Choose two of the prompts below (clearly indicate which prompts you’ve chosen). You should write upon both The Odyssey and Othello. You want to be sure to use the primary text of both works to support your claims.
1. The Journey of Identity
Both Odysseus and Othello undergo significant personal journeys—Odysseus’s is literal, Othello’s psychological. Compare how each protagonist’s sense of identity is tested and shaped by their experiences. What do these transformations reveal about heroism, honor, or self-perception in their respective cultures?
2. Women as Catalysts and Symbols
Examine the roles of Penelope and Desdemona. How do their actions, reputations, and relationships with men influence the plots of The Odyssey and Othello? In what ways do they reflect or challenge the expectations of women in Greek and Elizabethan societies?
3. Outsiders and Homecomings
Odysseus returns home as a stranger; Othello remains an outsider despite his military service. Analyze how each protagonist’s status as an outsider (literal or metaphorical) affects their fate. What do these stories suggest about belonging and alienation?
4. The Power—and Danger—of Storytelling
Both works explore how stories and words shape reality. Odysseus crafts tales of his journey; Iago manipulates through language. Discuss the power of narrative in both texts. How does storytelling function as a tool of persuasion, deception, or survival?
5. Honor, Reputation, and the Male Ego
Honor and reputation drive much of the action in both The Odyssey and Othello. Consider how the concept of masculine honor influences the decisions and downfalls of Odysseus and Othello. How do these concerns reflect the values of their respective cultures?
Your essay should follow MLA guidelines, which can be found here. In short, it should be 4-5 pages, double-spaced (approx 1200-1500 words). Submit as either a Word or PDF document.
Note the following:
- Avoid the first person (“I”) and second person (“you”).
- AI is not to be used in any way, including as a corrective aid.
- Proofread to correct major errors such as comma splices, sentence fragments, run-ons, and faulty possessives.