Othello, William Shakespeare

ASSIGNMENT: Considering methods suggested throughout the course, choose one of the topics provided and write an argumentative essay in response.
Your essay should be 500 words in length (+/- 50 words).
Be sure to include a clear, outlining thesis statement.
Your essay must include appropriate textual evidence, cited in the body of your essay and the Works Cited page according to MLA guidelines.
Indicate which topic you are writing about in your essay’s title (for example Who Watches the Watchmen: Interrogating the Question of Censorship in Childrens Literature).
Students must format papers using the MLA style throughout, including in-text citations and the Works Cited page.
TOPICS:
1. Analyze and discuss Desdemona’s role in Othello. To what extent is she responsible for her own demise?
2. Considering Iago’s motives in Othello, analyze and discuss how he makes his plans for revenge and how much damage he intends to cause.
3. Jealousy is one of the major themes of Othello. Explain how Othello’s attitude changes as Iago manipulates him.
FORMAT: Your essay must adhere to MLA format guidelines (consult Purdue’s MLA guide online).
In particular, this means you must follow MLA guidelines when formatting your essay’s first page (for instance, there is no title page), when formatting your header and any end notes, when documenting quotes and paraphrases, and when formatting your Works Cited list.
You are only required to use primary sources for this assignment; however, if you do consult any secondary sources, then you must also properly document them in the body of the essay and your Works Cited list.
Infrastructure
Critical Approaches to Analyzing Literature
MLA Format and Citing Sources
Paraphrasing
Quoting
Incorporating Sources
Writing an Essay, the Argumentative Essay
Thesis Statements
Please understand that using MLA format means each quotation or paraphrase requires an in-text citation, and most often such an in-text citation is the author’s surname followed by the page number, maybe like (Reynolds 123).
However, certain works of literature come with other special rules, as well. If this is the case, your professor ought to let you know (just as I am doing so now).
So, whenever you cite Shakespeare’s plays, the norm is to reference the Act, Scene, and line(s) instead of the page number.
That means if you were paraphrasing Act 1, Scene 2, lines 3 and 4, then the in-text citation would look like this (Shakespeare 1.2.3-4).
Otherwise, this does not impact how you craft entries for your sources in a Works Cited list.
MLA
guidelines are quite comprehensive.
We will be relying on the standards detailed in the 8th edition.
You must use Purdues online MLA guide as your resource for use in this class.
Their online guide also provides samples (a sample paper and a sample Works Cited page), so you may see how it should look on paper.
You can also find material about MLA formatting on the websites of the Writing Centre and the QEII library here at MUN.
If you require further explanation of how MLA citations work, you can speak with me (your professor), a tutor, or a librarian.
Besides that, let me stress that students must attempt to follow the MLA format and citation guidelines for each of the essay assignments in this course.

