Othello Mini Essay_1

Othello Mini Essay

1. Introduction

   • central theme: prejudice
   • elaborate two contrasting pictures of Othello
   • aim of essay is to support Shakespeare's view
   • it is unjust to discriminate against people based on preconceived ideas of race

2. Body 1

   • key message: language indicates character
   • Othello's speech is blameless whilst Iago and Roderigo are the opposite, this makes sense
   • words about appearance mean nothing, whilst words about personality are more credible

3. Body 2

   • Shakespeare shows injustice of prejudice through literature
   • words reflect nature
   • Desdemona "sees Othello's visage in his mind"
   • The Duke confronts Brabantio

4. Conclusion

   • uneducated opinions are baseless, therefore Iago & Roderigo are wrong
   • Shakespeare uses political and social views of 16th cent. Venitian people to comment on the unfairness of prejudice through this tragic tale
   • Connotations of race are merely stereotypes, skin colour does not make u evil or good