Note: All readings apply to Othello unless otherwise noted
Due Monday, 5/9: Read Act 5, Scene 2 to end of page 205
Due Tuesday, 5/10: Read Act 5, Scene 2 to the end of scene
Wednesday 5/ 11 and Thursday, 5/12: Review Activities for Acts 4 and 5
Friday, 5/13: Test on Acts 4 and 5
Due Monday, 5/16: Research for essay on Othello essay. The essay will be due on Tuesday, May 24. No late papers will be accepted. They must be printed before class begins and you must be on time to class.
Topic: The importance of the handkerchief in the play
Approach:
1. Find all the speeches that relate to the handkerchief and read them carefully, checking all notes and making sure that you can accurately paraphrase each reference and speech. (due Monday, 5/16)
2. What is the history of the handkerchief? Why did Othello give it to Desdemona? (due Monday, 5/16)
3. How did the handkerchief come into Iago's possession? What does he do with it? How does he use it to prove that Desdemona has betrayed Othello? (due Tuesday, 5/17)
4. Why does Othello ask Desdemona about the handkerchief? How does she respond? Why does she respond as she does? How does Othello respond? Why does he respond as he does? (Hint: Think about how Iago has provoked Othello's emotional response.) (due Tuesday, 5/17)
5. Iago wants Othello to believe that Desdemona and Cassio have betrayed Othello. What other evidence does Iago suggest as "proof"? (due Wednesday, 5/18)
Writing the Essay:
1. Write a thesis statement which states the importance of the handkerchief to the outcome of the play. (due Thursday, 5/19)
2. Write an opening paragraph which begins with the thesis statement and includes the kind of information the essay will include to prove the truth of the thesis statement. Important: Do not begin giving any evidence yet. Just state the kind of evidence you will use. (due Thursday, 5/19)
3. Follow a chronological approach in the development of the essay. For example, the first body paragraph (second paragraph of the essay) should begin with the history of the handkerchief. The final body paragraph should state the other evidence that Iago uses as "proof" that Desdemona has betrayed Othello. (all body paragraphs are due on Friday, 5/20)
4. First draft of essay is due on Monday, 5/23
5. Final copy of essay is due on Tuesday, 5/24
Requirements:
1. Include quotes only when the text says exactly what you want to say to prove your point. Do not use long quotations. You may paraphrase or summarize part of the quote and then quote the essential part.
Cite the quotes accurately. After the quote use a parenthesis to include the act, scene and lines. For example (3.1.12-14) means act 3, scene 1, lines 12-14). The period goes outside the parentheses.
2. Do not ramble: get to the point. Write as clearly and concisely as you can.
3. Do not use any outside sources. This is plagiarism.
4. Use Times New Roman 11 or 12. Number your pages. Write your name on the first page, upper right-hand corner. Give your essay a title. For example, The Importance of the Handkerchief in Othello.
5. Edit your essay.
Grading:
1. 2/3 of grade will be based on the following:
a. accurately addressing the topic
b. pertinent and accurate details
c. organization of essay
1/3 of grade will be based on the following:
a. mechanics: spelling, capitalization, punctuation; correct use of quotes and citations
b. use of complete and well-constructed sentences
c. clear and concise sentences
d. correct usage and grammar