To be so full of a feeling that it affects everything you do.

When an object or character is placed in a position that symbolises a theme or idea.

A person who does not belong to the wider community or group.

Exploring Act 4 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. 

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

What is Othello consumed by in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

he starts off as savage but in Act 4 Scene 1 he is honourable

he starts off as eloquent but by Act 4 Scene 1 he is incoherent

he starts off calm but by Act 4 Scene 1 he is hysterical

What is *not* true of Othello's character change by Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

Iago lurks on the periphery symbolising him as an outsider

Othello lurks on the periphery symbolising him as an outsider

Othello interrupts Cassio and Iago's conversation symbolising his power

Which of the below is the best description of how symbolic positioning is used effectively in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

Lodovico says ''I am sorry I was deceived in him''

Othello says ''O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!''

Othello says ''Get me some poison, Iago, this night.''

How is dramatic irony shown in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

Othello's mental health is deteriorating 

Othello's speech is far from the eloquent speech of Act 1

Iago has successfully 'poisoned' Othello's mind

''--Handkerchief--confessions--handkerchief!--''. 'What does the syntax here show in this quote from Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

he is violent towards his wife, showing how he has lost his honourable status

he kills Cassio, showing how rage has taken over him

he kills Desdemona, his downfall is cemented

he hits Iago, he recognises he has been manipulated

How does Othello act at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello' and what does it show?

Desdemona tempts Cassio to have an affair with her

Cassio tempts Desdemona to run away with him

Iago tempts Othello to probe for more information about Desdemona's 'infidelity'

Why is Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' called 'The Temptation' scene?

God because he has complete control over Othello

Serpent because he tempts and manipulates Othello

What biblical role does Iago represent in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' and why?

''No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt." What does this quote show about Othello's initial reaction to Iago's manipulation in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

he is calm and doesn't doubt Desdemona at all

How does Othello react to Iago's suggestions by the end of Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

Othello shows his insecurities, feels indebted to Iago and remarks he is doomed

Othello sees Desdemona and Cassio kissing

Othello, consumed by jealousy, falls into a trance

How can Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' be seen as the peripeteia?

"O curse of marriage, That we can call these delicate creatures ours"

Which quote reflects that Othello's imminent downfall is inevitable in 'Othello'? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.