English Home Language/P2 21 DBE/Feb.–Mar.

2018
NSC

OTHELLO – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 12 (essay question) OR QUESTION 13 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 12: OTHELLO – ESSAY QUESTION

Othello is responsible for his own tragic fate.

Assess the validity of this statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 13: OTHELLO – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT G

EMILIA
What handkerchief!
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steal.
IAGO
Hast stole it from her?
EMILIA
No, faith, she let it drop by negligence, 5
And to the advantage, I being here took't up.
Look, here it is.
IAGO
A good wench! Give it me.
EMILIA
What will you do with it, that you have been
So earnest to have me filch it? 10
IAGO
(Snatching it) Why, what is that to you?
EMILIA
If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give't me again. Poor lady, she'll run mad
When she shall lack it.
IAGO
Be not you known on't, I have use for it. 15
Go, leave me.
Emilia off
I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin,
And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmation strong 20
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.
The Moor already changes with my poison.
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons,

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2 Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language
 English Home Language/P2 22 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC

Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,

But, with a little act upon the blood, 25
Burn like the mines of sulphur. I did say so.
Re-enter Othello
Look where he comes! Not poppy, nor mandragora,
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep 30
Which thou owedst yesterday.
OTHELLO
Ha, ha, false to me, to me?
[Act 3, Scene 3]

13.1 Refer to lines 9–10: 'What will you …'/'me filch it?'

Explain how Iago intends to use Desdemona's handkerchief. (3)

13.2 Explain what this extract suggests about Iago's relationship with Emilia. (3)

13.3 Refer to line 22: 'The Moor already changes with my poison.'

Comment on the accuracy of Iago's observation in the context of this extract. (3)

AND
EXTRACT H

OTHELLO
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil
Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
IAGO
Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word.
LODOVICO
What, not to pray? 5
GRATIANO
Torments will ope your lips.
OTHELLO
Well, thou dost best.
LODOVICO
Sir, you shall understand what hath befallen,
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo, 10
And here another. The one of them imports
The death of Cassio, to be undertook
By Roderigo.
OTHELLO
O villain!
CASSIO
Most heathenish and most gross! 15
LODOVICO
Now here's another discontented paper

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Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 3
English Home Language/P2 23 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC

Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems,

Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain,
But that, belike, Iago in the nick
Came in and satisfied him. 20
…
OTHELLO
Soft you – a word or two before you go.
I have done the State some service and they know't.
No more of that. I pray you in your letters
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate
Speak of them as they are. Nothing extenuate, 25
Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely, but too well;
Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away 30
Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes,
Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this;
And say besides that in Aleppo once 35
Where a malignant and turbaned Turk
Beat a Venetian and traduced the State,
I took by the throat the circumcised dog –
And smote him thus.
Othello stabs himself 40
[Act 5, Scene 2]

13.4 Refer to lines 9–10: 'Here is a letter …'/'Found in … the slain Roderigo'.

Account for Roderigo's involvement in Iago's plan. (3)

13.5 Refer to lines 3–4: 'Demand me nothing …'/'will speak word.'

Comment on the irony of Iago's words. (3)

13.6 Othello refers to Iago as a 'demi-devil' (line 1).

In your opinion, is Othello's assessment of Iago's character justified?

Motivate your response. (3)

13.7 Refer to line 21–23: 'Soft you – a word …'/'No more of that.'

If you were the director of a production of Othello, how would you instruct the
actor to deliver these lines? Justify your instructions with reference to both
body language and tone. (3)

13.8 Using this extract as a starting point and drawing on your knowledge of the
play as a whole, critically comment on the nature of jealousy as presented in
the play. (4)
[25]
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4 Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language
 English Home Language/P2 17 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

OTHELLO – William Shakespeare

QUESTION 12: OTHELLO – ESSAY QUESTION

 Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only.
However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of
critical thought and interpretation.
 A range of examples may be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
 Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.

