Exploring Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Othello’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how the character of Othello changes by Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Othello’.
Key learning points
- Othello begins the scene in delusion and ends with clarity, demonstrating the impact of Iago's deceit.
- Othello says he "loved" Desdemona "too well", which suggests that he doesn't understand the implications of his actions.
- The negative beliefs about Othello perhaps become a self-fulfilling prophecy by the end of the play
Keywords
Impetuous - acting quickly without thought or care
Incredulous - unwilling to believe something
Clarity - being able to think clearly and not be confused
Delusion - being in a state where one has false beliefs about reality
Common misconception
Othello is the only character that suffers a tragic fate
Desdemona, Emilia and Othello all suffer a tragic fate
Teacher tip
Ask students to discuss who or what is most responsible for the tragic ending of the play.
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 sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Othello', who dies in Act 5 Scene 1?
Q2.In 'Othello', what does Othello believe has happened to Cassio in Act 5 Scene 1?
Q3.In 'Othello', why did Othello want Iago to kill Cassio?
Q4.In 'Othello', what is Othello's belief about Iago up to and including Act 5 Scene 1?
Q5.In 'Othello', how does Iago deceive Emilia in Act 5 Scene 1?
Q6.In 'Othello', how does Iago foreshadow his own fallibility in Act 5 Scene 1?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Othello', how does Othello appear before killing Desdemona?
Q2.In 'Othello', which quote suggests Othello's opposing emotions before killing Desdemona?
Q3.In 'Othello', what does Emilia say about Othello and what does it suggest?
Q4.In 'Othello', how does Othello begin and end Act 5 Scene 2?
Q5."Demand that demi-devil why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?" What does this quote from 'Othello' show?
Q6.In Shakespeare's 'Othello', Othello is described as animalistic at the beginning of the play and then acts in accordance with this in the last scene. What could be implied?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Act 5, Scene 2 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 2 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.