Reading Othello through a Critical Lens Essay due

Reading Othello through a Critical Lens Essay due October 27

Othello and Critical Theory • Shakespeare’s text Othello has engaged audiences for many years. For the most part, readers see the text as one about jealousy, greed, and revenge. While these aspects are valid, when reading Othello through a critical lens, there are many other interpretations one can examine. Through a Feminist reading of Othello, the character of Emilia shatters the label of the “naïve, and obedient wife”, and instead, becomes a strong female character defying the stereotypes of her time.

Day 1: Writing Workshop 1. Choose Theory/Critical lens: Write a brief purpose statement in which you address your purpose for choosing this lens to address Othello. In other words, why do you find this lens applicable. 2. Draft a thesis/claim statement: This is your argument contract. Based on your understanding of the critical lens and your understanding of the text, what are you going to present as a plausible reading of the text. This will govern your research. 3. At least three points of textual evidence that supports your thesis

Day 2: Writing Workshop (Research) • 1. Revisit Day 1 assignment in turnitin. com, and read the comments. Make necessary adjustments if needed. • 2. Today you are asked to do research using secondary resources to further your argument. You must use sources from the Cobb Digital Library Mackinvia site. Remember to login using your student id number and the password read. Once you login, go to groups and you will see the group for Braxton’s Othello. • 3. Using the same word document from yesterday, identify the two sources you have chosen. Write a brief synopsis of each and identify how it will support your discussion. • You might choose to use more than two sources; however, you only need to give a synopsis of two.

Synopsis Example • “Three Green-eyed Monsters: Acting as Applied Criticism in Shakespeare's Othello” Geoffrey Bent • Antioch Review 56. 3 (Summer 1998): p 358 -373. Rpt. in Shakespearean Criticism. Vol. 89. Word Count: 7037. • [(review date summer 1998) In the following essay, Bent focuses on two motionpicture adaptations of Othello, from 1952 and 1995, and a filmed version of the 1964 National Theatre of Great Britain production. The critic • From Literature Resource Center Use: This article furthers the understanding of Emilia’s character through a examination of her portrayal on film. The article addresses the director’s techniques in showing Emilia’s keen understanding of self, and her place in society. In addition, the commentary addresses the director’s decision to gradually reveal Emilia’s true nature, impacting the reader’s view of her the character growth.

Day 3: Workshop (Introductions and Blending Quotes) • Your thesis statement is the foundation of the essay; however, it does not stand alone. The thesis should be a part of a well-developed introduction (preferably the last sentence). Consider the following when developing your introduction • The title of the work, the author, and time period written • An overview (not summary) of the work, or characters, or themes • The concept of chosen theory • Due at end of class: Draft of your introduction

Day 3: Writing Workshop (Introduction and Blending Quotes) • Quotes are needed to enhance your discussion; however, they should not overtake your voice. • To properly use quotes, make sure the quote is integrated properly into your essay. See examples on handout • Due today: Submit to turnitin. com, a document with the introductory paragraph, and two quotes with proper lead-in and citation.

Homework • Bring a printed draft of your Othello essay to class tomorrow, October 25. The draft must be a typed copy of the essay using the MLA format, and include at least the introduction and one body section of your essay. The body section should be fully developed and include cited quotes. • MLA, Times New Roman, 12 pt font, doublespaced