Exploring Act 3, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the theme of temptation in Act 3, Scene 3.
Key learning points
- Act 3, Scene 3 can be seen as the moment of peripeteia in the tragedy.
- The fragmented structure of the scene highlights the increasingly disordered nature of the play.
- The symbolic setting of the garden alludes to the biblical temptation in that it mirrors Iago's satanic role.
- Dramatic irony heightens the tension in Act 3, Scene 3.
Keywords
Peripeteia - a pivotal action that changes the protagonist’s fate from secure to vulnerable
Symbolic setting - a setting that symbolises a key idea or theme
Dramatic irony - a tragic technique in which the significance of a character’s words are clear to the audience but unknown to the character
Common misconception
Othello's downfall is solely due to his own faults.
Shakespeare carefully crafts Iago as someone who plays a huge role in Othello's downfall - acting like the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
Teacher tip
Ask students if Iago's presentation here links with any other moments of the play i.e. his diabolical nature.
Equipment
You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What happens to Cassio in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Q2.In 'Othello', what does Iago tell Cassio to do regarding getting his job back?
Q3.In 'Othello', what is Iago's motive when he tells Cassio to speak to Desdemona about his job and not Othello directly?
Q4.''Pour pestilence into his ear." What does this quote from 'Othello' show about Iago's intentions with Othello?
Q5.What is dramatic irony?
Q6.Look at the quotes from 'Othello', which quotes shows Iago as diabolical?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the setting in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' symbolise?
Q2.How does Desdemona appear to be when she asks Othello to speak to Cassio about his job in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Q3.In Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello', how does Iago make Othello believe he has his best interests at heart?
Q4.How is dramatic irony shown in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Q5.How can Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' be viewed as the play's peripeteia?
Q6.Look at the quotes from 'Othello', what does Othello say that suggests he has internalised other people's prejudices?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Act 3, 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 3, 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.