of the most complex, captivating, and, at the same time, the most evil characters in Shakespeare’s plays is Iago from The Tragedy of Othello.
  • Jealousy in “Othello” by W.Shakespear Othello is not perfect either and the reason he acts the way he acts is that he is jealous; not that Desdemona cannot match his ‘principles’.
  • Othello as the Outsider In the play, Othello strives to emphasize that his blackness is insignificant impediment and highlight the advantages of his origin revealing the positive features of his character and behavior.
  • Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice Iago’s paranoia is tremendous to an extent that his insanity is portrayed when he deludes Othello to kill his own wife.
  • Character of Iago in “Othello” by Shakespeare Analysis It is worth mentioning here that it is this attributes that he possessed that made him successful in manipulating other characters painting him to be a strong and compelling character.
  • Dramatic Irony in the “Othello” by William Shakespeare Othello, an eloquent and physically fit person is considered as the protagonist and hero of the play; however, in spite of his elevated status, he is nonetheless an easy prey to insecurities due to his […]
  • Racism in Play “Othello” by William Shakespeare Since Othello is dark-skinned, the society is against his marriage to the daughter of the senator of Venice. In summary, the play Othello is captivating and presents racism as it was.
  • Othello’s Tragedy Othello is one of the characters who have features in William Shakespeare’s tragedy titled The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. It is clear to note that the tragedy that befell Othello was because […]
  • The Driving Force of Plot in Medea by Euripides, Othello by William Shakespeare, and the Epic of Gilgamesh Reading Medea by Euripides, Othello by William Shakespeare, and The Epic of Gilgamesh it becomes obvious that the driving force of plot is heroism, however, the nature of that heroism is different that may be […]
  • Female Characters in Shakespeare’s “Othello”: A Feminist Critique This shows that Desdemona has completely accepted and respected her role as a woman in the society; she is an obedient wife to Othello.
  • The Tragedy of Othello: Critical Analysis — Othello Critical Essay The imagination of the audience is captured by the fact that the drama involves interracial marriage that was unfathomable in those days.
  • The Downfall of Othello The properties of Othello are given to Cassio who also assumes position that had been held by Othello The downfall of Othello is evidenced by death of his wife, loss of property and his own […]
  • William Shakespeare’s Othello Summary | Essay Example Othello leaves Venice in the company of his wife, Iago and Cassio and Desdemona’s attendant known as Emilia. Othello’s love for Desdemona is a major weakness that leads to his downfall.
  • Humiliation of Iago (Othello) In order to identify the actual reasons for Iago’s hatred to Desdemona and Othello, the author makes use of his own approach in analyzing the play through the prism of motives, plots, themes, and character […]
  • Othello and Desdemona: Emotional Strangers Unaware of what is happening, Desdemona continues to show her fierce devotion to her husband which both blinds her to the truth of Othello’s murderous emotions and feeds them.
  • What Can Lawyers Learn From ‘Othello’? Shakespeare has employed one of the literature elements by using major characters like, Othello, a hero and the head of armies, Desdemona, Othello’s covert wife, Michael Cassio, Othello’s deputy, Lago, ranked below the lieutenant, among […]
  • Machiavelli and Othello’s Leadership Skills It is not that easy to control lots of people, and this is why it is better to define the steps, which will help to take everything under control and not to be kept by […]
  • The Movie Adaptation of the “Othello” by William Shakespeare In its turn, this explains the lessened plausibility of film’s action, as compared to what it is being the case with original tragedy.
  • The Life and Work of William Shakespeare: His Contribution to the Contemporary Theater In addition, the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare continue to set the standard for the study of the English language in its dramatic context in institutes of higher learning and performance training.
  • Treatment of Women by Shakespeare and Sophocles Othello disregards the explanation that Desdemona has in regard to the accusation of being unfaithful and kills her.’She’s, like a liar, gone to burning hell, Shakespeare 28.’ After Othello killed Desdemona, he believed more in […]
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  • Philosophy of Literature: Shakespearean Tragedy In addition, it is also an indication of the facts that human beings are always nosy and ready to participate in other people’s issues.
  • Compare and Contrast Shakespeare’s Othello and the Blind Owl by Sedayat On the other hand, in The Blind Owl, the storyteller, a pen-case decorator, falls in love with a naive woman who is virtuous and demonic at the same time. In The Blind Owl, it is […]
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  • The Ultimate Irony: “Othello” by Shakespeare Iago, a jealous man from the beginning of the play, pretends to befriend Othello and speaks to him about the danger of jealousy.
  • The Relevance of “Othello” by William Shakespeare in the Current Society The paper demonstrates the relevance of Othello to the contemporary audience by highlighting the existence of the major issues Shakespeare addresses in this play.
  • “Othello” a Play by W. Shakespeare Literature Analysis Consequently, Othello seeks to distance himself with the misconstrued stereotypes of a ‘Moor.’ This essay seeks to prove that the main character’s sense of identity leads to his self-destruction.
  • “Othello”, “A Worn Path” and “Negro” Literature Comparison Although Hughes in his “Negro” discusses race as the main source for the character’s identity and attempts to accentuate the role of the black race for the whole world history, Shakespeare in Othello and Welty […]
  • Female Character in the Shakespeare’s Othello It appears that the primary role of women in the play is for them to act as a basis on which men are evaluated.
  • Cultural Diversity in the Play “Othello” It is the role of men to support women in this society, and that is why Desdemona’s father goes to court immediately, he is convinced that his daughter was bewitched by Othello.
  • ”Othello” and ”Chronicle of a Death Foretold”: A Difference Between Love and Passion Consequently, I believe that differences between passion and love have a tendency to exist, as passion is the uncontrolled actions to show affection, and love is the act of the understanding of the behavior of […]
  • Main Themes in “Othello” and “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” In fact, it appears that this passion is encouraged by the feelings of regret and shame more than by affection to Bayardo.
  • Iago and Othello Relationships With the help of relationships between Iago and Othello, Shakespeare conveyed the idea that good and evil have to coexist for the sake of the world balance.
  • Social Issues in Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Othello” The social environment of England at the end of the sixteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth century was characterized by great attention to social class, citizens’ jobs, and their reputation.
  • Racism in Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” The formalist analysis of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep repeats the same mistake, as it focuses on the plot devices and tropes presented in the story.
  • The Tragedy of Othello Told in Pictures In this project, I will tell the tragedy of Othello through a collection of pictures. The project is based on “Othello: The Moor of Venice”.
  • Speciesism in Shakespeare’s Othello and Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep In Shakespeare’s play, the motif of discrimination is explored in conjunction with Othello’s dark skin color, something that caused the “noble Moore” to be treated with suspicion by other characters throughout the play.
  • “Othello” by William Shakespeare: Summary and Analysis He in this way believes that Iago is an honest man and trusts him to an extent that, he leaves him with his wife and entrusts him to take care of his wife through the […]
  • Racism in Shakespeare’s “Othello” The purpose of this essay is to detect and analyze various traits of racism in Shakespeare’s famous piece Othello and how it relates to the character of Othello.
  • Othello: The Shakespeare Story Analysis Using the three female characters of Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca, Shakespeare gives us the common view of women through the eyes of Iago and the view of the nobility through the eyes of Brabantio, Desdemona’s […]
  • Shakespearean Othello as a Tragic Figure Enraged and hurt, he is mistaken in his judgments about Desdemona, it is anger that he is moved by and not his sound mind. Actually, Othello’s anger is an outcome of his jealousy.
  • Shakespeare’s Othello: A Tragic Hero When Alexander the Great died, Aristotle fled to Chalcis, where he died the following year at the age of about 62 William Shakespeare was a strong adherent of Aristotle in his writings.
  • Comparison of “Hamlet”, “King Lear” and “Othello” by Shakespeare Iago’s reports and the loss of the handkerchief appear to Othello reliable proofs of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, and under the effect of anger the protagonist is both unable and unwilling to do further investigation.
  • The Heroism of Othello He is a tragic hero because of how he fits the mold, with the single difference that instead of pride, Othello is unwise in his placement of loyalties.
  • “Othello” by William Shakespeare: Military Honor and Othello The higher a person’s rank, the more he is expected to honor the code and the harder it is for him to conceive of someone else breaking it.
  • The Theme of the Tragic Hero “Othello” For Othello, the doubt and suspicion growing in his mind regarding a possible relationship between Cassio and Desdemona were started with Desdemona’s father at the beginning of the play. For Othello, his greatest weakness is […]
  • Iago the Gardener`s Behavior in “Othello” by Shakespeare In the lead-up to the passage to be analyzed, Iago has tried to turn Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, against Othello by letting him know his daughter is “making the beast with two backs” with the Moor.
  • Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Miller’s “The Crucible” The villains in both “Othello” and “The Crucible” are unique in their proficiency in the use of language for manipulating others and their ability to use the current setting for achieving their goals; Abigail is […]
  • Ed. Michelle Lee’s “Othello” as a Critical Source He starts by briefly retelling the main events of Othello and proceeds to state that modern critics’ main concern is about the subjects of race and gender in their analyses of the play.
  • Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ Act 1 Scene 2, Lines 60-82 This passage is in the form of a dialogue between the two characters in the play. The above lines portray Othello as a victim of prejudice.
  • Comparison of Oedipus and Othello Cases The essay intends to look at the life of Oedipus who is the main character of the book and how the gods were responsible for his downfall after the struggle he had gone through to […]
  • Shakespeare and His View on Kingship: Macbeth, King Lear and Othello At the same time, it is beyond doubt in the basement Macbeth’s character is clean and as a soldier, he is true to his job and his king.
  • Salih’s “Season of Migration to the North” and “Othello” by Shakespeare In his journey through those worst performances on English women leading a few to suicide, he did not consider the situation and emotions of women he met.
  • Appearance in “Othello” and “A Raisin in the Sun” The paper under analysis is based on the comparison of Othello by Shakespeare and A Raising in the Sun by Hansberry through the manifesting of the theme of the racial segregation and the nature of […]
  • Critical Analysis of Shakespeare’s, “Othello”, Act V, Scene II Othello, a husband to Desdemona realizes later that Desdemona was a faithful and loving woman. Othello is determined to kill her however her beauty and innocent appearance restrict Othello.
  • Lago’s Hatred and Jealousy in the “Othello” by William Shakespeare Othello is a story by William Shakespeare that revolves around four characters, Othello, who is the general in the Venetian Army, Lago, who was Othello’s assistant in the same army, Desdemona, the daughter of a […]
  • Othello and Desdemona in “Othello” by Shakespeare This essay will discuss why the relationship between Othello and Desdemona was doomed from the start and how their tragic fate relates to the topic of jealousy.
  • Othello: A Tragic Hero Through the Prism of Aristotle’s Definition According to him, the prerequisite of a tragedy revolves around the plot of the play. Othello, who is the main character, is a perfect example of a tragic hero.
  • Power in Stories of Oedipus and Othello What woman in that period would not want to marry a high-ranking general and acquire the power that comes with it?
