a pivotal action that changes the protagonist’s fate from secure to vulnerable

a setting that symbolises a key idea or theme

a tragic technique in which the significance of a character’s words are clear to the audience but unknown to the character

Exploring Act 3, 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. 

'Othello'

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

What does the setting in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' symbolise?

How does Desdemona appear to be when she asks Othello to speak to Cassio about his job in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

He says "Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady, Know of your love?"

He says "I am not bound to that all slaves are free to."

He says "It were not for…your good…To let you know my thoughts."

In Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello', how does Iago make Othello believe he has his best interests at heart?

The audience know that Desdemona truly loves Cassio but Othello does not.

Othello believes he is indebted to Iago but the audience know Iago is dishonest.

Othello says "'Tis destiny unshunnable’’ and the audience know he will die.

How is dramatic irony shown in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

Othello's view of himself and his future greatly suffer in this scene.

Othello has complete trust of Iago in this scene.

Othello becomes increasingly aggressive in this scene.

How can Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' be viewed as the play's peripeteia?

''for I am black And have not those soft parts of conversation''

''I am abused; and my relief Must be to loathe her.''

''I had rather be a toad...than keep...the thing I love For others' uses''

Look at the quotes from 'Othello', what does Othello say that suggests he has internalised other people's prejudices? 

He gets stripped of his lieutenancy by Othello 

What happens to Cassio in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

Ask Desdemona to speak to Othello about it

In 'Othello', what does Iago tell Cassio to do regarding getting his job back?

He will convince Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair

He thinks this is the best way to help Cassio

He wants to orchestrate Cassio and Desdemona falling in love

In 'Othello', what is Iago's motive when he tells Cassio to speak to Desdemona about his job and not Othello directly?

''Pour pestilence into his ear." What does this quote from 'Othello' show about Iago's intentions with Othello?

When something in a play is particularly comical.

When the audience are aware of something that the characters are not.

When a character says something they do not mean.

"And what's he then that says I play the villain?''

''For 'tis most easy The inclining Desdemona to subdue In any honest suit''

Look at the quotes from 'Othello', which quotes shows Iago as diabolical?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Adult supervision recommended

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

Exploring Act 3, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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