Exploring Act 1, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’

English

In 'Othello', pupils learn about the conventions of a tragic hero, which allows them to judge whether the protagonist is more a victim of his own hamartia or rather of external pressures and a racist society. In 'Macbeth: A Tragic  Hero', pupils evaluate whether Macbeth's downfall is caused by his own hubris or whether Lady Macbeth and wider society can be blamed. 

In 'The Language of Protest', pupils take inspiration from protest poetry and speeches, to write an opinion article. In 'Othello', pupils use their argumentative writing skills to compose letters in defense of Othello and to write speeches campaigning for racial equality. 

In this unit, pupils explore Shakespeare's 'Othello'. They start by learning about Aristotelian tragedy and how Shakespeare adapted it. They read long extracts from across the play, and consider the presentation of Othello, Iago and Desdemona. Finally, they look at key themes, such as jealousy.

'Othello'

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Where does Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello' fall in the five-act structure?

pretend to be loyal to Othello but deep down have his own best interest at heart

In Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello', what does Iago say he will do?

he encourages Roderigo to flirt with Desdemona

he tells Brabantio that Desdemona has eloped with Othello

he hatches a plan with Roderigo to break into Othello's house

How does Iago stir up disorder in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

''Call up her father, Rouse him: make after him, poison his delight''

What does Iago say in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello' that could make the audience consider him as 'diabolical'?

He is bitter about being passed over for a promotion

''Tis the curse of service. Preferment goes by letter and affection''. What does this quote show about Iago in Shakespeare's 'Othello'?

jealousy about Desdemona being with another man.

prejudice against Othello because of his race.

hatred for Brabantio having let Desdemona do whatever she wants.

In the play 'Othello', Iago's comments to Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello, reveal Iago's ...

In the play 'Othello', what do we know about Othello and Desdemona?

Iago was courting Desdemona before Othello married her

Why does Iago dislike Othello at the beginning of the play 'Othello'?

What is a key theme in Shakespeare's tragedies?

they start off with high status and then experience a downfall

they start with low status but grow in esteem 

their fate stays stable throughout the play

Cassio for having an affair with Desdemona

Desdemona for being unfaithful to Othello

Iago for manipulating Othello into believing his wife was unfaithful 

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', which character plays the biggest role in Othello's downfall and why?

In the play 'Othello', what is arguably Othello's hamartia from the list below?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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