ORAL PRESENTATIONS: OTHELLO READINGS AND

ANALYSIS. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED RUBRIC. 24/2/16

GROUP ONE: Megan, Bethula, Joanna, Ayana
DISCUSSION: Love and Marriage in Othello
Joanna: Issue of Courtly Love and the tradition of Marriage in a Historical context. Definition of
CL given, and evidence of CL in the play explained with quotes from various sources.
Bethula: Patriarchy, QE1s influence on Shakespeares presentation of women, role of men and
women in a patriarchal society. Used many sources.
Ayana: The religious context and issue of tradition; parental consent and social class; role of
social structures re marriage decisions.
Megan: Realism, dramatics and social change. The structure and language of the play, audience
appeal and appreciation. Presentation of themes, motifs, symbolism, related to the above issue.
Teachers Comments: An excellent discussion with strong, salient points; presented evidence
from both the text and various sources: Literary, Psychologists, Clergy, Sociologists and
Historical. Vocals were on point and students engaged in active discussion.
Org: 5/5; Exp: 5/5; Analysis: 5/5; Sources: 5/5 Mark: 20/20

GROUP TWO: Ocean, Britney, Dabryen

DISCUSSION: Sexual Anxiety and the Male Order in Othello
Ocean: The Male mind set: What was the male mind set in Shakespearean times? How is it
presented to the audience? Was it acceptable of how a man would perceive issues and his
behaviour, was it also the norm? How does Shakespeare interpret manhood? Othellos race: does
this affect his perception of himself as a man?
Britney: What causes Sexual anxiety in the play? How does Shakespeare present this issue? The
psychological issues that would affect Othellos decisions, as well as Iagos perceptions and
Emilia and Desdemona. Cassio as lover, which makes him logical competition.
Dabryen: The patriarchal order and the perception of manhood; issues of social construct and
class affecting manhood.
Teachers comments: Overall, well done. Salient points, and a strong discussion generated from
points presented. Various sources used such as psychological, sociological and historical as well
as literary. Repetitive at times but not distracting.

Org: 4/5; Exp: 5/5; Analysis: 5/5; Sources: 5/5 Mark: 19/20

GROUP THREE: Kwasi, Anna, Zhanna, Kate, Philara, Leah

PART A- Diabolical intellect vs the noble hero.
PART B-Love and Marriage in Othello

Kwasi: The psychological factors that affect the characters: How they would have been
constructed to appeal to the Sha/ Audience as well as the Mod/Audience. The Othello Syndrome:
How Othellos jealous nature decreases his heroic stature vs that of Iagos intellect. Cassios
appeal due to his easy-going nature.
Leah: The Machiavellian villain and his appeal: Historically and modern interpretations.
Audience appreciation and the addition of tension, intrigue, language, structure, dramatic devices
and plot devices in the play.
Philara: Othellos newlywed status as a catalyst for diabolical intent; his decision making
processes, an overall critique on his decisions and actions after marriage. Othellos stature as a
man vs a soldier. The issue of actor in Iago: the advisor, bestie, use of soliloquies that reveal
intent etc.
Zhanna and Kate: Definition of Love, historical and modernist, presentation on stage, womens
vs mens role, patriarchal and feminine nature: acceptable behaviours, infatuation and sex appeal
vs attraction and love; roles of men and women: Othellos role as soldier vs lover and
Desdemonas role of wife vs BF. Iagos exploitation and opinions, as well as Emilia. Role of
Cassio and Bianca.
Teachers Comments: An excellent discussion with strong, salient points; presented evidence
from both the text and various sources: Literary, Psychologists, Clergy, Sociologists and
Historical. Vocals were on point and students engaged in active discussion.
Org: 5/5; Exp: 5/5; Analysis: 5/5; Sources: 5/5 Mark: 20/20

ABSENT STUDENTS: Jean-Pierre, Vaani, Ahalia, Amare.