  • Anti-Racism in Shakespeare’s Othello For Shakespeare, Brabantio’s views are representative of the racial prejudice of the society in general, rather than of his personal feelings towards the protagonist. On the other hand, Othello’s story is cohesive and believable; he […]
  • Story, Plot, and Symbolism of “Othello” Film The movie’s point of attack is Othello’s decision to overlook Iago for a promotion to the position of Lieutenant in favor of Cassio.
  • Background of Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Sophocles’s “Antigone” Even though Othello is a Moor, he fights for Venice in this war and wins, thus proving his loyalty to the Christian Venice.
  • Mind vs. Heart in “Othello” by William Shakespeare The main idea of the William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, written in 1604, is the confrontation of the mind and the heart.
  • Why “Othello” by William Shakespeare Is a Tragedy To be classified as an Aristotelian tragedy, a film or story must be complex and include a situation in which a respectable person suffers a complete reversal of fortunes due to a fatal mistake and […]
  • Analysis of Acts I and II of Shakespeare’s Othello Play In lines “and what’s he then that says I play the villain,” Iago acknowledges that he seduces his victim, Cassio, by pretending to display good intent.
  • The Tragedy of Othello by William Shakespeare: Bianca’s Innocence The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice is considered one of the most popular works of William Shakespeare. The young courtesan, Bianca, is presented in the play as the mistress of one of the […]
  • Restoring Honor and Confidence in Shakespeare’s Othello The correlation of the fate of the hero with the development of society, which is the main distinguishing feature of the genre of tragedy, can take on a variety of artistic forms.
  • The Use of Dark Symbolism in “Othello” and “Paradise Lost” Thus, the use of dark imagery in Milton’s work is implemented to heighten the contrast between light and darkness, good and evil.
  • Shakespeare’s Othello as a Subaltern Play Othello is considered a subaltern play that illustrates the conflict between the moral voice and silence of female characters and the treacherous voices of male figures.
  • Topics in the Othello Play by Shakespeare I frequently returned to the beginning of the passage or dialogue to remind myself what the topic of the conversation was.
  • “Le Morte Darthur” by Malory, Thomas and “Othello” by Shakespeare The mistrust grows, culminating in the assassinations of Emilia, Roderigo, and Desdemona, as well as Othello’s death. In truth, Iago’s evilness inspires Roderigo’s jealousy and Othello’s misgivings of his own innocent wife, Desdemona.
  • The Significance of the Handkerchief to Othello The main reason for the discord is that Othello slept with his wife and justifies all the negativity toward Iago. The handkerchief is the best proof that Desdemona has entered into an intimate relationship with […]
  • Shakespeare’s Tragedy “Othello” Speaking of racism as a possible motivation for Iago’s behavior, it is worth noting that it is not the primary and only source of its manifestation.
  • Comparison of Marriage in Elizabethan Times and in “Othello” The man was believed to be the head of the family, and he had the legal right to punish his wife.
  • Iago’s Motives in Shakespeare’s Othello Play He does not seek to seize the treasure his intention is only to deprive the possessor of the treasure of pleasure. A cynic to the depths of his brain, he sees only the flipside in […]
  • The Character of Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello The greatest evil in the play, the catalyst for the tragedy to unfold, appears to be “the Devil,” the avatar of which can be seen in Iago.
  • “Othello” Through the Lens of Feminist Theory It depicts female characters in a state of submission and obedience and shows the disbalance in the distribution of power between men and women.
  • Shakespeare’s Othello: Hero or Villain Review However, it is still possible to view Othello as a hero but a tragic one. He is a tragic hero who suffered from his actions.
  • Symbolism in Shakespeare’s Othello and Pope’s The Rape of the Lock This paper aims to compare the aspects of symbolism in Othello and The Rape of the Lock. The lock in the poem “The Rape of the Lock” is more than just a coiled strand of […]
  • Play Analysis: Shakespeare’s “Othello” and “Twelfth Night” Iago’s persona, which is portrayed as predatory and cynical, is crucial to the tragedy because it disturbs the plot. Shakespeare succeeds in making the play unsettling by utilizing a lot of epithets, metaphors, amplifications, repetitions, […]
  • Why Does Iago Convince Othello of Desdemona’s Infidelity?
  • How Are Othello and Blanche Dubois Alienated in Their Societies?
  • How Jealousy Leads Towards the Tragedy in “Othello”?
  • Why Iago From William Shakespeare’s “Othello” Is a Well-Written Villain?
  • Does Othello Meet the Standards of a Tragic Hero?
  • How Does Iago Convince Othello That Desdemona and Cassio Must Die?
  • What Role Does Race Plays in “Othello”?
  • How Does Iago Attempt to Poison Othello Against Desdemona?
  • How Do Age, Social Position, and Race Impact the Relationship Between Othello and Desdemona?
  • Can Pathos and Ethos Compel “Othello” Out of Logic?
  • How Are the Characters Empowered or Disempowered in “Brilliant Lies” and “Othello”?
  • Why Isn’t Shakespeare’s “Othello” Called Iago?
  • What Are the Qualities “Othello” Possesses Which Make It a Tragedy?
  • Does Iago Cause the Tragedy of Othello and Desdemona, or Is He Merely the Catalyst?
  • How Does Iago Convince Othello of Desdemona’s Infidelity?
  • Why Did Othello Kill Desdemona?
  • Why Does Othello Choose to Trust Iago Rather Than Desdemona?
  • Does Iago Cause the Tragedy of Othello?
  • What Are the Similarities Between “Macbeth” and “Othello”?
  • How Far Does the Context of War and Soldiery Contribute to the Tragedy in Shakespeare’s “Othello”?
  • Whose Responsibilities for Tragedy Outcome of “Othello”?
  • What Are the Contextual Factors Critical to the Study of “Othello”?
  • How Did Iago Manipulate Othello?
  • What Role Does Incoherent Language Play in “Othello”?
  • How Othello’s Personality Evolves in the Tragedy of “Othello” by William Shakespeare?
  • What Does Othello’s Speech and Say Tell Us About His Character?
  • Did Desdemona and Othello Experience True Love?
  • Did Othello Truly Love Desdemona?
  • How Does the Ending of “Othello” Relate to the Ideas and Characteristics of the Text?
  • Were “Othello” and “The Merchant of Venice” Racist Plays?
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Othello Exam Questions

