a statement that is put forward to be proved

expressing a judgement or opinion about something

Constructing an argument about Othello as a tragic hero

English

Introduction to 'Othello' and plot exploration

'Othello' and Aristotle's conventions of tragedy

'Othello' and Shakespeare's conventions of tragedy

Exploring Act 1, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’

Exploring Iago from ‘Othello’ as a Machiavellian villain

Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’

Written analysis of Othello in Act 1, Scene 3

Exploring Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello

Analysing Iago’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’

Analysing and writing about Iago from ‘Othello’

Exploring Act 3, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’

Exploring Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'

Exploring Act 5, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’

Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’

Exploring Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Othello’

Exploring Othello as a tragic hero

Linking moments and quotations in 'Othello'

Exploring motifs in 'Othello'

Exploration of the theme of race in 'Othello'

Using context effectively to discuss ‘Othello’

Exploration of the theme of appearances and reality in 'Othello'

Analysis of the theme of appearances and reality in ‘Othello’

Exploration of the theme of jealousy in 'Othello'

Analysis of the theme of jealousy in 'Othello'

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'

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

focus of the question / contextualisation of the scene

Focus of the question / contextualisation of the scene.

Starting with the first, put the parts of an introduction in chronological order. 

What is the role of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

What is **not** part of the criteria for a topic sentence?

Shakespeare introduces Iago as malcontent in the first scene of the play.

Shakespeare uses diabolical imagery to characterise Iago.

Which topic sentence is the most effective? 

topic sentences can be placed in any order

topic sentences should track the progression of the character/theme

the topic sentence with the most evidence should go first

How should you structure topic sentences to maintain an argument? 

In 'Othello', what does Othello have that makes him appear a tragic hero?

When he defends himself against Brabantio's accusations.

When he refuses to listen to Desdemona's narrative about her fidelity.

When do we witness Othello's hubris in the play 'Othello'?

finishes an essay, summarising the main ideas

analyses interesting examples of language

What role does an introduction play in an essay?

general sentence about the text as a whole

What would you **not** expect to see in an introduction?

Begin with the idea you have the most quotes for.

Begin writing about the most interesting language device.

You need evidence from a range of acts and scenes throughout the play.

You only need evidence from the first and last scene.

Statement that introduces a main idea in each body paragraph.

Statement that introduces an argument in the introduction.

Constructing an argument about Othello as a tragic hero

Lesson outcome

Content guidance