1. REVISION

2.  You have to write ONE essay. You have a choice of three questions, one of which is based on a passage (or two) from the play. Spend about 45 minutes on this standard, 5 minutes writing a plan.  Do not summarise the plot and do not explain obvious details.  IF you understand the language of the extracts well, then do that question. Quote from the extracts given but do also refer to other details in other scenes.  If you choose the “ordinary essay” option, then take a look at the passages for the other question. You might find a useful quotation or idea in them.  Re read the play (give handout).  Keep your quotations frequent and brief, make sure they attack the question.  Aim to go a level deeper by considering the audience. The Tudor/Stuart audience as well as modern 21 st century audiences. (maybe use an audience point as an extra y in your paragraphs.)

3. Imagery and its significance to character and theme

4.  An old black ram is tupping your white ewe.”  “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.”  “Haply, for I am black.”  “When devils will their blackest sins put on…”  “Her name, that was as fresh // As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black // as mine own face.”  “Arise black vengeance from thy hollow cell.”  “Oh the more angel she // and you the blacker devil.”  “…nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow // And smooth as monumental alabaster.”

5.  “Hell and night … world’s light.”  “Put out the light.”  “I can again thy former light restore.”  Enter Iago with a light. [stage direction]  Light I say! A light! Cassio/Brabantio  “Witness you ever burning lights above…”

6.  “…the grace of heaven // Before, behind thee and on every hand // Enwheel thee round.” II, I  “By heaven you do me wrong. // No, as I am a Christian.” II, i

7.  His wits are working “with all the tribes of hell.” I, i  “Divinity of hell.” II, iii  “When devils will the blackest sins do put on // They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, as I do now.” II, iii

8.  Falls from heaven to hell. This is reflected in his language.  “As truly as to heaven I do confess the vices of my blood.”  “Heaven defend your good souls that you think I will your serious and great business scant.” I, iii

9.  “If she be false, O then heaven mocks itself; I’ll not believe it.”  Desdemona is “fair devil” in III, iii and then becomes “Devil!” in IV, I  “Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell.” IV, ii

10.  Othello says to Emilia: “You … that keep the gate of hell.” IV, ii  Damnation is real to Othello. “O I were damned beneath all depths of hell.” V, ii  “I will not kill thy unprepared spirit // No, heaven forfend, I will not kill thy soul.” V, ii

11.  When he knows the truth, he looks for the devil in Iago: “I look down towards his feet; but that’s a fable. // If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.” V, ii  “From the possession of this heavenly sight! Blow me about in winds! roast me in sulphur! Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!” V, ii  Judgement Day: “When we shall meet at court // This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven // and fiends will snatch at it.” V, ii

12.  Read Othello passage and answer questions 3 and 8.  Attempt the other questions in your own time as revision for exam.

13.  Choose three characters and comment on the significance of their first lines.  Choose different characters from your neighbour and discuss the ideas you come up with.

14.  Select and essay question from the handout and plan an essay.  Include key quotes your will use in the plan.  Complete essay template sheet.