AP NOVEL SUMMARY SHEET EXAMPLE

CONTEXT AND GENRE  During the Renaissance, the major literary impact occurred in poetry and drama. William Shakespeare’s plays addressed motifs such as jealousy, revenge, love unrequited and misunderstood. His characters represent human beings true nature when confronted with relationally and emotionally challenging situations.

THEME STATEMENT  In the Tragedy of Othello, through dramatic irony and syntax, William Shakespeare warns of the misuse of psychology and the instability of an insecure mind.

SETTING  The setting of the play is Venice, Italy. Othello, a moor, hence, an outsider, is general of the Venetian army, a highly revered and influential position. The significance of this to the story is that his culture and position puts him in a place of insecurity and being an outsider, which facilitates Iago’s schemes.

CONFLICT  The internal conflicts of Iago and Othello’s insecurities contributes to jealousy and desire for revenge.

STYLE  Dramatic irony (Iago’s comments)  Allusion – “ “

CHARACTERS  Othello, general of venetian army, powerful, but naïve. Important to the theme because of the irony that someone who is as powerful as he, should be discerning. His naivete in love restricts him from accurately reading the people around him and completely trusting of the wrong person. (name, position, characteristics + importance of these characteristics to the theme/meaning)