A central character that experiences a tragic downfall.

A tragic hero’s fatal fault or mistake that leads to their catastrophic end.

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

A moment of insight where the tragic hero understands their fate.

'Othello' and Aristotle's conventions of tragedy

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

the moment the tragic hero faces a reversal in fortune 

Rise in fortune of a sympathetic central character

Audience feel pity and fear and end with catharsis

Which is *not* a convention of a tragedy according to Aristotle? 

the events of a tragedy must take place in one location

the events of a tragedy take place in numerous locations

the events of a tragedy must start and end in the same place

What does unity of place mean in the classical unities?

What is *not* a characteristic of a tragic hero?

when he finds out he was manipulated by Iago

when he is shown Desdemona's handkerchief in Cassio's possession

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', when does Othello experience anagnorisis? 

What event in the play 'Othello' are the audience likely to experience catharsis?

Who is the protagonist in Shakespeare's 'Othello'?

Starting with the first, put the five key parts of Freytag's pyramid in chronological order.

Iago was angry that Othello did not promote him.

Iago was Othello's less successful brother.

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', why did Iago manipulate Othello?

his race - there was a lot of prejudice against non-white people

his gender - it was a female dominated society

his authority - people did not like how much control he had

In 'Othello', why could Othello be seen as an outsider?

She marries someone without his permission.

In 'Othello', how does Desdemona go against her filial duty?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Adult supervision required

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

'Othello' and Aristotle's conventions of tragedy

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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