First of all let’s look at the broad categories questions usually fall into:

You must be able to discuss the following when it comes to  characters :

  • a tragic hero? (does he recognise his flaws and gain self-knowledge?)
  • his nobility (is he a good man?) / strengths & weaknesses / virtues & flaws
  • his relationship with Desdemona & treatment of her
  • his manipulation by Iago and transformation into a jealous brute
  • the extent to which he is responsible for the tragedy which occurs at the end of the play
  • our level of sympathy for him
  • the real ‘hero’ of the action?
  • flaws and virtues?
  • his motivation
  • how he controls & manipulates all of the action/characters
  • too good to be true or a believable character?
  • dramatic function in the play?

Emilia / Bianca:

  • Emilia’s dramatic function in the play
  • foils to Desdemona – worldly and cynical rather than pure and innocent
  • add variety to Shakespeare’s presentation of women & his exploration of their position in society
  • symbol of goodness
  • extent to which he contributes to the tragedy

All characters:

  • contrast the extremes of good and evil presented in the characters in the play
  • the play is very pessimistic about human nature
  • the play is very pessimistic about human relationships

The major  themes  in the play are:

  • Revenge / Power
  • Good vs Evil
  • Appearance vs Reality (Deception/Manipulation)
  • Love & Hate / Loyalty & Betrayal
  • Women’s position in society

For each theme – no matter what the wording – ask yourself

  • WHO  does this theme apply to?
  • HOW / WHY  does this character have to deal with this issue?
  • Do they  CHANGE  over the course of the play?
  • Are there any  SCENES  which highlight this theme specifically?
  • What are our  FINAL IMPRESSIONS  of this issue?

