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Exploring Act 5, Scene 1 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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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 violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

What does Iago do in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

Night is used to symbolise Othello and Iago's descent into darkness

Handkerchief is used to symbolise jealousy

Which symbol is used in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

''He hath a daily beauty in his life That makes me ugly''

''besides, the Moor May unfold me to him''

''Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home''

Which quote reveals Iago's jealousy of Cassio in 'Othello'?

When Othello remarks that Iago is ''just, honest, brave''

When Othello says "Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted"

When is dramatic irony used in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

He acts upon his vicious words, turning to murder

How does Iago reach the height of depravity in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

Despite being a villain with a lot of control, he is fallible too

He wants to kill himself because he fears he will be exposed

He believes he is untouchable as he has been able to manipulate everyone

What does Iago's final aside in ct 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello' reveal? 

He is consumed by rage and kills Desdemona

He is consumed by jealousy and falls into a trance

He is consumed by jealousy and wounds Iago

What happens to Othello in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

How does Othello show his mental instability in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'? 

It shows him lurking on the periphery as an outsider

What is the significance of Othello hiding and listening to Cassio and Roderigo's conversation in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

Othello has become overly dependent on Iago

Othello is tricking Iago in the same way Iago did to him

"O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!" and ''How shall I murder him, Iago?'' What is the significance of these quotes from 'Othello'?

It confirms Othello's fall from honourable to seemingly depraved

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? 

What does Iago say he will do at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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Exploring Act 5, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance