Human Nature in Literature Essay Pre-writing

Part I Pick five of the questions above that are addressed in Othello and then provide ideas or examples of how it is addressed. Model: Are we determined by our genetic structure, environment, etc,. or do we have free will? Although Othello partially blames “fate” for his murderous act, Shakespeare wants us to learn that we have free will and should make important decisions carefully, not rashly.

Part 2 Find quotes to support the idea you select from Part I. “Thou art rash as fire, to say That she was false: O, she was heavenly true!” Identify the speaker: Emilia to Othello Context: In this section of the play, Emilia, angry with Othello for killing Desdemona, accuses Othello of acting too rashly concerning Desdemona’s supposed infidelity.

Part 3 Create a thesis statement: Shakespeare’s Othello provides the view of human nature that we as humans act of our own free will and should accept responsibility for our actions, both good and bad.

Part 3 Continued Reason 1: Create a main point or reason for your thesis. Although Othello partially blames “fate” for his murderous act, Shakespeare intends for the audience to understand that Othello acted of his own free will and should accept the consequences of his actions.

Drafting When we go to the lab tomorrow, begin drafting your essay using the thesis statement, topic sentences, and quotes that you worked on today. This should provide you with a reasonable outline for your draft. When we go to the lab tomorrow, (for Honors only), look for one critical source on Othello and incorporate it into your essay .