Grade 12 Practise Essay Questions

1. Deception and manipulation are central to the tragic consequences in the play, Othello.
Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above statement. Your response
should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages).
2. In Othello, the relationships between husbands and their wives influence the outcome of the
play. Critically discuss the validity of the above statement. Your response should take the
form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages).
3. “Othello can truly be regarded as a tragic hero.” In an essay of 400 to 450 words, discuss this
statement.
Memos

(Please don’t share the full memos with students, instead share and discuss the important points
which should feature in their essay along with tips on how to properly structure their essay)

1. Deception and manipulation are central to the tragic consequences in the play, Othello.
Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above statement. Your response
should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages).
In his plot to exact revenge on Othello and Cassio, Iago deceives characters about his
true nature and intentions. He is regarded as honest, loyal and trustworthy by all.
Because Iago knows exactly how characters will react to his deception and
manipulation, he succeeds in destroying them.
 Othello regards Iago as his trusted ancient, which makes him susceptible to Iago's
plotting.
 When Iago advises Othello to hide from Brabantio's 'kinsmen', it is supposedly to
protect Othello. However, his intention is to make Othello appear guilty.
 Because of Iago's façade of friendship, Cassio turns to him for advice after being
dismissed. Cassio follows Iago's counsel to plead for Desdemona's help, which
further convinces Othello that Desdemona is committing adultery with Cassio.

 Desdemona has absolute faith in Iago, believing in his honesty. She seeks his
advice on how to regain Othello's regard. Her trust in Iago contributes to her death.

 Roderigo, believing Iago is his friend, gives him vast sums of money and jewels to
woo Desdemona. This enables Iago to use him in his plan of revenge. Roderigo has
complete faith in Iago's intention to help him, until he realises he has been duped.

 Roderigo disguises himself when he follows Desdemona to Cyprus and his

involvement in Iago's plotting leads to his death.

 Iago and Roderigo rouse Brabantio under the pretext of being concerned for
Desdemona's safety. They are actually hoping to cause trouble for Othello.

 Montano is deceived by Iago's apparent concern for Cassio's dereliction of duty.

Lodovico is misled when Iago expresses unease regarding Othello's abuse of
Desdemona; Iago also intimates that the physical abuse is not the worst of Othello's
offences. Iago's deviousness destroys both men's reputations.

 Initially, Othello appears to be controlled, rational, calm and decisive. However,

this hides his many insecurities which emerge once he is beset by doubts about
Desdemona's fidelity. Othello deceptively hides his jealousy of and murderous
intentions toward Cassio and Desdemona. Once he is convinced of their supposed
betrayal, he conspires with Iago to cold-bloodedly plan their murders.

 Desdemona creates the impression of being a dutiful and submissive daughter,

while secretly wooing Othello and then eloping with him. Brabantio is devastated by
this deception; he casts her off and eventually dies of a broken heart.
  Desdemona is guilty of deception as she lies to Othello about the handkerchief;
this contributes to her death.

 Emilia is Iago's unwitting accomplice when she steals the handkerchief that is later
used by him to give Othello the 'ocular proof' he demands. She is shocked when
Othello reveals Iago as the villain. She is killed by Iago when she insists on revealing
all she knows. [Credit valid alternative/mixed responses.]

2. In Othello, the relationships between husbands and their wives influence the outcome of
the play. Critically discuss the validity of the above statement. Your response should take
the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages).
 Initially, Othello regards Desdemona as 'his soul's joy'. His happiness is dependent on his
love for her. Their relationship is based on mutual respect and admiration.
 Othello regards Desdemona as his equal, admiring her assertiveness and outspokenness.
She is a strong-willed and courageous woman who is prepared to defy her father and
Venetian society to be with the man she loves. However, when she doggedly appeals for
Cassio's reinstatement, Othello, fuelled by Iago's insinuations, misinterprets her
assertiveness as pleading on her lover's behalf. He begins to distrust her, believing her to be
unfaithful.
 As a result of his insecurities and jealousy, Othello develops ambivalent feelings toward
Desdemona. Although he is filled with abhorrence for her supposedly promiscuous
behaviour and vows that he will no longer be influenced by her charms, he is still entranced
by her beauty.
 Othello's outrage at Desdemona's supposed betrayal is in conflict with his enduring love
for her. He speaks of her as 'a fine woman, a fair woman, a sweet woman', yet at other times
he refers to her as 'whore' and 'strumpet'.
 After being provided with 'ocular proof', Othello is determined to kill her. He justifies his
actions as being those of 'an honourable murderer'.
 Desdemona is modest and unselfish in her constant love for her husband. She remains
loyal and loving in spite of having to endure his humiliation and scorn.
 Later, Desdemona fails to defend herself when Othello verbally and physically abuses her.
By defending his actions, she becomes a submissive and obedient wife. Ultimately, she is a
victim of Othello's overpowering strength and oppressive jealousy and is killed despite
protesting her innocence.
 Othello's realisation that he has wronged her leads to his remorse and his inability to
continue living. He takes his own life in atonement for murdering Desdemona.
 Iago is generally disrespectful and dismissive of Emilia. He does not take her into his
confidence or allow her to question his actions. He is rude and bullying and deliberately uses
her as a tool to further his selfish plans.
 Emilia develops a cynical view toward marriage because of the verbal abuse she suffers at
the hands of Iago. Despite this, she obeys him without question.
 Emilia's desire to be loved exposes her to Iago's manipulation. She is prepared to steal the
handkerchief for him, thus compromising her integrity. However, when she realises what
Iago has done, Emilia's sense of justice and honour prevails. Although Emilia realises that
declaring the truth will place her life at risk, she is willing to do this to clear her conscience.
  At the end of the play, she displays great courage and defies her victimhood and her
duties as a wife when she refuses to obey Iago. She is prepared to denounce him even
though she realises she might die in doing so; her actions do indeed lead to her death.

3. “Othello can truly be regarded as a tragic hero.” In an essay of 400 to 450 words, discuss
this statement.