Writing A Literary Essay• A guide focused on William

Shakespeare’s “Othello”

EXAMPLE OF A LITERARY ESSAY TOPIC:

“Othello’s downfall can be blamed on the manipulations of Iago. Othello was forced to commit murder because of Iago’s actions.”

Discuss the truth of this statement and what it reveals about Othello and Iago’s characters in

an essay of 300 – 350 words.(2 - 2½ pages)

STEP ONE: ANALYSIS OF THE TOPIC:

• The topic usually has 2 or more components:

1. THE STATEMENT/QUESTION:• “Othello’s downfall can be blamed on the manipulations of

Iago. Othello was forced to commit murder because of Iago’s actions.”

• 2. INSTRUCTION:• The ‘instruction’ tells you how to approach your essay

• Discuss the truth of this statement and what it reveals about Othello and Iago’s characters in an essay of 300 – 350 words.

HOW TO QUOTE:

• When quoting, always remember that the quote should “fit” into the sentence in a flowing manner.• Iago shows the audience his intentions when

he states that he has no loyalty to Othello: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” (Act 1, Scene 1). This shows that Iago has been plotting Othello’s downfall for quite some time.

STEP TWO: STRUCTURE OF A LITERARY ESSAY

• The basic format of all essays is the same:• 1. Introduction – Usually 4-5 lines allowing the reader a

glimpse of the focus of and direction your essay has taken. (The beginning of your literary journey.)

• 2. Body – Divided into paragraphs, the body allows you to present relevant information in a logical and organised manner.

(The different stops you make while on your trip.)

• 3. Conclusion – Usually 6-7 lines rounding off your discussion and explaining what the evidence has revealed in relation to the topic.

(The final destination.)

HOW TO WRITE AN INTRODUCTION:

• A broad statement introducing the topic in a general way: • e.g. Othello is certainly to blame for the death of his wife,

Desdemona. However, Iago did play a major role in Othello’s fall from grace.

• A quote that links to the statement: (If possible)• e.g. In Act 1, Scene 3, Iago reveals his plans to the audience and

states that Othello “will as tenderly be led by the nose / As asses are“ indicating his confidence in his ability to control the Moor.

• A statement presenting the general direction of the paper in one sentence – look to the instruction: • e.g. This essay aims to consider all relevant information and determine

where responsibility lies for Othello’s tragic downfall and the consequences thereafter.

FULL TEXT: INTRODUCTIONOthello is certainly to blame for the death of his wife, Desdemona. However, Iago did play a major role in Othello’s fall from grace. In Act 1, Scene 3, Iago reveals his plans to the audience and states that Othello “will as tenderly be led by the nose / As asses are“ indicating his confidence in his ability to control the Moor. This essay aims to consider all relevant information and determine where responsibility lies for Othello’s tragic downfall and the consequences thereafter.

HOW TO STRUCTURE THE BODY:

• Remember to use words that link each paragraph to the next in a logical manner.

• Each paragraph must contain ONE idea ONLY.• Try as far as possible to write each paragraph

in the order the events occurred in the play.• Determine how many paragraphs you need to

devote each to the statement and instruction.

PARAGRAPHS: “THE STATE, QUOTE, COMMENT TECHNIQUE”

– State: Make a statement relating to topic– Iago’s manipulations reduced the once powerful Othello

to a man weakened by his wife’s alleged betrayal. – Quote: Find a quote to support your statement.– Iago’s control is shown when Othello says: “Thou hast

set me on the rack./ I swear ’tis better to be much abused/Than but to know ’t a little.”

– Comment: In your own words, write down your observation.– The fact that Othello feels he is being tortured illustrates

the fact that his power and self-control has been placed in the hands of Iago.

FULL TEXT: PARAGRAPH

Iago’s manipulations reduced the once powerful Othello to a man weakened by his wife’s alleged betrayal. Iago’s control is shown when Othello says: “Thou hast set me on the rack./ I swear ’tis better to be much abused/Than but to know ’t a little.” The fact that Othello feels he is being tortured illustrates the fact that his power and self-control has been placed in the hands of Iago.

CONCLUSION:

• It answers the "so what?" question, i.e. You have introduced the essay, presented the evidence…so what?

• The conclusion ends your argument with a final decision – the meaning of all that you have written in relation to the topic.

FULL TEXT: CONCLUSION

Based on the evidence discussed in this essay, it is clear that Othello undoubtedly played a major role in his downfall by giving in to the jealousy created by Iago. However, it is clear that Iago’s manipulations and his deep understanding of human nature greatly contributed to the downfall of the once noble Othello.