Exploring Act 5, Scene 2 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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

In 'Othello', how does Othello appear before killing Desdemona?

"That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee Thou gavest to Cassio."

"Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin"

"Yet I'll not shed her blood; Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow"

In 'Othello', which quote suggests Othello's opposing emotions before killing Desdemona?

He is "rash as the wind", it suggests he is volatile 

He is "rash as fire", it suggests he is impetuous

He is "false as water", it suggests he is unreliable

In 'Othello', what does Emilia say about Othello and what does it suggest? 

He begins with clarity and ends in delusion

He begins with delusion and ends in clarity

In 'Othello', how does Othello begin and end Act 5 Scene 2?

Othello has learned how Iago manipulated him

Othello has learned that he will go to hell when he dies

"Demand that demi-devil why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?" What does this quote from 'Othello' show? 

Othello was unable to escape the fulfilment of racist ideologies 

Other people knew Othello better than he knew himself

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?

Othello believes Cassio has killed himself

In 'Othello', what does Othello believe has happened to Cassio in Act 5 Scene 1?

Othello believes Cassio has tried to usurp his position as General

Othello believes Cassio has been having an affair with Desdemona

Othello believes Cassio is an unruly soldier with a bad reputation

In 'Othello', why did Othello want Iago to kill Cassio?

In 'Othello', what is Othello's belief about Iago up to and including Act 5 Scene 1?

Iago convinces Emilia that Desdemona has been having an affair with Cassio

Iago convinces Emilia that Bianca is to blame for Cassio's injuries

Iago convinces Emilia that Othello is a murderer 

In 'Othello', how does Iago deceive Emilia in Act 5 Scene 1? 

He says ''This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite"

He says ''Cassio, may you suspect Who they should be that have thus mangled you"

He says "I have rubb'd this... quat almost to the sense, And he grows angry"

In 'Othello', how does Iago foreshadow his own fallibility in Act 5 Scene 1? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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Exploring Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Othello’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance