Exploring 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’

Constructing an argument about 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'

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

When he believes Iago's claims that Desdemona has been unfaithful

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hamartia? 

When he refuses to listen to Desdemona's side of the story

In 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hubris?

What lesson may Othello be said to have learned by the end of the play 'Othello'?

Look at this quote from Shakespeare's 'Othello': "Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?" This quote shows Othello's moment of...

"Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!"

"I have done the state some service, and they know't."

"Of one that loved not wisely but too well"

Which quote shows Othello's remorse at the end of the play 'Othello'?

Othello believes Iago easily, he then gets jealous and angry at Desdemona 

Othello refuses to acknowledge Desdemona's pleas, he then kills her senselessly

Othello fires Cassio, Cassio then has an affair with Othello's wife

In 'Othello', how does Othello's hubris lead to his downfall by the end of the play?

What is *not* a characteristic of a typical tragedy?

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what may Othello's hamartia be? Choose two that may apply.

when he refuses to listen to Desdemona about her fidelity

In 'Othello', what moment do we see Othello's stubborness? 

he defends himself eloquently and respectfully

How is Othello revealed to be noble at the beginning of the play 'Othello'? 

Exploring Othello as a tragic hero

Lesson outcome

Content guidance