Quoting
Clouse and Wall explain, To use a direct quotation, reproduce the authors exact words within quotation marks (Clouse 507).
The previous sentence is an example of a quote cited in MLA style.
Again, notice that there is an in-text citation, and this would prompt a reader to look through the Works Cited list for the complete publication information for that source.
It also states in Patterns for a Purpose, You should limit the number of quotations you use because using too many quotations obscures your distinctive style (Clouse 507). As a general guide, the text continues, limit your quoting to those times when something is so well expressed that you want to preserve the original wording (Clouse 507).
Note that the above is an example of what not to do.
Do not simply string quotes together and think that that is a good thing.
Any time you provide a piece of textual evidence, the next thing you write should explain how that evidence actually supports your claim.
Also, please note that quotes should be introduced somehow, not simply dropped into an essay with no context or no explanation.
Finally, whenever you quote material, be mindful of punctuation placement.
MLA dictates where punctuation should be placed, and it changes depending on the circumstances
Incorporating Sources
Keep the following in mind when incorporating evidence into your writing in the form of paraphrasing and quoting:
Use sources appropriate to your purpose. Try to avoid letting your sources drive your writing or simply stringing quotes and paraphrases together. Instead, you should have a good reason for including evidence from sources, and explain its relevance to your own topic.
Credit the author/source when introducing a quote or paraphrase. The first mention of a source should include a more detailed introduction of that source (Fredric Wertham states in Seduction of the Innocent). Later use of that source can be more abbreviated (Wertham argues in Seduction that).
Vary the preset tense verbs used to introduce quotes or paraphrases (acknowledges, argues, implies, insists, explains, writes, etc.).
Other conventions to keep in mind include:
Titles of books, plays, films, etc. must be italicized (or underlined if writing by hand). Containers follow this rule, too.
Titles of chapters, short stories, poems, essays, songs, episodes, etc. are placed in quotation marks. Any smaller source that is found in a container follows this rule.
Punctuation would go inside the quotation marks, as in the sentence above. However, MLA citing conventions tend to avoid this scenario because the citation comes at the end of the sentence (usually after the quote and before the period).
Never begin a body paragraph with a quote or paraphrase.
You must begin with an original topic sentence.
Likewise, never finish a paragraph with a quote or paraphrase.
Explain the significance of that piece of evidence, and then finish by transitioning to your next paragraph.
Remember, in order to properly document (or cite) your sources, you must show your audience the source for each of your quotations and paraphrases.
However, various disciplines prefer or require certain conventions for documenting sources, generally the best-suited conventions for that discipline.
The conventions prescribed by the Modern Language Association (MLA) are typically used in English classes and the Arts, while the American Psychological Association provides another set of conventions commonly used by psychologists and social scientists
Writing an Essay, the Argumentative Essay
Many of the academic essays you write will have five paragraphs an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Try to visualize your intro as a funnel.
Begin with a broad statement followed by more specific ones to lead into your topic.
Try to write maybe 2-4 sentences, depending on how you write and the word count for the assignment.
And then, the last sentence of your intro should be a clear, outlining thesis statement.
Learn more about thesis statements in the next section.
The bulk of your essay is made up of body paragraphs.
This is where you really make your argument.
Well-developed body paragraphs might be 5-10 sentences in length each, depending on how you write and the word count limit for the assignment.
Remember, each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that links back to a point outlined in the thesis, and then you must provide supporting details (claim, evidence, explanation, transition).
Topic sentence: The first sentence of each body paragraph states what you will discuss in that paragraph.
In a five-paragraph essay in which you have a thesis statement that outlines three points, the topic sentence for each body paragraph should mention the corresponding point that’s outlined in the thesis statement.
So, if you imagine an essay with body paragraph A, the topic sentence would mention point A from the essay’s thesis statement.
This provides an instant cue for readers, it helps build a cohesive essay, and it demonstrates thoughtful organization and paragraphing.
Claim: Take another sentence or two to articulate the specific claim you seek to establish in that body paragraph. Remember, you are setting up the evidence that you will use to support this claim, and — along with the other body paragraphs in your essay — this will also support your overall thesis, the argument you are putting forward in the essay.
Ask yourself: What is this point? How does it help build my case? What evidence will I use with this? Where does it fit in my essay? Does it even fit in my essay?
Evidence: This is what you use to demonstrate the veracity of your claim.
You should always try to select the best evidence. As university students, you are trying to impress upon your professors that you are familiar with the assigned material and that you have something insightful to say about it.
For in-class writing, the evidence might just be a detail from the text that you describe from memory.
For take-home writing assignments, such as the writing you will do for an online course, you will be expected to quote and paraphrase material from the literature as evidence to support your claims, and you will be expected to introduce and cite your sources properly, according to MLA guidelines.
Again, do not accidentally plagiarize another person’s work just by leaving out citations. Document your sources for each quotation (both standard quotations and block quotations) and for every sentence paraphrased. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE! This is crucial!
Explanation: This is crucial, too! Take 2-4 sentences to explain exactly how your evidence supports your claim.
Connect the dots for your reader.
Use precise diction. Be clear and concise.
Transition: The last sentence in a body paragraph in an essay should be a transitioning sentence, meaning you link the point you just discussed to the point that follows next.
Note that the final body paragraph in an essay leads to the concluding paragraph. In a sense, try to transition from the final point you just discussed to the conclusion. Signal that the end is next.
Also note that this body paragraph structure is super useful when you must write short-answer questions on exams, whether it is in English, in the humanities, or in another field of study. Throughout the university, your professors are likely to appreciate clear and concise writing. For more on how good writing is defined at this university, consult the University Calendar Once you have completed each body paragraph, then you must finish with a conclusion.
The conclusion should provide some closure. Aim for a substantial conclusion, writing maybe 4-6 sentences.
It may be helpful to paraphrase your thesis statement here.
In an essay where you have outlined three points in the thesis statement, you should try rewording those three points as three separate sentences for the concluding paragraph.
When you write about a single piece of literature in this course, you will take a position and argue that it is significant. This type of essay is called an argumentative essay. In these argumentative essay’s you will perform literary analysis, meaning you should write something original, interesting, intelligent, evidence-based, and responsible about the literature.
Be straightforward.
Be direct.
Introduce and cite your sources effectively.
Write clearly and concisely.
Strive to produce error-free papers.
Proofread, revise, edit, and repeat before you are satisfied with the final draft that you will submit for assignments in this course.
Ordering Ideas in an Argumentative Essay
Before you begin to write (and before you craft your thesis statement), you should think about how you will order your ideas.
The following are three common organization techniques:
Spatial Order: present the details as they appear in space. For instance, you might describe a country starting in the East and proceeding West. This is not likely a good choice for assignments in this class.
Chronological Order: present the details of your essay according to which event occurred first in time, then moving on to the next event, and so on.
Progressive Order: present the details or ideas as they grow from least to most important, compelling, interesting, and so on.
You should try to use the most effective ordering principle for your topic.
If you are discussing how a character changes over time, then chronological order might be best.
If you are analyzing an important motif, then perhaps the order of events means little for that topic, and so you should choose progressive order.
In general, consider using progressive order before choosing chronological order (and spatial order may never even be appropriate for topics in this course).
No matter which method you choose to organize your thoughts, remember the order of your body paragraphs should match the order you outlined those points in your thesis statement (thesis statements are detailed next)

