How can I write an essay that either agrees or disagrees with the idea that Othello is a tragedy of racial bigotry, not of jealousy?

First, decide whether or not you think Othello's tragedy is racial bigotry. Then, gather quotes and examples to support your position. After you choose your position, you can focus your essay to look at Shakespeare's use of language, imagery, staging, or character plot lines–just to name a few elements of the play–that will help you lay out your argument.

To give you an idea of how you can start, let's say you agree with the statement that Othello is a tragedy of race and not jealousy. You can examine the language used to describe Othello versus other socially similar characters like Cassio to prove this point. Othello is from the beginning of the play referred to as a "black ram" and a "devil" (1.1.97-100). This type of language continues during the play when his relationship with Desdemona is referred to as "unnatural":

"Not to affect many proposed matches/Of her own clime, complexion, and degree...One may smell in such a will most rank/Foul disproportion thoughts unnatural" (3.3.269-273).

Toward the end of the play, notice how language is used during the death scene: does the animal imagery make another appearance? Is Othello still described as trying to surpass social lines? Describe for your readers if the language proves the real tragedy is a failed attempt to overcome racial bigotry.

Feel free to play around with the element of the play you want to focus on, but your very first step is to decide your position. Good luck!