Having a moderate estimate of one’s merits or importance.

Poetry written in unrhymed but metered lines, usually in iambic pentameter.

Written analysis of Othello in Act 1, Scene 3

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’

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

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'

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Shakespeare, clearly trying to prove Othello's nobility, reveals his eloquence.

Shakespeare shows Iago's misplaced beliefs.

Shakespeare presents Othello as honourable.

Which sentence uses a participle phrase correctly?

embed the quote and discuss the moment in the play that it occurs

What is the most effective way to introduce a quote in a paragraph?

How does Othello speak in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'? What reveals his eloquence?

you should use multiple linking quotes throughout the paragraph

your quote can only be used if you are performing single word analysis

What is true of using quotes in a paragraph?

‘’Rude…in…speech, And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace’’

“send for the lady …and let her speak of me before her father”

What quote proves Othello is modest in 'Othello'?

He may be aware of Venetian prejudice against people of colour.

He has lost many battles at war despite being a general.

Why might Othello be so modest as a character in Shakespeare's 'Othello'?

Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft upon his daughter.

Brabantio forces Othello to separate from Desdemona.

What happens in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' between Othello and Brabantio?

In Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello', how does Othello react to Brabantio's accusations that Othello has used witchcraft on Desdemona?

Desdemona saw Othello on the battlefield and thought he was strong.

Othello told Desdemona his war stories and she pitied him.

They were good friends and realised they had a romantic connection.

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', how did Desdemona and Othello fall in love according to Othello?

he manages to convince the Duke of his love story

How do you know Othello is eloquent from Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

Iago and Brabantio have very negative opinions of Othello which are proven wrong

Iago and Brabantio have very positive opinions of Othello which are proven right

Iago and Brabantio have very negative opinions of Othello which are proven right

What is interesting about Iago and Brabantio’s perception of Othello and Othello’s presentation in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

he comes across as likeable and the audience begin to sympathise with him here

After Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello', why might Othello’s impending downfall be all the more tragic?

Written analysis of Othello in Act 1, Scene 3

Lesson outcome

Content guidance