Othello or Twelfth Night Deception Writing Assignment
First choose Prompt #1 or Prompt #2
Prompt #1: Othello is a play about deception and the emotional upheaval it can cause when it goes undetected and unchecked. It is difficult to look at Othello and find an important character that hasn’t been the victim of deception. Deception leads to disastrous results for everyone by the end of the play. Choose a character that is deceptive in the play, and explain what point Shakespeare is making about deception through that character’s behavior. Use specific lines from the play to support your argument.
OR
Prompt #2: One of the themes in Twelfth Night is about using deception in language and appearance. Deception leads to comedic results for some characters by the end of the play. Choose a character is deceptive in the play, and explain what point Shakespeare is making about deception through that character’s behavior. Use specific lines from the play to support your argument.
Objective: To write an essay that includes an introduction with a solid thesis statement (based on the prompt), write two or three claims (each claim should be a paragraph) to support your thesis, and to write a conclusion that thoroughly sums up your ideas.
Thesis: The thesis is a one-sentence statement that answers a prompt. The thesis must clearly and concisely answer the prompt with one robust (strong) sentence. The thesis is your answer to a prompt. It is the statement that you want the reader to accept after reading your paper. You simply want the reader to accept your observation as viable or possible within the realm of a myriad of possibilities.
The paragraphs should begin with a claim as the focus (first) sentence and utilize assertions, evidence, and analysis (see “Themes, Claims, Assertions, Evidence, and Analysis” handout for more details—this is on the website and you were given a hard copy earlier).
Claims: Claims are statements that support the considerations in the thesis. Claims are also statements that are in need of proof, that is, the reader cannot accept them at face value; the writer must show that the facts of the story prove with the claim states. Generally, a thesis is supported by two or more claims.
You will clearly assert your claims by using evidence and analysis. You will be using direct quotes from the play you choose. You may also use outside resources, as long as you cite them correctly and include a Works Cited page. You need to use proper MLA citations for your quotations from the play as well.