Othello Motif Essay Thesis Development

Does it pass the three tests? “Well duh?” Are you saying something beyond an obvious fact or opinion about the play? “How and why?” Do you include both an observation about the text and an argument about the significance? “So what?” Do you explain the greater significance of this observation and argument?

Step 1: Identify your motif & text evidence Finding the patterns of repeating imagery or ideas (the motif) develops the “how” part of your thesis statement. Motif: references to poison “Call up her father, / Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight…though that his joy be joy, / Yet throw such chances of vexation on’t / As it may lose some color” (I.i.64-70). The moor already changes with my poison: Dangerous conceits are in their natures poison, Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But, with a little, act upon the blood, Burn like mines of sulfur (III.iii.321-26).

Step 2: Determine what the author’s intent may be through using this specific language. What does this language say about the character(s) who use these references? About those who it references? What does this language say about characters’ relationships with one another? What connotations does this type of language carry? Step 3: How do these references highlight a theme developed through the play? These steps contribute to the “Why?” and “So what?” of your thesis statement.

POSSIBLE THESIS FORMAT Title/author, topic & main argument about a motif, a couple of main claims that support main argument that you can focus on across paper (2-3). Show this!

POLISHED THESIS! In Othello, William Shakespeare’s frequent references to poison highlight Iago’s destructive intentions and underscore Shakespeare’s belief of the corruptive nature of evil. Poison= Motif Highlight & underscore= verbs that help show what motif is doing Iago’s destructive intentions & Shakespeare’s belief of corruptive nature of evil= Part of main argument and claims that will be covered and analyzed through quotes chosen in body paragraphs (5 total—one for each act). Show this!

CITATION REMINDER You will be following the (Act.Scene.Line) format. Ex: Eventually, since Bianca was fed up with Cassio, she told him, "This is some token from a newer friend. / To the felt absence now I feel a cause. / Is't come to this? Well, well" (III.iv.180-182). Show this!