2. Explore Your Topic

After thoroughly examining your assignment, now it's time to look for some initial background research on your topic. Try a search in the following database to learn more about your topic.

Shakespeare for Students - Othello
ISBN: 141441255X
Publication Date: 2007-08-06
Shakespeare for Students is a great place to start! Learn more about the play's characters, themes, style, setting, symbols and more! This source also contains several literary criticism essays.

How to Write about Othello
From Blooms Literature, Bloom's How to Write about Williams Shakespeare.
How to Write about Shakespeare's Tragedies
From Blooms Literature, Bloom's How to Write about Shakespeare's Tragedies.

Analyzing Othello

The Facts on File Guide to Writing a Literary Essay by Infobase Learning
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781438177175
Publication Date: 2017-05-01
The Facts of File Guide to Writing a Literary Essay is an excellent resource to use to learn a little more about how to write literary essays on themes, characters, symbolism, imagery, historical context, and more.

Questions to Ask Yourself

What is the setting? (place and time)

What is the atmosphere? (historical / sociological)

How is the story told? (narrative / point of view)

What language is used? (style, tone, and irony)

Who are the main characters? (protagonist / antagonist / others)

Are there symbols used? (symbols)

How does the plot help the reader understand the theme?

What is the dramatic moment? What is the conflict?

What is the moment of climax? (turning point / illumination / understanding)

How does the play end? (resolution)