Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Othello's character is established in Act 1, Scene 3.
Key learning points
- Epithets are used to establish how characters are perceived by one another and society.
- Othello is established as calm, powerful and eloquent, which makes his later disturbance all the more shocking.
- Visually, Othello is an outsider but morally he embodies all that would be seen as respectable, chivalrous and moral.
- Othello's honourable speech contrasts the way in which Iago presented him as boastful.
Keywords
Epithet - A phrase expressing an attribute considered characteristic of the person being described.
Honourable - Bringing or deserving respect.
Valiant - Possessing courage and determination.
Eloquent - Fluent or persuasive in speech.
Common misconception
Othello will live up to others' expectations and opinions of him.
Othello is completely different to other's perceptions of him. Indeed, he must be worthy of sympathy if he is to be a tragic hero.
Teacher tip
Ask students if a modern and Elizabethan audience would react in the same way to meeting Othello.
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 Shakespeare's 'Othello', what does Brabantio find out in Act 1 Scene 1 about his daughter?
Q2.At the start of 'Othello', why did Iago tell Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello's elopement?
Q3.What does Iago do to mock Othello when speaking to Brabantio at the start of 'Othello'?
Q4.What is not a valid interpretation of Iago in the opening scene of Shakespeare's 'Othello'?
Q5."O unhappy girl! With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a father!" What does this quote show about Brabantio's feelings towards his daughter's elopement in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q6.What does Brabantio's reaction to the elopement of Othello and Desdemona in 'Othello' reveal about him?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello', what does Brabantio accuse Othello of?
Q2.How does Othello respond to Brabantio's accusations of bewitching Desdemona in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Q3.Which quote taken from Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' shows Othello's honour?
Q4.In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what epithet do the other characters use to refer to Othello and why is it significant?
Q5.What does the Duke say that testifies to Othello's eloquence in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Q6.Why is Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' important in shaping Othello as a tragic hero?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 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 3 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.