OPEN QUESTIONS:

  • Relevance to a modern audience
  • Pessimistic play

STYLE QUESTIONS:

  • Language & Imagery
  • Dramatic Irony
  • Compelling Drama – scene or scenes

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Othello & Iago:

 “ Othello’s foolishness, rather than Iago’s cleverness, leads to the tragedy of Shakespeare’s Othello ” (2008)

“ It is Othello’s egotism and lack of self-knowledge, and not Iago’s evil schemes, which ultimately bring about the tragedy at the end of the play “

“ Othello is arrogant, impulsive and violent. While Iago sets up the conditions for tragedy to occur, it is Othello, ultimately, who we must hold responsible for the tragic events which unfold “

“ A combination of Iago’s skill, Othello’s weakness and a measure of good luck, bring about the tragedy in Othello “

“ Iago cannot be blamed for the deaths of Desdemona and Othello “

“ We cannot blame Othello for being fooled by Iago. Everyone else in the play, including Iago’s wife, believes that he  is honest and true “

“ Othello and Iago are both egotists, obsessed with proving how clever and capable they are, and hell bent on revenge when they feel they have been wronged “

“Othello is the principal agent of his own downfall” (1994)

“ Othello is essentially a noble character, flawed by insecurity & a nature that is naive & unsophisticated ” (1990)

“ Othello is a good man who is skilfully manipulated by Iago. For this reason, despite his credulousness, we continue to feel sorry for him “

“ Iago’s schemes succeed, not because Othello is weak, but because he is so noble “

“ Othello is a noble hero who loses, but ultimately regains our sympathy “

“ We do not approve of Othello’s behaviour, yet we nonetheless pity him “

“ Othello is not a tragic hero; he is a gullible fool “

“ Othello is not a tragic hero. He never really takes responsibility for his errors of character and judgement”

“ Despite his suffering, Othello learns little of himself or of human relationships “

To what extent do you agree with Othello’s assessment of himself as an “ honourable murderer ” who “ loved not wisely but too well “?

“ The collapse of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage is the real tragedy of this play “

“ Iago is the real hero of Shakespeare’s play Othello ”

“ Iago is a likable villain ”

“ Iago is motivated by jealousy of others good fortune and by a lust for power ”

“Iago is a charming villain, but it is difficult to understand his motivation”

“ Iago is an evil villain with no redeeming qualities “

“ While we are repulsed by Iago’s evil, we are fascinated by his ingenuity “

“ Iago is the most evil but also the most fascinating character in the play Othello”

“ Desdemona is not a credible character, she is an unrealistic saint who does nothing to try and prevent her fate ”

“ Desdemona is a woman, not an angel; she lives and loves with her whole person, both body and soul ”

“ Desdemona’s dramatic function in the play is to act as a symbol of purity, innocence and goodness but this means that her behaviour is not always entirely believable ”

“ Desdemona and Iago are at opposite poles in the play, Othello, the one representing pure love, the other hate incarnate “. (1986)

Emilia / Bianca: 

Discuss the importance of the character Emilia in the play as a whole. (1994)

“ Women are not presented in a very positive light in Shakespeare’s Othello “

“ Cassio may be a ‘proper man’ but he is also an honest fool whose weakness plays no small part in the tragic death of Desdemona ”

“ Shakespeare’s play Othello demonstrates the weakness of human judgement ” (2008)

“ Shakespeare’s Othello presents the very best and the very worst in human nature ”

“ Shakespeare’s Othello presents us with a dark and pessimistic view of human nature”

“Shakespeare’s Othello presents us with a dark and pessimistic view of human relationships”

“ In the play Othello, naive, innocent characters are no match for the evil machinations of the world weary Iago “

“ The destructive power of jealousy is dramatically presented in Shakespeare’s play Othello ”

“ Shakespeare’s Othello is concerned not so much with jealousy, as with misunderstanding ”

“ Shakespeare’s play Othello powerfully portrays a world dominated by jealousy and revenge”

“ Evil ultimately conquers good in Shakespeare’s play Othello ”

“In Shakespeare’s play Othello, we witness a profound inability to distinguish between appearances and reality”

“ Appearances do not mask a sinister reality in this play, yet Iago manages to convince every character that there is more going on than meets the eye”

“ Love and hate are presented as opposite sides of the same coin in Shakespeare’s play Othello ”

