Week 2 homework

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 and Roderigo; Brabantio, Iago and Roderigo; Brabantio and the Senat). 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 is the audience being positioned to see Othello and to see other characters? Write a well-structured paragraph in response, using evidence from the play, including at least one quotation and evaluating the use of aesthetic features. Post to your blog by 8.20 Tuesday morning.

Week 1 Othello homework

Othello Background Research

From the Othello folder in Blackboard, go into the pre-reading research activities folder and do the pre-reading research questions assigned to your group.

I have also saved this document under my blog on the blogs page to make it easier to find.

Write your responses to the question as a paragraph. For example, if you are doing the research on Venice, you will write a paragraph on Venice in which you answer the questions.

You should also produce a Power-Point presentation with some visuals to support your answers. You might include a map, some pictures etc - nothing too detailed. Upload the paragraph to your blog before Monday's lesson. I also want you to print out a copy and bring it to class.

Practice essay

To what extent do the characters in Jane Austen’s novel convey the themes of pride and prejudice? Support your answer by specific reference to the text, outlining some of the positioning techniques used and their effects on the reader.

Identify the key words and any definitions you might need to supply.

Brainstorm ideas about which characters and positioning techniques you might use.

Use the planning sheet to plan your thesis statement, main points and topic sentences in full sentences.

In dot point form, identify your evidence and argument.

Write the essay in full.

Practice essay

To what extent does Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice challenge society's expectations of the individual? Support your answer by specific reference to the novel.

 

Mr Collins

How important a character is Mr Collins?

Write a paragraph in response, clearly arguing your point of view. In developing your thesis, include a discussion of the way the reader is positioned to respond to him and the importance of this for dealing with at least one of the ideas underpinning the novel. Consider the work we have done in class on satire and irony as you plan your response.

Charlotte Lucas

How important a character is Charlotte Lucas?

Write a paragraph in response, clearly arguing your point of view. In developing your thesis, compare her with Elizabeth and Jane. How is the reader positioned through this comparison? Remember to consider ideas, attitudes and values in your response.

Elizabeth Bennet

Read through the notes we have made on Elizabeth Bennet and write a well-structured paragraph response to the following:

"Elizabeth Bennet is a character to whom today's young women can relate very easily because of her attitudes to love and marriage."

Do you agree?

Support your view by referring to the way the reader is positioned to view Elizabeth and her attitudes and values.