Question

Othello Summative Final Draft

Directions: You will be constructing a writing piece that argues a claim about our last text “Othello.” You will create your claim using the following claim:

“Iago is an effective villain.”


Your writing piece should:
-ELABORATE ON THE CLAIM BY PREVIEWING YOUR SUBCLAIMS/REASONING (“Iago is an effective villain BECAUSE…”)
-CITE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE REASONS FOR YOUR CLAIM (you ideally will have MULTIPLE pieces of evidence for each piece of your claim.)
-CLEARLY EXPLAIN HOW THE EVIDENCE SUPPORTS YOUR CLAIM (REASONING)
-Have MULTIPLE paragraphs, including an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion


Below is the rubric that I will use to assess your piece:

Cite Supporting Evidence

Accuracy/Relevance of Evidence to Claim

Provide Reasoning for Claim

Connect Reasoning to Evidence

Structure of Writing Piece

Discussion of Figurative Language/Tone

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Claims must be ARGUABLE (something where different people can take different sides) and DEFINITIVE (you sound certain of your claim–no “maybes” or “could be this or that,” etc.)
You should be able to state specifics with your claim (i.e. “Iago is an effective villain because he is ______, _______, and ________.”)
You should be able to point to different parts of the text that show your claim (you should be able to pull evidence from ANY Act/Scene in the play.)
You should be able to TALK ABOUT your evidence, which means you should be able to tell me HOW your evidence supports your claim.

Answer 1

The Malevolent Machinations of Iago: An Effective Villain

Introduction:

In Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello," Iago emerges as a malevolent force, orchestrating a web of deception and manipulation that ultimately leads to the downfall of numerous characters. The claim that "Iago is an effective villain" is supported by his astute planning, skillful manipulation of those around him, and his ability to exploit their weaknesses. Through a careful examination of the play's text, it becomes evident that Iago's actions and motives solidify his position as a formidable antagonist.

Body Paragraph 1: Astute Planning

Iago's effectiveness as a villain stems from his meticulous planning and strategic thinking. Throughout the play, he devises schemes with precision, taking advantage of opportunities that arise. For instance, in Act I, Scene III, he cunningly plants seeds of doubt in Othello's mind by implying Desdemona's infidelity. He strategically uses Othello's vulnerability and naivety to fuel his destructive plans. This ability to exploit circumstances and manipulate others' minds showcases Iago's mastermind skills.

Body Paragraph 2: Skillful Manipulation

Iago's true evil lies in his ability to manipulate others' emotions and actions. He employs various techniques, such as sowing seeds of jealousy, spreading rumors, and staging elaborate deceptions. In Act III, Scene III, Iago plants the handkerchief, a seemingly innocent object, as proof of Desdemona's infidelity. This provokes Othello's descent into madness. Additionally, he skillfully exploits Roderigo's love for Desdemona, convincing him to do his bidding. Iago's manipulative tactics highlight his control over others, making him an effective villain.

Body Paragraph 3: Exploitation of Weaknesses

Iago preys upon the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of those he targets, exploiting their flaws to accomplish his sinister goals. He capitalizes on Cassio's alcohol susceptibility, leading to his demotion and subsequent downfall. In Act IV, Scene I, Iago capitalizes on Othello's insecurities about his race and age, strategically pushing him toward the brink of madness. By identifying and exploiting his victims' weaknesses, Iago demonstrates his ability to create chaos and sow discord.

Conclusion:

Iago's effectiveness as a villain in "Othello" is undeniable. His astute planning, skillful manipulation, and exploitation of weaknesses set in motion a series of tragic events that ultimately kill several characters. Through his calculated actions, Iago proves himself to be a formidable antagonist, capable of orchestrating chaos and wreaking havoc. The evidence from the play solidly supports the claim that Iago is indeed an effective villain, leaving an indelible mark on "Othello's tragic narrative."