Does Shakespeare Present Othello As A Tragic Hero
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Othello Possible Coursework Questions
1. Discuss Shakespeare's presentation of Othello as a tragic hero.
2. Some commentators have claimed that the character of Othello is not admirable enough to be a tragic hero. Examine two or three key episodes in the play and discuss whether you agree with this viewpoint.
3. Desdemona is sometimes played as a passive sacrificial victim at other times she is portrayed as a more active and self-willed character. Write about how Shakespeare presents her character and consider her role in the development of the tragedy.
4. To what extent does Shakespeare present Othello as an isolated tragic hero in Act 4, Scene 1?
5. To what extent does Shakespeare present Othello as a tragic victim in Act 5, Scene 2? …show more content…
6.
Read Iago's soliloquy 'Thus do I ever make my fool my purse' in Act 1, Scene 3. Using this as a starting point, consider how Shakespeare ensures that the audience of Othello is fascinated by the skill of Iago as a tragic villain?
7. To what extent is Iago presented by Shakespeare as a tragic villain without any redeeming features? Focus your discussion on a close exploration of two or three episodes in the play.
8. 'Tragedy is the art form created to confront the most difficult experiences we face: death, loss, injustice, thwarted passion, despair' (Wallace) How does Shakespeare present these tragic elements within Othello.
9. Consider the significance of the minor characters in developing the tragedy of Othello.
10. Identify two different critical views on an aspect of the Shakespeare tragedy you are studying. Negotiate a title with your teacher that allows you to consider these views and offer your own
interpretation.
11. How are aspects of disorder developed in Othello?
12. The disorder of society is matched by the mental disorder of the tragic hero. To what extent is this true of Othello?
13. How important is revenge as a motivating factor in Othello?
14. Many definitions of tragedy claim that at the end of the play positives have emerged. Is it possible to see anything positive in the ending of Othello?
15. 'It is essential to the development of the play's tragic situation that Othello, Iago and Cassio are soldiers.' How far do you agree with this view? In your answer you should discuss character and motives, narrative development and setting. You should also show an awareness of Shakespearean tragedy.
16. How far do you agree with F. R. Leavis' view that 'Othello is too stupid to be regarded as a tragic hero'?
17. 'Othello is the tale of a gullible hero deceived by a melodramatic villain.' Is this an adequate description of the play?
18. 'The real tragedy of the play is that Othello proves that the world really is as Iago sees it.' Explore this claim and say how far you agree with it.
19. Remind yourself of the events of Act I. In what ways does Act I prepare the audience for what is to follow? Look at themes, images, language, character and relationships.
20. To what extent does the end of Othello offer a sense of redemption?
21. The director Jonathan Miller has claimed that Othello’s colour is not vital to the tragedy of the play. How important do you feel it is that Othello is a Moor?
Othello Possible Coursework Questions
1. Discuss Shakespeare's presentation of Othello as a tragic hero.
2. Some commentators have claimed that the character of Othello is not admirable enough to be a tragic hero. Examine two or three key episodes in the play and discuss whether you agree with this viewpoint.
3. Desdemona is sometimes played as a passive sacrificial victim at other times she is portrayed as a more active and self-willed character. Write about how Shakespeare presents her character and consider her role in the development of the tragedy.
4. To what extent does Shakespeare present Othello as an isolated tragic hero in Act 4, Scene 1?
5. To what extent does Shakespeare present Othello as a tragic victim in Act 5, Scene 2? …show more content…
6.
Read Iago's soliloquy 'Thus do I ever make my fool my purse' in Act 1, Scene 3. Using this as a starting point, consider how Shakespeare ensures that the audience of Othello is fascinated by the skill of Iago as a tragic villain?
7. To what extent is Iago presented by Shakespeare as a tragic villain without any redeeming features? Focus your discussion on a close exploration of two or three episodes in the play.
8. 'Tragedy is the art form created to confront the most difficult experiences we face: death, loss, injustice, thwarted passion, despair' (Wallace) How does Shakespeare present these tragic elements within Othello.
9. Consider the significance of the minor characters in developing the tragedy of Othello.
10. Identify two different critical views on an aspect of the Shakespeare tragedy you are studying. Negotiate a title with your teacher that allows you to consider these views and offer your own
interpretation.
11. How are aspects of disorder developed in Othello?
12. The disorder of society is matched by the mental disorder of the tragic hero. To what extent is this true of Othello?
13. How important is revenge as a motivating factor in Othello?
14. Many definitions of tragedy claim that at the end of the play positives have emerged. Is it possible to see anything positive in the ending of Othello?
15. 'It is essential to the development of the play's tragic situation that Othello, Iago and Cassio are soldiers.' How far do you agree with this view? In your answer you should discuss character and motives, narrative development and setting. You should also show an awareness of Shakespearean tragedy.
16. How far do you agree with F. R. Leavis' view that 'Othello is too stupid to be regarded as a tragic hero'?
17. 'Othello is the tale of a gullible hero deceived by a melodramatic villain.' Is this an adequate description of the play?
18. 'The real tragedy of the play is that Othello proves that the world really is as Iago sees it.' Explore this claim and say how far you agree with it.
19. Remind yourself of the events of Act I. In what ways does Act I prepare the audience for what is to follow? Look at themes, images, language, character and relationships.
20. To what extent does the end of Othello offer a sense of redemption?
21. The director Jonathan Miller has claimed that Othello’s colour is not vital to the tragedy of the play. How important do you feel it is that Othello is a Moor?