Exploring Othello as a tragic hero
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the ways in which Othello is a tragic hero.
Key learning points
- Othello may be considered a tragic hero as he recognises the root of his downfall.
- Othello's hamartia might be his jealousy or his naive trust of Iago.
- Othello’s hubris may be shown when he won’t consider Desdemona’s viewpoint or when he views himself as a godly figure.
- Othello's demise is also triggered by his stubbornness.
Keywords
Tragic Hero - a central character that experiences a tragic downfall
Hamartia - a tragic hero’s fatal fault or mistake that leads to their catastrophic end
Hubris - excessive pride or self-confidence
Anagnorisis - a moment of insight where the tragic hero understands their fate
Common misconception
Othello's jealousy is the only thing that causes him to be considered a tragic hero.
Othello also has hubris, stubbornness and anagnorisis that can add to his status as tragic hero.
Teacher tip
Compare Othello's status as tragic hero to other tragic heroes that the students have studied, are there any differences?
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is not a characteristic of a typical tragedy?
Q2.What is the definition of 'hamartia'?
Q3.What is the definition of 'hubris'?
Q4.In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what may Othello's hamartia be? Choose two that may apply.
Q5.In 'Othello', what moment do we see Othello's stubborness?
Q6.How is Othello revealed to be noble at the beginning of the play 'Othello'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Shakespeare's 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hamartia?
Q2.In 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hubris?
Q3.What lesson may Othello be said to have learned by the end of the play 'Othello'?
Q4.Look at this quote from Shakespeare's 'Othello': "Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?" This quote shows Othello's moment of...
Q5.Which quote shows Othello's remorse at the end of the play 'Othello'?
Q6.In 'Othello', how does Othello's hubris lead to his downfall by the end of the play?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Othello as a tragic hero, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring Othello as a tragic hero, 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.