When a man’s wife has been unfaithful, he has been ‘cuckolded’.

To be chaste can mean not having any sexual desire or intentions.

To catalyse means to cause something to happen.

The process of making a man feel less male by taking away his power and confidence.

Exploration of the theme of jealousy 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'

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

In the play 'Othello', which character's jealousy precedes Othello's jealousy?

What is a societal root of Iago's jealousy about Cassio's promotion in 'Othello'?

both women swore they would never be unfaithful, they go against their promises

women were expected to be chaste, being unfaithful breaks this expectation

women were expected to be obedient, being unfaithful subverts this expectation

both women operate in secrecy to charm the men that their husbands hate

Why is Desdemona and Emilia's supposed infidelity so alarming to Iago and Othello in the play 'Othello'?

being cuckolded was associated with emasculation, humiliation and loss of honour

he loses his fortune that is tied up with her family

he will be exiled from Venice if they divorce

In the play 'Othello', how does Desdemona's supposed infidelity put Othello in a vulnerable situation?

his outsider status leads Desdemona to reject him

his outsider status leads him to insecurity and jealousy

his outsider status leads him to let Cassio woo his wife

How could Othello's outsider status be linked to his downfall, over his jealousy in the play 'Othello'?

jealousy does not operate in isolation, societal factors catalyse jealousy

What could Shakespeare's message be when it comes to jealousy in 'Othello'?

feeling resentful that one's partner is attracted to someone else

feeling resentful of someone's achievements that you lack

feeling sad about your personal circumstances

Which of the below could be seen as examples of jealousy?

he resents Othello supposedly sleeping with his wife, Emilia

he is rejected by the woman he loves due to being an outsider

he is subject to prejudice because of his status as outsider

he cannot work in a high rank because of his status as an outsider

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', how is Othello a victim of the society he lives in?

he kills Cassio as Cassio publicly humiliates him

he kills Desdemona as her infidelity threatens his male dominance

he kills Iago as his scheming ruins his reputation 

In 'Othello', how is Othello's jealousy shown to be all-consuming and how could its effect be linked to pride?

jealousy is most significant and detrimental to male characters

jealousy is mostly felt by the female characters

men are jealous of women's position of little responsibility

How are the patriarchy and jealousy linked in 'Othello'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

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

Exploration of the theme of jealousy in 'Othello'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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