Exam (elaborations)
A BANK OF EXAM QUESTONS FOR A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE - OTHELLO
- Institution
- CIE
A collection of exam questions from past A level English Literature papers (various examination boards) on Othello - William Shakespeare
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Othello1. 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.
2. ‘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.
3. ‘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.
4. ‘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
5. ‘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.
6. ‘Iago’s villainy is fiendish and inexplicable.’ To what extent do you
agree with this view? Remember to include in your answer
relevant comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic methods.
, 7. ‘Othello’s tragedy is less the tragedy of personal weakness and
more the tragedy of an individual caught in a society he doesn’t
understand.’ To what extent do you agree with this view?
Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on
Shakespeare’s dramatic method
8. ‘In the literature of love, men control women.’ In the light of this
view, discuss how Shakespeare presents male attitudes towards
women in the play.
9. Explore the significance of the military world to the tragedy of
‘Othello’. Remember to include in your answer relevant comment
on Shakespeare’s dramatic methods.
10. ‘Brabantio’s role as Desdemona’s father and Roderigo’s role
as her suitor suggest that they both love Desdemona. However,
all that drives them is possessiveness, jealousy and pride.’ In the
light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents Brabantio
and Roderigo in the play.
11. Othello refers to himself as ‘one that loved not wisely, but
too well.’ In the light of this comment, discuss Shakespeare’s
presentation of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship.
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