Thesis Statements
Every successful essay has an effective thesis statement that guides its central focus, and it is often considered to be the most valuable sentence in an English assignment.
A well-written thesis statement will help keep you focused while writing, and it will explain to your reader exactly what to expect from your essay.
A precisely defined thesis statement is like a miniature outline of your essay, and it will also ensure that your essay is manageable and appropriate for the length of the assignment.
Your thesis statement should be the last sentence in the introductory paragraph of your essay.
You should try to make it a clear statement that outlines the points you will discuss in your essay.
The thesis statement should also indicate your position on the matter, such as whether you are for or against the idea.
An effective thesis statement accomplishes the following:
Without repeating the essay’s title, it states the subject of the essay.
It points out the purpose of the essay without explicitly saying The purpose of this essay is….
It presents the author’s perspective or attitude.
It is a concise statement, leading to the essay’s main ideas and supporting details.
It avoids using vague words, preferring specific terms instead.
It briefly outlines the essay’s points on the topic.
Many of the shorter essays you will write during your undergrad will likely be between four to six paragraphs in length.
Let us assume you want to write a five paragraph essay, consisting of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
This method can be quite successful, but you must have a clear and outlining thesis statement.
In short essays like this, your thesis statement should be the last sentence in your introductory paragraph.
Beyond this course, in your other studies, you may be asked to write much lengthier essays. An outlining thesis statement is not feasible in those cases. Like, you wouldn’t try to outline a dozen separate points in a single thesis statement. So, when you must write lengthier assignments elsewhere, an appropriate thesis statement is typically just your position on the topic.
For this course, however, students will be expected to craft effective thesis statements that express your position and outline your points.
Thinking of your position and points, keep in mind the following formulae for constructing thesis statements:
By examining A, B, and C, it is clear that __(state position)__.
It is apparent that __(state position)__, once A, B, and C are considered.
So, you may construct similar thesis statements by more or less filling in the blanks.
Be sure to use your own words.
The following examples are meant to be a guide only:
POOR THESIS STATEMENT: By closely considering Iago’s actions when he appears to help Roderigo in Act 1 and Cassio in Act 2, it is evident that deception is a prominent theme in Othello.

Note that this example is a little weak. It expresses the position on the topic, and it outlines points to be discussed, but it only outlines two points to be discussed.
Remember that a five-paragraph essay should have three body paragraphs, and each of those should focus on detailing a single point in order to support the essay’s thesis
So, this would be a better thesis statement if it outlined three points instead of two.
EFFECTIVE THESIS STATEMENT: In order to facilitate an understanding of the theme of deception in Othello, consider how Iago’s deceptions influence events for Cassio, Desdemona, and Othello.
This one is effective.
It expresses the position on the topic and outlines three points to be discussed, all in a single, grammatically effective sentence.
EXCEPTIONAL THESIS STATEMENT: The contrast between darkness and light is a prominent motif in Othello, and this is apparent when Iago contrasts Othello and Desdemona in Act 1, when he compares the actions of devils and angels in Act 2, and when Othello murders Desdemona on Act 5.
This is an example of a thesis statement for a comparison-contrast topic.
This is not a perfect example for when you must write about two separate works of literature, but it is included because it is also possible to consider topics that compare and/or contrast a pair of closely related literary elements depicted within a single work. You won’t have to write an essay like this for this course. For this course, you will write about two separate works of literature when you write comparison-contrast essays.
Comparison-contrast comes with some extra criteria. The thesis statement must also mention the two subjects being compared and/or contrasted (darkness and light as motifs).
Otherwise, this thesis statement expresses the position on the topic, specifies both subjects, and outlines three points that will be discussed in the essay.

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