 Despite Othello's many admirable qualities, he has serious insecurities that

contribute to his tragic fate. His insecurities about his race, his age, his ignorance
about Venetian society, especially Venetian women, surface only when his
confidence in Desdemona's loyalty/faithfulness is undermined by Iago.
 Othello allows himself to succumb to Iago's lies. He places his complete trust in
Iago, allowing him to become his adviser and confidant, thereby compromising his
integrity.
 Although Othello asks for 'ocular proof' of Desdemona's betrayal, he does not
question the evidence when it is presented to him.
 Othello enters into an unholy alliance with Iago to kill both Cassio and
Desdemona. This deliberate decision to commit murder compromises his morality
and leads to his decision to execute justice on himself.
 He also agrees to Iago's suggestion that he eavesdrop on Iago and Cassio's
conversation, not realising that Iago is deceiving him. His gullibility in this situation
contributes to his downfall.
 Othello allows himself to be manipulated. Iago's suggestion of Desdemona's
infidelity provides the excuse Othello needs to justify the destruction of the wife he
believes cannot truly love him.
 Othello's low self-esteem, jealousy and pride make him determined to ensure that
Desdemona pays dearly for her supposed transgression.
 Although Othello calls himself 'an honourable murderer', his actions in refusing
Desdemona the chance to defend herself belie this claim.

 Candidates might argue that, rather than Othello's being responsible for his own
fate, it is Iago who is the cause of his downfall.
 Iago plays on Othello's insecurities, poisoning his mind against his wife.
 Othello has no reason to disbelieve or mistrust Iago, as Iago is perceived to be
'honest' by numerous characters in the play.
 Iago is an excellent judge of character. He is opportunistic, cunning and evil, and
the naïve and unsophisticated Othello stands no chance against Iago's devious
machinations.

[Accept mixed/valid alternative responses.] [25]

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Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 5
English Home Language/P2 18 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

QUESTION 13: OTHELLO – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

13.1 Iago intends to use the handkerchief as 'ocular proof' of Desdemona's

unfaithfulness. He plans to place the handkerchief in Cassio's lodging,
thereby implying that Desdemona gave it to Cassio as a token of her love.
This will validate Iago's accusations and will motivate Othello to act against
Desdemona and Cassio.

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

13.2 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. He deliberately uses her as a tool to further his selfish plans.

[Award 3 marks only if reference is made to this extract.] (3)

13.3 Iago's observation is accurate as Othello shows increasing signs of anguish.

There is a clear sense of Othello's emotional breakdown. Earlier in the play,
Othello refuses to believe that Desdemona could be unfaithful. At this point,
his words indicate that he is coming closer to believing in her guilt.

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

13.4 Roderigo had wanted to marry Desdemona but had been unsuccessful. Iago
promised to help Roderigo win Desdemona in return for Roderigo's help in
bringing about Othello's downfall. He continues to help Iago because he is
convinced that Iago will make good on his promise.

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

13.5 Throughout the play, Iago has been very adept at using words to persuade
and manipulate. However, here he pledges to remain silent because he
realises that nothing he says would be to his advantage and he is happy to
thwart the process of justice. He is being spiteful.

[Award 3 marks only if irony is discussed.] (3)

13.6 Yes.
From the beginning of the play, Iago's intention has been to destroy Othello.
He hates everything that is good, everything that has a 'daily beauty'. He
does not believe in concepts such as love and virtue and seeks to destroy
anything associated with these ideas. On a number of occasions, he also
equates his actions with those of the devil.

OR

[A 'No' response is unlikely; however, treat all responses on their merits.]

[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)

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6 Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language
 English Home Language/P2 19 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2018
NSC – Marking Guidelines

13.7 Othello is appealing to Lodovico and the assembled company to listen to the
reasons for his actions. There is an element of pride and condescension in
his tone when he mentions his 'service' to the State. He might raise his hand
to stave off being seized by the guards/extend his hand in appeal/point to
himself to emphasise his words. His tone becomes dismissive as he comes to
realise the insignificance of his past deeds.

[Accept valid alternative responses.]

[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.]

[Award 3 marks only if the candidate refers to body language and tone, and
includes a justification.] (3)

13.8 Feelings of jealousy are displayed by various characters. In this extract,

Othello indicates that he is not easily made jealous but once his jealousy is
aroused, he is consumed by it. His insecurities and fears lead him to believe
Iago's lies. Iago's jealousy is spurred on by his feelings of inadequacy as he
feels that he can never be the equal of Cassio and Othello. Roderigo is
jealous of Othello's having Desdemona as his wife. Ultimately, jealousy
manifests in different ways but always results in destruction of self and
others.

[Candidates may make reference to other examples.]

[Award 4 marks only if reference is made to this extract and the play as a (4)
whole.] [25]

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Grade 12 Literature Setwork English Home Language 7