Analysing Iago’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 3 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'

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Ask Desdemona to speak to Othello on your behalf

What does Iago tell Cassio to do about his lost rank in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

so that it will make Othello suspicious and jealous of Cassio and Desdemona

because Othello is ignoring him at the moment 

Why does Iago tell Cassio to speak to Desdemona about his loss of rank in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello', and not Othello himself?

''And what's he then that says I play the villain?''

''she's framed as fruitful As the free elements.''

In Act 2 Scene 2 of 'Othello', how does Iago show his love for evil and hellish acts?

Iago very cleverly judges the psychology of other characters

Iago knows his words will be poisonous, infecting Othello’s mind

Look at this quote from Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello': 'pour pestilence into his ear''. Which analysis matches this quote?

Iago judges the psychology of other characters very well.

He wants to corrupt all goodness - that of Cassio and Desdemona.

How could Iago be deemed ''clever'' in 'Othello'?

He asks the audience "how am I then a villain?’’.

How might Iago be seen as an incarnation of the devil in 'Othello'?

The play moves from Cyprus to Venice and there is a flood.

The play moves from Venice to Cyprus and there is a storm.

The play moves from Venice to Cyprus and there is a volcanic eruption.

How is disorder created in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello' through setting?

Iago schemes and revels in the delight of trapping Cassio in his 'web'.

Cassio and Othello are separated by the storm.

How is disorder shown through characters in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

They secretly hate Othello but are pretending to be his friend.

The storm won't kill Othello but Iago's schemes shortly after will.

Why is it poignant that Cassio and Montano long so deeply for Othello's safe return in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

He mocks his wife, saying she talks too much.

He kisses Desdemona knowing she has a husband.

He slanders women generally, calling them wild-cats behind closed doors.

How does Iago show his misogyny in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

He will die due to being weakened by the storm.

His mind will suffer the same turbulence as a result of Iago's scheme.

He will have to defend Cyprus from the Turkish fleet after all.

What could the storm in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello' symbolise about Othello's future?

''You are pictures out of door... wildcats in your kitchens''

''With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.''

Which quote shows that Iago is going to act as a 'puppet master' in people's destruction in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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