Othello Character Analysis For this assignment, you will write a 750-900 word essay (about 4 pages double-spaced) analyzing one central character in Othello. Your essay will revolve around a central thesis, a compelling idea about this character, which you will then prove in the subsequent body paragraphs. You may prove your thesis through an investigation of the character s speech (words/phrases that reveal something interesting about that character) and actions (things the character does that reveal a hidden motivation/personality trait). Remember: all of your examples MUST support your thesis. You re not giving a plot summary of the play rather, you are investigating and analyzing a character, revealing trough this investigation Shakespeare s message about society/humanity. Requirements: Introduction with the following elements: Grabber Focus Statement Thesis Statement Body Paragraphs (3-5) with the following elements: Main Idea Sentence Supporting Details QUOTES from the play with proper citations (Act, scene, line #) Conclusion: Re-state the thesis (in a new and interesting way) Clincher Length: 750-900 words (about 4 pages typed) ** Your final paper must include the outline rough draft, and rubric **
Rubric: INCLUDE THIS WITH YOUR PAPER ON THE DAY IT IS DUE!!!!!! Element A- Excellent B- Good C- Getting D/F- Not Yet There Thesis There is a clearly defined thesis in the introduction of the essay that gives the argument for the entire essay. The thesis is in the introduction, but it is not clearly stated. The thesis is weak; it does not give the argument for the entire essay There is no clearly defined thesis or argument in the essay. Content/Analysis Organization Supporting Details/Quotations Mechanics/Style -2 points for each mistake (24 points max) The essay intelligently and creatively explores the character s motivations and personality. All paragraphs flow in a logical order. Transitions are used to move from one idea to another. Many supporting details are used to substantiate claims; all quotations are cited using proper format, and there are no floating quotations. 0 mistakes The essay provides an interesting exploration of the character Most paragraphs flow in a logical order. Transitions are sometimes used to move from one idea to another. Many supporting details are used to substantiate claims. Most quotations are cited properly; there are few floating quotations. 1-6 mistakes The essay provides a weak and unsubstantiated exploration of the character. Paragraphs are somewhat disorganized. There are few transitions. Some supporting details are used; there are no properly formatted quotations and many floating quotations. 7-11 spelling/grammar mistakes The essay does not explore the character at all; rather it retells the plot of the play. Individual paragraphs lack focus and paragraphs are not in a logical order. There are few/no transitions. There are no supporting details. 12+ mistakes (-24 points) Write in 3 rd Person Point of View only!!!!!
Outline This outline, or another organizer of your choice must be handed in with your essay I. Introduction (100-150 words) Grabber: (Introduce the play, the author, and your topic in 3-4 sentences) Thesis: a. What character are your exploring in the paper? b. Who is this character? (Explain in 1 sentence) c. What are you going to say about your character? (This is your ARGUMENT!) II. Reason #1 (200 words): Main Idea:
Supporting detail 2: III. Reason #2 (200 words): Transition/Main Idea:
Supporting detail 2: IV. Reason #3 (200 words): Main Idea:
Supporting detail 2: V. Reason #4 (optional): Main Idea: Supporting detail 2:
VI. Conclusion Restate your THESIS (don t repeat what you said in the introduction make it a little new and different) Clincher: What was Shakespeare saying about humanity through this character? \