Analysing and writing about Iago from ‘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. 

In this unit, pupils explore Shakespeare's 'Othello'. They start by learning about Aristotelian tragedy and how Shakespeare adapted it. They read long extracts from across the play, and consider the presentation of Othello, Iago and Desdemona. Finally, they look at key themes, such as jealousy.

'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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Iago complains to Roderigo about not being promoted.

Iago tells Brabantio that Desdemona and Othello eloped.

Iago hatches a plan to make Desdemona look unfaithful.

Iago tells Cassio to speak to Desdemona about his lost role.

Iago seems to worship hell and the devil, exclaiming 'Divinity of hell!'.

Starting with the first, order these events from 'Othello' in chronological order.

''I know my price, I am worth no worse a place'' 

''When devils will the blackest sins put on''

What quote most effectively conveys Iago's satanic nature in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello'? 

use two slightly different adjectives to add depth and debate

use one adjective to show you have firm point 

use five adjectives to show a good understanding of the whole play 

What could be done to elevate a topic sentence when writing analytically? 

Iago is malcontent and malevolent, the former of which drives the latter.

Iago is simultaneously satanic, diabolical, malcontent and psychopathic. 

only use quotes you can perform single word analysis on

find patterns between quotes and link them together

What can be done to elevate use of quotes in analytical paragraphs? 

Use our best piece of analysis at the end of the paragraph

What can be done to elevate a concluding sentence? 

He was passed over for a promotion by Othello.

Why is Iago malcontent at the beginning of 'Othello'? 

''Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light''

What does Iago say that hints at his diabolical nature in 'Othello'? 

What is *not* true of Iago as a character in 'Othello'? 

He plots and schemes using asides or soliloquies.

How can Iago be seen as Machiavellian in 'Othello'?

So we can see his role in Othello's tragic fall.

So we can be privy to his rise in success.

Why do you think it is so important that the audience get glimpses into Iago's mind in 'Othello'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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