This document is an in-depth and detailed plan for the essay question: ‘ Explore how Shakespeare presents the theme of justice in Othello’. In this essay plan It contains a plan for three paragraphs which cover all the assessment objectives and insured that I got an A in my A-level exam
Explore how Shakespeare presents the theme of justice in
‘Othello’
PARAGRAPH 1:
Iago's Vengeful Manipulation in order to get Justice: [A01] The audience
initially thinks that Iago's resentment towards Othello stems from being
passed over for promotion. However, it is later revealed that the ulterior
reason is due to his thought that Othello had slept with this wife. He
orchestrates a complex revenge plan fueled by jealousy and spite. His
manipulation of characters like Othello and Cassio drives the tragedy
forward.
Quote 1: "I hate the Moor, and it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets
he has done my office." (Act 1, Scene 3)
[A02] The use of the metaphor "twixt my sheets" creates a vivid image of
intimacy and betrayal, implying that Othello has committed adultery with
Iago's wife
[A03] Context: fear of cuckoldry + Shakespeare portraying him as a
Machiavellian villain
Structure: Soliloquies - Furthermore, revealing Iago’s plans to the
audience creates dramatic irony and this heightens our impression of the
tragedy of the play, as we watch the inevitable play out.
Linked Quote: "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed
monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." (Act 3, Scene 3)
Link: Iago's resentment towards Othello is fueled by jealousy, as shown in
the first quote. The linked quote further emphasises jealousy as a driving
force behind Iago's manipulation and revenge.
[A02] Shakespeare employs the metaphor of jealousy as a "green-eyed
monster" to personify and characterise jealousy as something menacing
and destructive.
The irony lies in the fact that Iago, who is warning Othello about jealousy,
is actually the embodiment of jealousy himself. This irony serves to
highlight the hypocrisy and deceitfulness of Iago's character, as he
manipulates Othello's emotions while pretending to be a loyal friend.
[A03] Further context: Senecan tragedy - Characterised by long reflective
soliloquies, exploration of revenge and being full of violence
[A05] Critic quote: Andy Serkins - 'he is not the devil. He's you or me
being jealous and not being able to control our feelings' (IAGO)
While acknowledging the human elements in Iago's character, the
audience may still find it challenging to fully sympathise with him due to
the extent of his malicious actions. While Iago's jealousy and inability to
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