“ Shakespeare’s Othello initially questions, but then confirms racist stereotypes ”

“ The role and status of women is dramatically explored in Shakespeare’s Othello”

Open questions:

“Shakespeare’s Othello remains relevant for a modern audience”

“ Despite the striking portrayals of goodness and nobility, the play Othello leaves the audience with a sense of dismal despair ”

Style questions:

“ Image of animals, images of storm and images of heaven and hell predominate in Othello ” (1990)

 “ Irony is a powerful dramatic device used by Shakespeare to heighten the tragic dimension of his play Othello ” (1998)

Othello contains many scenes of compelling drama. Choose one scene which you found particularly compelling and discuss why you found it so.

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othello essay questions

Othello Essay Questions

  • Can Ethos and Pathos Change Othello’s Way of Thinking?
  • What Encourages Iago to Lie to Othello About the Affair of Desdemona?
  • What Causes Blanche Dubois and Othello’s Alienation in their Communities?
  • How Does Jealousy Give Rise to the Tragic Ending in Othello?
  • Is Iago a Well-Thought Antagonist in Shakespeare’s “Othello? Explain Why.
  • Do Tragic Hero’s Qualities Fit in Othello’s Characteristics?
  • What Ways Did Iago Use to Persuade Othello of Cassio and Desdemona’s Death?
  • How Does Race Play a Big Part in Othello?
  • How Does Iago Execute Poisoning Othello to be Mad at Desdemona?
  • What Implications Do Age, Social Class, and Ethnicity Have on Desdemona and Othello’s Affair?
  • How Do the Strengths and Weaknesses of The Characters in “Othello” and “Brilliant Lies” Showcase?
  • Why Did Shakespeare Give “Othello” as the Title Instead of Lago?
  • What Features of Othello Determine the Story as a Tragedy?
  • Is Lago the Reason for Desdemona and Othello’s Tragic Relationship or Just the One Who Triggers It?
  • What Encourages Iago to Lie on Othello About the Affair of Desdemona?
  • What Causes Othello to Kill Desdemona?
  • Why Did Othello Believe in Iago Instead of Desdemona?
  • Is Iago the Main Reason for Othello’s Tragedy?
  • Can You Spot Resemblances between Othello and Macbeth?
  • To What Extent Does War and Soldiery Idea Influence the Tragic Plot of Shakespeare’s Othello?
  • Who Should Be Blamed for the Tragic Ending of “Othello”?
  • What Contextual Concepts Are Considered Important in Analyzing “Othello”?
  • What Ways Did Iago Use in Controlling Othello?
  • How Does Incoherent Speech Serve in Works in “Othello”?
  • In What Way Does Othello’s Character Change in Shakespeare’s Play Called “Othello”?
  • Can You Mention Othello’s Line That Says A Lot about His Personality?
  • Does True Love Happen between Othello and Desdemona?
  • Is Othello’s Love for Desdemona Genuine?
  • Briefly Explain “Othello’s” Ending. How can it Be Connected to Concepts and Text’s Characteristics?
  • Is it Right to Label “Merchant of Venice” and “Othello” as Racist Dramas?

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Othello A Level Essay Questions

Othello A Level Essay Questions

Subject: English

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Mr C English Resources

Last updated

20 February 2020

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othello essay questions

These documents have been developed to assist teachers and students in preparing for their A-Level Literature exam on Shakespeare’s “Othello”.

The first document has 43 essay questions that deal with Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Emilia, Bianca, Cassio, Roderigo and the many major themes of the play.

The second document has been specifically formatted to assist in preparing for the CCEA A2 Unit 1 (Shakespearean Genres) exam. 28 extracts have been selected from the play, each with corresponding exam-style essay questions to assist students in selecting appropriate parts of the play for their written responses.

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Kristina_Lennon

Great selection of questions. Saved me a lot of time thinking up from scratch for HW questions and revision resources.

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A good selection of questions. It allows for differentiation within the unit.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Othello — Othello’s Soliloquies: A Window into the Tragic Downfall

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Othello's Soliloquies: a Window into The Tragic Downfall

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Published: Mar 8, 2024

Words: 438 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

The first soliloquy, the second soliloquy, the final soliloquy.

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othello essay questions

Othello (1995 Film) Essay Questions

By oliver parker, essay questions.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Written by Polly Barbour

In what way is this movie different from William Shakespeare's original play?

In many ways, the film is loyal to the play as written by the Bard; the play's original lines are used, and the differences are not so much in anything that is taken out - nothing is - but in what has been added in. There are several "silent scenes" where there is no dialogue but where the audience is able to see a visual representation of relationships between different characters or of the way in which situations evolve within the different members of the group. For example there are dialogue-less loves scenes between Othello and Desdemona that demonstrate their love for each other but also demonstrate why Othello is so enraged over any suspected affair that he believes his wife may be having. Therefore the film differs from the play in the additional scenes added into it rather than in changing or leaving out anything from the original play.

