Literary+Analysis

PREWRITING

 * THE TASK: **

// What is my task? // // ﻿ // For a review of the task and to ensure you understand it, complete the "[|What's this Literary Analysis all about?"]Google Doc and submit it online.

You will use your analysis skills to write an essay on Shakespeare’s //Othello//. Unlike the other essays you have written, this essay will be entirely up to you. You may choose to respond to the open-ended essay questions or you may choose to focus on a particular theme, issue or character.
 * Literary Analysis Paper on Shakespeare's //Othello//**

NOTE: FOR AP LITERARY ANALYSIS SEE GUIDELINES ON HANDOUT PDF

•3-5 Pages Typed (4-5 Pages for Honor’s classes) •MLA Style: doubled spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt Font •1 Page Outline •Works Cited Page: Includes Othello and a secondary source •Include at least 5 quotes from Othello and 2 quotes from a secondary source •Has a clear beginning, middle and end •Each paragraph begins with a main idea statement that supports the thesis •Correctly cites primary and secondary sources
 * Guidelines**:

// What type of research will I need to do? //

Although the content of your essay is up to you, you must support your interpretations with clear and specific evidence (quotations) from your primary source, Othello. You must also incorporate support from at least ONE secondary source.

You will mainly be using your **primary source** (//Othello//), but you will also locate a **secondary source**, in the form of a piece of literary criticism that relates to your focus.


 * SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION: **

// Where will I look for the information that I need? //

Student Resources in Context

Literary Reference Center through Chicago Public Library

SOAR Manley Library Catalog

Where else?

// What strategies will I use to search for the information that I need? //

--use advanced search features --use only keywords (do not type in your entire topic) --record the MLA formatted citation in your notes --use proper MLA in-text citation

// How will I use this information in my paper? How will I incorporate my own ideas and opinions with the primary source, Othello, and a secondary source (book or article)? //

You will need to keep a running list of important quotations and details to help you write your essay. You will also need to take notes as your read the play, paying special attention to your area of interest. (//See samples below)//

• How can Othello be considered a tragic hero? Can his downfall be attributed to a tragic flaw? • Discuss prejudice in Othello. What points do you think Shakespeare was attempting to make? • Who is responsible for the tragedy that ends the play? Iago, Othello, or Desdemona? • In what ways are Othello and Desdemona similar to Romeo and Juliet? In what ways are they dissimilar? • Do you think that Othello was able to control his fate? • Discuss the various scenes of chaos in the play. • Is Othello or Iago the villain in the play? • Discuss how any of these Themes exist in the play: Appearance vs. Reality; Fate vs. Free Will; Blindness vs. Sight; Ignorance vs. Knowledge; Reputation; Black and White; Jealousy; Justice; Love • Othello’s Role in the play: Is he a weak character? Is he as strong as he portrays himself to be? • Iago’s Role in the play: What makes Iago the play’s villain? Discuss the theme of appearance vs. reality as it relates to Iago? • Desdemona and Emilia: Discuss how Desdemona and Emilia are foils. • Discuss Othello and Iago as foils, or are they really the same?
 * Open Ended Essay Questions:**
 * Or Themes:**
 * Or Characterization:**

//**Please see the reverse side of your assignment handout or your Writer's INC. handbook (page 232) for "TIPS for Writing an Analysis"//

DOCUMENTS

 * ASSESSMENT RUBRIC: **




 * AP LITERARY ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT: **


 * IN-CLASS POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: **

** THESIS and INTRODUCTION GRAPHIC ORGANIZATION: **


 * QUOTE CATCHER: **