Pre-Writing Practice Prompts
Group discussion prompts that prepare students to write on Plato's three-part soul and Holland's religious reading.
ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION:
Pre-Writing Practice: Othello
Mr. Reed
Working in groups of no more than four, discuss and take notes at least one of the following items.
Prompt 1
Norman N. Holland, a Shakespeare critic of some note, asserts that Othello has a religious format, operating - to paraphrase Emilia - at the level of “heaven and men and devils.” Discuss that approach to the play by identifying one of the characters with “heaven,” one with “men,” and the third with “devils.” Explain the dynamics of that interrelationship and use those details to explain the meaning of the conclusion of the play.
Prompt 2
According to Plato, the human soul consists of three divisions: the reason (intellect), the passions (spirit or emotion), and the appetites (desires). Plato asserts that the proper life requires the participation of all three divisions; however, he also qualifies the model by explaining that the reason must always exercise control over the passions and the appetites.
Explain the reputation, manipulation, and downfall of Othello in terms of Plato’s theory. Remember that you may discuss other characters as they relate to the model so long as they also relate to each of the aforementioned aspects of Othello’s career. Provide all the details from the play necessary to support your case.