Emilia's role is small in the film itself yet her character is extremely pivotal in the plot. Why is this?

Emilia is Iago's wife and does not feature predominantly in the plot of the film; she is also Desdemona's companion. She does not really feature a great deal in the action yet she is extremely important because her decision to inform Othello of her husband's scheming turns everything upside down for all of the characters, but especially Othello himself. Emilia comes into Desdemona's bedroom just as her "mistress" has been murdered by Othello; she tells him that there was no relationship between Cassio and Desdemona and that Iago made the whole thing up in an attempt to destroy both Othello and Cassio; Desdemona herself was collateral damage. In telling him this, she clears Cassio's name (he is not a shameless stealer of other mens' wives after all) she has confirmed Desdemona's loyalty to her husband - thereby telling him that he has murdered her in a rage over something that never happened, and as a result he is so extremely remorseful and unable to cope with what he has done that he kills himself as well.

Telling Othello about Iago's scheme also changes everything for Iago; he is hunted down and stabbed, but Othello does not succeed in killing him himself. Instead, Iago is taken away, tortured and will ultimately be executed. In this way, Emilia is a peripheral character but the small role she does play in the plot itself directs what happens to the surviving characters.

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Othello (1995 Film) Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Othello (1995 Film) is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Study Guide for Othello (1995 Film)

Othello (1995 Film) study guide contains a biography of director Oliver Parker, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About Othello (1995 Film)
  • Othello (1995 Film) Summary
  • Character List
  • Director's Influence

Essays for Othello (1995 Film)

Othello (1995 Film) essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Othello (1995 Film), directed by Oliver Parker.

  • From Script to Screen - The Maddening World of Iago in Parker's 'Othello' (1995)
  • J.L. Austin through Emilia’s Speech in Othello: Powerfully Feminist or Just Ironic?
  • The Power of Stories and Storytelling: Shakespeare’s and Geoffrey Sax’s Othellos

Wikipedia Entries for Othello (1995 Film)

  • Introduction

othello essay questions

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COMMENTS

  1. Othello Essay Questions

    Shakespeare uses dialogue to convey the innerworkings of his characters. 3. Othello is often called a tragic hero. Discuss his heroic qualities as well as his flaws which lead to his demise. At the beginning of the play Othello is presented as an honorable man of noble stature and high position. In the end it is his misguided attempt to ...

  2. Essay Questions

    Study Help Essay Questions. 1. Describe the course of Iago's deception of Othello, showing which incidents were planned and which were opportunistic. Does Iago succeed by skill or by luck? 2. Discuss how age, social position, and race impact the relationship between Othello and Desdemona. 3.

  3. Othello: Suggested Essay Topics

    Suggested Essay Topics. 2. Discuss the importance of setting in the play, paying close attention to physical details that differentiate Venice from Cyprus and that define the particular character of each location as it pertains to the plot of the play. 3. Discuss the role of Emilia.

  4. 92 Exceptional Topics for Othello Essay

    92 Exceptional Topics for Othello Essay. by IvyPanda Updated on: Aug 13th, 2023. 12 min. 7,649. Shakespeare's Othello is an extraordinary play that incorporates a huge variety of themes and symbols. You can find examples of allusions and imagery that are intriguing to analyze.That's why our team prepared this list!

  5. Othello: A+ Student Essay

    Roderigo, on the defensive and trying to present himself and Iago as a unified front, casually refers to Othello as "the thick-lips." This epithet is both an attempt to undermine Othello's military achievements with a cheap stereotype as well as a way to pit Roderigo and Iago's physical similarity against Othello's unfamiliar appearance.

  6. Othello Suggested Essay Topics

    Suggested Essay Topics. PDF. Act I, Scenes 1-3. 1. Explain how Iago uses his power of persuasion with Roderigo, Brabantio, and Othello to create his scheme to undo the Moor. 2. Contrast what Iago ...

  7. 107 Othello Essay Topics & Research Questions

    The theme of trust and betrayal in "Othello.". Trust plays a critical role in this play. You can write a literary analysis essay exploring how trust is gained, lost, and manipulated in "Othello.". Imagery and symbolism in "Othello.". Here, you can write an argumentative essay supporting your understanding of the play's symbols.

  8. Othello: Questions & Answers

    Under Iago's influence Roderigo wakes Brabantio to tell him that his daughter, Desdemona, has run off in the night with Othello. Roderigo is madly in love with Desdemona and is willing to do anything for a chance to make her his own, even manipulate her father into a rage that could ruin her and Othello's marriage.

