Writing tasks for weekend

What makes them tick?

Image taken from Google images on 22/10/12

For each of the following characters, write a concise paragraph that explores what sort of person he/she is. You may need to consider a combination of physical and personality traits to accurately explore the character.

* Othello

* Iago

*Desdemona

* Cassio

* Emilia

* Roderigo

* Bianca

As you plan your paragraphs, you should consider the following things:

1. What does the character do/say to provide insight to the audience about themselves?

2. What do other characters say about this person to provide insight to the audience?

3. What positioning techniques does Shakespeare use to position the audience to view this character in a particular light?

4. What embedded values, attitudes and ideas can the audience associate with this character?

As you write your paragraph, you should consider the following things:

1. Your topic sentence should be concise and effectively identify the focus of your paragraph

2. You should follow the acceptable paragraph structure

3. Your paragraph should be focusing on analysis rather than description

4. You should be aiming to integrate your evidence

5. Evidence must be synthesised (remember, this is where you can explore the effectiveness/significance of various positioning techniques and explore the embedded values, etc.)

6. You should be proactive when proof-reading and editing.

Iago's multiple personalities

At this stage in the play, we are already seeing the influence that Iago holds over a variety of characters. Write an extend response that discusses the various 'versions' of Iago that the audience is exposed to and consider how he contributes to our understanding of the various themes within the play.

In your response, you should consider the following:

1. Make sure you include direct evidence
2. Makes sure you reference the evidence (Act 3, Scene 5, 45-50)
3. Discuss positioning techniques
4. Consider the values, attitudes and ideas that are embedded within the text
5. Use well-constructed sentences and paragraphs.
6. Proof-read carefully.

Initial thoughts

The character, Othello, is missing from much of the early part of the play. We hear about him and what he has done from discussions among/between other characters. (Iago & Roderigo; Brabantio & Iago and R.; Brabantio & the Senate).

When he is discussed or referred to, it is using language that we would consider quite racist in modern terms. For example, he is variously referred to as;  “the Moor” (I.i.57), “the thick-lips” (I.i.66), “an old black ram” (I.i.88), and “a Barbary horse” (I.i.113). Although Othello appears at the beginning of the second scene, we do not hear his name until well into Act I, scene iii (I.iii.48).

Why has Shakespeare chosen to introduce the main character in this way? How are we, as the audience, being positioned to see Othello and to see other characters?

Try and write as much as you can in your response. Remember, we are trying to enhance our abilities to write in an analytical style. This means well-constructed arguments that are supported by evidence and synthesised.

Image taken from Google images on 12/10/12

Keeping a log

During our study of Othello you will be keeping a journal/log on your blog. This log/journal will document your journey through the play. Each person's journey will be different. There will be specific activities that you must complete but the idea is also for you to be proactive in how you document your journey.

Here are a list of things that you might choose to include in your log:

* Questions you have as your read the play... and possible answers

* Comments regarding the importance of particular scenes

* Lines that you have particular enjoyed or that you think are important - make sure you reference the lines and that you make some notes for yourself that explain their significance, etc. and why they stand out (maybe the techniques that are evident)

* Personal impressions of the characters, themes, etc.

* Words you find interesting or challenging and their meanings

* Comments on the importance of recurring words/motifs and their significance

Image taken from Google images on 09/10/12