A phrase expressing an attribute considered characteristic of the person being described.

Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’

English

In 'Othello', pupils learn about the conventions of a tragic hero, which allows them to judge whether the protagonist is more a victim of his own hamartia or rather of external pressures and a racist society. In 'Macbeth: A Tragic  Hero', pupils evaluate whether Macbeth's downfall is caused by his own hubris or whether Lady Macbeth and wider society can be blamed. 

In 'The Language of Protest', pupils take inspiration from protest poetry and speeches, to write an opinion article. In 'Othello', pupils use their argumentative writing skills to compose letters in defense of Othello and to write speeches campaigning for racial equality. 

In this unit, pupils explore Shakespeare's 'Othello'. They start by learning about Aristotelian tragedy and how Shakespeare adapted it. They read long extracts from across the play, and consider the presentation of Othello, Iago and Desdemona. Finally, they look at key themes, such as jealousy.

'Othello'

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

bewitching his daughter to make her fall in love with him

poisoning his daughter to put her to sleep

In Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello', what does Brabantio accuse Othello of?

How does Othello respond to Brabantio's accusations of bewitching Desdemona in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

''That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter, It is most true''

"if you do find me foul in her report…let your sentence even fall upon my life"

Which quote taken from Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' shows Othello's honour?

'Valiant general' and it shows their respect to him

'Traitor' it shows their contempt for him

'the Moor' it shows their labelling him as an outsider

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what epithet do the other characters use to refer to Othello and why is it significant?

The Duke says that Othello's tale "would win my daughter too"

the Duke says that Othello is a "valiant" leader, so he must be trusted

the Duke says that Othello's love for Desdemona seems "truer than the moon"

What does the Duke say that testifies to Othello's eloquence in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'? 

The audience begin to see Othello's flaws in this scene.

The audience gains sympathy for Othello in this scene.

Othello has his anagnorisis in this scene.

Why is Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' important in shaping Othello as a tragic hero?

she has run away because she is in danger

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what does Brabantio find out in Act 1 Scene 1 about his daughter?

he wants to get revenge on Othello and thinks Brabantio will reject Othello

he wants to get revenge on Othello for his violence

At the start of 'Othello', why did Iago tell Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello's elopement?

What does Iago do to mock Othello when speaking to Brabantio at the start of 'Othello'?

What is *not* a valid interpretation of Iago in the opening scene of Shakespeare's 'Othello'?

Brabantio is happy if Desdedoma is happy.

Brabantio thinks Desdemona cannot be happy with Othello.

"O unhappy girl! With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a father!"  What does this quote show about Brabantio's feelings towards his daughter's elopement in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

What does Brabantio's reaction to the elopement of Othello and Desdemona in 'Othello' reveal about him?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.