Analysis of the theme of appearances and reality in ‘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'

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

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Which character from 'Othello' can be considered a deceiving and contemptible antihero?

Match the criteria with the correct element of the plan.

offer more interpretation rather than just identifying devices

offer more commentary on devices rather than interpretation

What could be improved about this topic sentence about 'Othello': 'Iago reveals himself to be deceitful through many soliloquies.'?

Othello is the most naïve character as he trusts Iago

Iago is a director in the play, manipulating Othello's perception of reality

Which topic sentence does not fit the thesis: 'Shakespeare shows Iago as inseparable from the theme of appearances vs reality.'?

How can you make your thesis statement more critically evaluative when writing an essay?

start with the idea you have most quotes for

each topic sentence should build upon the previous to gradually prove the thesis

end with the idea you have most quotes for

the topic sentences can be in a random order as long as they prove the thesis

What is true about the sequencing of topic sentences?

What paragraph does the thesis statement go in?

He is malcontent, evoking vengeance on others

He is deceitful, manipulating other characters' perception

He is satanic, purposely destroying other characters' happiness

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', how does the character of Iago link to the theme of appearance vs reality?

stages a fabricated conversation with Cassio, whilst Othello is forced to listen

stages a kiss between Cassio and Desdemona, whilst Othello is forced to watch

What does Iago do in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' to act as director?

to expose that you cannot trust your partner in a marriage

to warn that outward appearances can be deceiving 

to reveal that being deceitful can make you popular

What might Shakespeare's purpose be in exploring the theme of appearance vs reality in 'Othello'?

Othello dies after being manipulated by Iago

Venice is under attack due to trusting Iago's instincts

all characters that trust Iago (Roderigo, Othello, Emilia) suffer a tragic end

Through his play 'Othello', how does Shakespeare warn the audience of being too trusting?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Adult supervision recommended

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

Analysis of the theme of appearances and reality in ‘Othello’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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