GCSE: English Literature: Drama: By Author: William Shakespeare: Othello Coursework

About William Shakespeare's Othello.

First performed in 1604 "Othello" tells the story of a black man in a city of white people. Othello has risen to the top of the army of the city of Venice, but there are those who are jealous of his success and of his beautiful wife Desdemona. As the tale of treachery and betrayal unfolds Shakespeare considers the themes of trust, racism and the lust for power. As a villain, Iago sets the standard as the scheming, manipulating character who persuades others to do his dirty work.

Othello: What Will I Study?

Studying "Othello" for GCSE English Literature means you having a good understanding of the plot and characters in the play. In the exam you'll be asked to answer question on extracts from the text, but you'll need that background knowledge to gain extra marks. You'll be asked to explain the characters actions and how an audience would respond to seeing them.

Many students have to watch and compare film or TV versions of the play. You could be asked about the choices the directors have made or even write advice to the actors playing the different characters.

Othello...What Can I Study Next?

A level English Literature should give you the chance to study another of Shakespeare's plays. Shakespeare and other Elizabethan playwrights can form part of a degree in literature if you decide to go on to university.

External links to more information about Shakespeare's Othello.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/shakespeare/60secondshakespeare/themes_index.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/dramaothello/

http://absoluteshakespeare.com/guides/othello/othello.htm