Exploring Act 5, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the intensifying characterisations of Iago in Act 5 Scene 1.
Key learning points
- The depths of Iago’s depravity, treachery and cowardice are revealed in his violence towards Cassio and Roderigo.
- Othello's violent speech contrasts poignantly with his declarations of love in Act 1.
- Night symbolises Iago and Othello’s descent into darkness and foreshadows the evil acts to come.
Keywords
Depravity - Moral corruption or wickedness.
Poignant - Evoking deep sadness or regret.
Symbolism - When an image represents a wider idea or theme.
Treachery - Betrayal of trust.
Common misconception
Iago is an evil villain, completely in control the whole play.
Iago begins to show his fallibility in 5.1.
Teacher tip
Ask students to note down all the things that could go wrong for Iago after this point.
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 violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What happens to Othello in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q2.How does Othello show his mental instability in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q3.What is the significance of Othello hiding and listening to Cassio and Roderigo's conversation in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q4."O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!" and ''How shall I murder him, Iago?'' What is the significance of these quotes from 'Othello'?
Q5.Why is Lodovico's statement: "Is this the noble Moor whose solid virtue could neither graze nor pierce'' in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello' poignant?
Q6.What does Iago say he will do at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does Iago do in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q2.Which symbol is used in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q3.Which quote reveals Iago's jealousy of Cassio in 'Othello'?
Q4.When is dramatic irony used in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q5.How does Iago reach the height of depravity in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Q6.What does Iago's final aside in ct 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello' reveal?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Act 5, 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 5, 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.