Othello vs Iago Contrast the characters of Othello

Step One l Make a list of character traits for each character. Divide your

l Remind Step 1 ½: Review me how the 8 sentence, 2 chunk paragraph

Step Two l Look at the character traits for both people, and pair up

Step Three Pick your two best contrasting pairs. These should be the ones you

(Initial) Thesis Statements l This sentence will ultimately be the last sentence of your

Sample Thesis Statements In the first two acts of Shakespeare’s Othello, Othello and Iago

Step Four l Create the outline that will show me the overall structure of

Step Five: Intros and Conclusions Intro Paragraph: l l Should be 5 -6 sentences

Intro Paragraph, continued l Include author and title of play in intro, but they

More intro stuff l Introduce (briefly) events/the situation of your story For example, v

Conclusions l l l In the first sentence only, re-present ideas from the essay/thesis,

Now, let’s look at some samples, and remember that the front side of the

This essay is due… l MONDAY! l Please attach your turnitin. com receipt and

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Othello vs. Iago Contrast the characters of Othello and Iago in Acts I and II

Step One l Make a list of character traits for each character. Divide your paper in half, and write as many words, adjectives, and phrases that you can, using your study guides and your brilliant mind for reference.

l Remind Step 1 ½: Review me how the 8 sentence, 2 chunk paragraph works! l You should have redefined TS, CD, CM, CS; clarified what a chunk is; told me the helpers and transitional phrases; explained WHY we do it this way. l For the Othello Essay, we are going to do a prewriting paragraph to a. remind us how to put these skills into practice b. experience how a timed writing feels.

Step Two l Look at the character traits for both people, and pair up the opposite ones. l Ex: honest vs. dishonest l Honorable vs. traitorous NOW, do the handout that requires you to do a CD hunt for your best three pairs of traits.

Step Three Pick your two best contrasting pairs. These should be the ones you have the best support (quotes) for. The quotes should not be too similar to each other, or else your CMs will sound redundant and not very deep. l Now create a word/phrase that encompasses each set of contrasting traits and create your initial thesis statement. For example: honest v. deceitful = integrity l trustworthy v. inconsistent/unreliable = trustworthiness noble v. nefarious = sense of honor/moral code

(Initial) Thesis Statements l This sentence will ultimately be the last sentence of your intro paragraph l For the outline, it will be what you write next to Roman Numeral I. l It should include: author, the acts, the 2 men’s names, and the 2 sets of traits.

Sample Thesis Statements In the first two acts of Shakespeare’s Othello, Othello and Iago contrast in their treatment of others as well as in their integrity. l In Acts I and II of Othello, Shakespeare contrasts Othello and Iago in terms of their trustworthiness and loyalty. l …differ vastly in their approaches to honesty and in their intentions behind the relationships they form. l

Step Four l Create the outline that will show me the overall structure of your essay. It must include a thesis, topic sentences for each of the two body paragraphs, all transitional sentences, and CDs that have lead-ins, direct quotes, and correct parenthetical citations. l See handout for overall structure.

Step Five: Intros and Conclusions Intro Paragraph: l l Should be 5 -6 sentences long Imitate the upside-down triangle: general to specific, where the last sentence is your thesis: more general: More specific thesis

Intro Paragraph, continued l Include author and title of play in intro, but they don’t have to be in thesis statement l Perhaps have a hook/metaphor that you can take full circle in the closing paragraph, but remember: -no crazy extended irrelevant metaphors -no clichés, rhetorical questions, quoting the dictionary, dawn of time intros

More intro stuff l Introduce (briefly) events/the situation of your story For example, v Why is Iago mad? v What is the relationship btwn Iago and Othello? v Who are these people and what’s the conflict? Now, let’s look at some samples…

Conclusions l l l In the first sentence only, re-present ideas from the essay/thesis, BUT don’t restate word for word Also, don’t make every sentence after that a subtopic from the paper you just wrote; this is redundant and unsophisticated writing Follow logically from previous paragraphs; for example, if you started with an idea or metaphor, readdress that (full circle) Don’t bring up brand new ideas or predict exactly what’s going to happen next, but draw conclusions for the characters based on what you’ve already written. Discuss relevant motifs, thematic ideas, big picture ideas Have about 4 -5 sentences

Now, let’s look at some samples, and remember that the front side of the handout you’re about to get has the flawed paragraphs, but the back has the good models.

This essay is due… l MONDAY! l Please attach your turnitin. com receipt and all your prewriting. This includes the stamped paper and the outline. If there is no receipt, you will lose 5% off your grade. l It’ll be graded by the day of your final…for real.