Re-written example essay about the character Othello from 'Othello' by W. Shakespeare. Includes quotations, context and analysis. Also includes comments about how to further strengthen the resoponse.
Whole text comments:
- Phrasing could be a little more clearer here.
- Partly social/historical context.
- More analysis of quotations and techniques needed throughout this paragraph.
- Need to mention a quote of the listing (part of the listing)
- Be clearer - note that he’s speaking with the Duke here.
Shakespeare presents Othello as a character who exhibits an intense level of hubris
throughout the first half of the play. We could argue Othello’s excessive pride is a significant
factor of his downfall towards the end of the play, as it can be a problematic personality trait,
especially in tragic hero protagonists. However, we could also argue that it is only expected
from Othello, as he has earned the right to take pride in his career, as a black man in a
predominantly white Venetian society. Othello is depicted as a self-built and successful
general in the Venetian army, who overcame hardships such as racism throughout his life.
Racial prejudice was highly predominant in Elizabethan England and black people were
viewed as savages and slaves and it is clear Othello is a victim of prejudice as he is
frequently addressed as “his Moorship” or as Iago describes him as “an old black ram”. The
use of the noun “ram” dehumanises Othello as it depicts him as an animal, categorising him
as less than a human according to the Great Chain of Being. In Act One, Scene 3, Othello
presents all of his military achievements to the Duke and Brabantio through the
combinations of long length of turn and asyndetic listing, “From year to year, the battles,
sieges, fortunes…”. This further strengthens the idea that Othello has earned to take pride in
his career and people such as the Duke and Desdemona respect Othello’s authority and
success.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller dzaletova22. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £6.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
