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Year 9

Exploring Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello

I can explain how the symbolic storm reflects the structure and key elements of the tragedy.

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Year 9

Exploring Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello

I can explain how the symbolic storm reflects the structure and key elements of the tragedy.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Shakespeare often uses different locations to represent mindsets.
  2. In 'Othello', Venice represents civilisation whilst Cyprus symbolises the wilderness.
  3. The storm is a recurring symbol in Shakespeare's plays, reflecting a disruption of order.
  4. The description of the storm dividing Othello and Cassio foreshadows Othello’s demise.

Keywords

  • Pathetic Fallacy - The attribution of human emotion to inanimate objects or things.

  • Foreshadow - Warn of a future event.

  • Misogyny - Dislike of or prejudice for women.

  • Poignant - Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

Common misconception

The storm in Othello is just a device that means the Turkish army is defeated and the war is over.

The storm in Othello is a device that is symbolic of chaos and disorder to come.


To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Exploring Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Explore other plays that have storms and any similarities between what it symbolises in 'Othello' vs the other plays.
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Teacher tip
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Equipment

You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.

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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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Supervision

Adult supervision required

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What do we learn in Act 1 Scene 3 of Shakespeare's 'Othello'?
Desdemona and Othello are planning their honeymoon.
Correct answer: The Turkish fleet are targeting Cyprus.
Iago wants to marry Desdemona.
Brabantio has ordered for Othello to be killed.
Q2.
What does Othello say he is skilled at in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: being a warrior
speaking romantically
winning over women
writing poetry
Q3.
With 'Othello' in mind, complete the sentence: Whilst Iago views Othello as __________, Othello presents himself as __________.
Correct answer: boastful, modest
charming, rude
Machiavellian, innocent
Q4.
In 'Othello', what is Iago's scheme against Othello?
To propose to Desdemona because he has loved her for many years.
Correct answer: To make Othello believe Desdemona has had an affair with Cassio
To make Desdemona believe Othello has been unfaithful.
Q5.
In 'Othello', why does Iago believe his scheme will be successful?
Correct answer: because he believes Othello ''is of a free and open nature''
Correct answer: because he believes Cassio is a handsome man
because he believes he is the master of trickery
Q6.
What epithet do other characters use for Othello throughout the play 'Othello' and why is it important?
''The general'' it shows they trust his leadership skills
Correct answer: ''The Moor'' it shows they view him as an outsider
''Traitor'' it shows they do not trust him

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello', what occurs in Cyprus that destroys the Turkish fleet?
a flood
an earthquake
Correct answer: a storm
Q2.
Look at this quote from Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello': ''for they were parted With foul and violent tempest.'' What does this quote foreshadow?
Cassio and Othello's deaths
Correct answer: Cassio and Othello's division through Iago's manipulation
Cassio and Othello's physical fight
Q3.
In 'Othello', why is it significant that Iago talks of his scheme in an aside?
Correct answer: it shows Iago plotting in secret, showing him as a Machiavellian villain
it shows Iago plotting in secret, showing him as shy
it shows Iago speaking openly, showing him as boldly rebellious
Q4.
''With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.'' What does this quote from Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello' suggest?
Correct answer: Iago will trap the characters mentally using his manipulative schemes.
Correct answer: Iago will use the smallest pieces of evidence to suit his manipulations.
Iago finds Cassio irritating.
Q5.
In Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello', why is the location change to Cyprus significant?
Correct answer: Whilst Venice represents order and tradition, Cyprus represents wilderness
Whilst Venice represents wilderness, Cyprus represents order and tradition
Whilst Venice represents the patriarchy, Cyprus represents war
Q6.
What could the storm in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello' symbolise about the later events to come?
Correct answer: That Othello's mind will soon be trapped in the same turbulence
That there will be deadly battle to come
That Othello and Desdemona will divorce