Essay Topics on OTHELLO

NOTE: Since I was late getting the topics posted, you may turn your papers in a week from this Monday, on April 29th, which is the last "regular" class day. 

Select one of the following for an essay on Othello. Like previous papers, this one should be at least 3 pages. Make sure the evidence for this essay is traced from the first act through the last of the drama. Quotes are strongly encouraged for this paper, as it counts 20% of your final grade. When quoting from drama refer to the third example on the following website:  
Citing Lines from Shakespeare

JEALOUSY:  Jealousy, the “green eye’d monster,”  its causes and consequences is at the heart of Shakespeare’s Othello. Not only is the “valiant Moor” stricken with the malady that ruins his life, but so are other major--and minor--characters in the play, specifically Iago, Roderigo, and Bianca. Discuss the insecurity within each of these characters that leads to his/her jealousy, the actions each character takes because of the jealousy and the ultimate consequence that his/her action engenders.

DESDEMONA‘S CHARMS:  “A guiltless death I die,” swears Desdemona, and, indeed, the audience knows she has never been “false” to her husband or had an immoral relationship with Cassio. Nevertheless, what actions, beginning in the first act and carried throughout the drama, does Desdemona commit that help to seal her fate? Why does her feminine appeal at first charm her husband, then contribute to her undoing?

IN DEFENSE OF IAGO: Iago is the mastermind of Shakespeare’s drama, the puppet master who manipulates willing victims with his eloquence and articulation. There is no doubt of his evil, of his schemes, of his wicked intentions from Act I. Shortly after Othello has murdered the fair Desdemona, Iago is exposed by his wife, who is immediately dispatched [killed] by her husband, who then has no more words for the Moor, the men of Cyprus, or the audience. At some point Iago would be brought to a court and no doubt there would be someone to plead the case for “honest Iago.” Assume the role of Iago’s defender and--excluding a plea for insanity--provide an explanation for Iago’s actions and an argument to defend his actions.

ET TU, AUDIENCE:  Many of the most enjoyed dramas  are those in which the audience is in some way involved, in which they feel connected to the action of the characters on stage. In some ways, Shakespeare uses Iago to manipulate the audience, as well as the characters on stage, through Iago’s soliloquies and asides throughout the plays. Trace Iago’s speeches to the audience from Act I through Act V. How does Iago create interest and suspense in  the audience, as well as dramatic irony?  Why are his speeches both enlightening and horrifying to the audience?  Why does the audience follow Iago’s actions and words more closely than any other character in the drama?