Written analysis of Othello in Act 1, Scene 3

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

Shakespeare, clearly trying to prove Othello's nobility, reveals his eloquence.

Shakespeare shows Iago's misplaced beliefs.

Shakespeare presents Othello as honourable.

Which sentence uses a participle phrase correctly?

embed the quote and discuss the moment in the play that it occurs

What is the most effective way to introduce a quote in a paragraph?

How does Othello speak in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'? What reveals his eloquence?

you should use multiple linking quotes throughout the paragraph

your quote can only be used if you are performing single word analysis

What is true of using quotes in a paragraph?

‘’Rude…in…speech, And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace’’

“send for the lady …and let her speak of me before her father”

What quote proves Othello is modest in 'Othello'?

He may be aware of Venetian prejudice against people of colour.

He has lost many battles at war despite being a general.

Why might Othello be so modest as a character in Shakespeare's 'Othello'?

Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft upon his daughter.

Brabantio forces Othello to separate from Desdemona.

What happens in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' between Othello and Brabantio?

In Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello', how does Othello react to Brabantio's accusations that Othello has used witchcraft on Desdemona?

Desdemona saw Othello on the battlefield and thought he was strong.

Othello told Desdemona his war stories and she pitied him.

They were good friends and realised they had a romantic connection.

In Shakespeare's 'Othello', how did Desdemona and Othello fall in love according to Othello?

he manages to convince the Duke of his love story

How do you know Othello is eloquent from Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

Iago and Brabantio have very negative opinions of Othello which are proven wrong

Iago and Brabantio have very positive opinions of Othello which are proven right

Iago and Brabantio have very negative opinions of Othello which are proven right

What is interesting about Iago and Brabantio’s perception of Othello and Othello’s presentation in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?

he comes across as likeable and the audience begin to sympathise with him here

After Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello', why might Othello’s impending downfall be all the more tragic?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

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