Exploring Act 1, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how an audience might respond to the character of Iago in the opening scene.
Key learning points
- Iago is an agent of disorder - his motive is less important than the impact of his actions on the tragic hero.
- Iago might be described as a malcontent.
- Iago's diabolical nature is established in the line "I am not what I am", reflecting reversal and disorder.
- Iago causes disorder in the mind of Brabantio, by revealing his daughter's deceit.
Keywords
Elope - Run away secretly to get married.
Malcontent - A person who is dissatisfied and complaining.
Visage - A visage is a person’s face or an image of something.
Bigot - A bigot is someone prejudiced and/or antagonistic against a particular group.
Diabolical - Suggestive of the devil.
Common misconception
Shakespearean tragic heroes are often nobility who command respect from all before their fall.
Othello, the tragic hero, is not respected by Iago and Roderigo because of his race.
Teacher tip
Ask students how a modern audience may react to the opening of the play compared to an Elizabethan one.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In the play 'Othello', what do we know about Othello and Desdemona?
Q2.Why does Iago dislike Othello at the beginning of the play 'Othello'?
Q3.What is a key theme in Shakespeare's tragedies?
Q4.What is a convention of the tragic hero?
Q5.In Shakespeare's 'Othello', which character plays the biggest role in Othello's downfall and why?
Q6.In the play 'Othello', what is arguably Othello's hamartia from the list below?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where does Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello' fall in the five-act structure?
Q2.In Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello', what does Iago say he will do?
Q3.How does Iago stir up disorder in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q4.What does Iago say in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello' that could make the audience consider him as 'diabolical'?
Q5.''Tis the curse of service. Preferment goes by letter and affection''. What does this quote show about Iago in Shakespeare's 'Othello'?
Q6.In the play 'Othello', Iago's comments to Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello, reveal Iago's ...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Act 1, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Act 1, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'Othello' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.