  9. Othello: Essay Questions

    A list of potential essay questions to explore the themes and characters of Othello, a Shakespearean tragedy about jealousy, corruption and irony. The questions consider relevant contextual factors such as the settings, the values and the foolishness of the characters.

  10. Othello Essay Topics

    Support your answer with evidence. 2. In Act I, the Venetian Senate asks Othello to defend Cyprus against the Turks. All of the play's major characters sail to Cyprus, but a storm stops the Turkish fleet in Act II, eliminating the reason for Othello's journey to Cyprus. Why do you think Shakespeare moved the action of the play to Cyprus ...

  11. Othello Study Guide

    Othello study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. ... Othello Questions and Answers. The Question and Answer section for Othello is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

  12. Othello : Essay Topics

    Othello: Essay Topics 1) Some have said that the focus of Othello is not the title character, as is the case with Shakespeare's other great tragedies, Macbeth, King Lear, and Hamlet.Is Othello simply too one-dimensional to be considered a great tragic hero? Does his seemingly unrealistic gullibility lessen our interest in him and his suffering?

  13. 7 essay questions on 'Othello'

    Exam preparation. Author. William Shakespeare. Character. Othello. Title. Othello. Seven exam-style essay questions on Othello, with a range of critics' comments on the text to develop A-level students' understanding of key themes and characters in the play. 83.51 KB.

  14. 115 Othello Essay Topics & Examples

    15 min. Most Othello essay samples analyze the plot, thesis, and characters of William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. The tragedy is based on n Cinthio's story 'Un Capitano Moro.'. Before you start writing your Othello essay, you must have a clear understanding of who The Moor is.

  15. Shakespeare's Othello: A+ Student Essay Examples by

    1 page / 533 words. Introduction Othello, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in 1603, is set in Venice and tells the story of Othello, a Moor who rises to a high rank in the military but faces racism and discrimination. This essay will explore the prevalent theme of racism... Othello. 4.

  16. Othello Exam Questions

    Style questions: " Image of animals, images of storm and images of heaven and hell predominate in Othello " (1990) " Irony is a powerful dramatic device used by Shakespeare to heighten the tragic dimension of his play Othello " (1998) Othello contains many scenes of compelling drama. Choose one scene which you found particularly ...

  17. Othello Critical Essays

    Topic #3. Othello is a play in which many contrasts affect the characters' ability to discern the difference between reality and illusion. Identify and trace the contrasts between black and ...

  18. OTHELLO ESSAY QUESTIONS Flashcards

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Typically, texts about romance that breaks social conventions present love as objectionable and dangerous, Explore how Shakespeare presents the damage caused by breaking taboos within society, Typically, texts present women primarily as objects of men's sexual desires. and more.

  19. Othello Essay Topics

    Spread the loveOthello Essay Questions Can Ethos and Pathos Change Othello's Way of Thinking? What Encourages Iago to Lie to Othello About the Affair of Desdemona? What Causes Blanche Dubois and Othello's Alienation in their Communities? How Does Jealousy Give Rise to the Tragic Ending in Othello? Is Iago a Well-Thought Antagonist in Shakespeare's "Othello? Explain Why. Do Tragic Hero ...

  20. Othello A Level Essay Questions

    The first document has 43 essay questions that deal with Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Emilia, Bianca, Cassio, Roderigo and the many major themes of the play. The second document has been specifically formatted to assist in preparing for the CCEA A2 Unit 1 (Shakespearean Genres) exam. 28 extracts have been selected from the play, each with ...

  21. Othello's Soliloquies: A Window into the Tragic Downfall: [Essay

    The Final Soliloquy. Finally, the last soliloquy comes just before Othello kills Desdemona. In this speech, he reveals that he has finally come to understand the depth of Iago's manipulations. He says, "I look down towards his feet - but that's a fable. / If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee" (5.2.287-288).

  22. Practice questions Othello

    Essay Questions - Year 11 - Othello 1. 'Shakespeare's Othello presents us with a sinister and cynical view of human relationships that continues to engage modern audiences.'. To what extent does this view align with your own? In Shakespeare's play, Othello (1603), the sinister and cynical relationships between the Machiavellian antagonist Iago and other characters captivates the ...

  23. PDF Grade 12 Literature Setwork

    OTHELLO - William Shakespeare QUESTION 12: OTHELLO - ESSAY QUESTION Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only. However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of critical thought and interpretation.

  24. Othello (1995 Film) Essay Questions

    The Question and Answer section for Othello (1995 Film) is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. Othello (1995 Film) study guide contains a biography of director Oliver Parker, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. The Othello (1995 Film) Community Note ...