New
New
Year 9
Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’
I can explore how Othello's character is established in Act 1, Scene 3.
New
New
Year 9
Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’
I can explore how Othello's character is established in Act 1, Scene 3.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Epithets are used to establish how characters are perceived by one another and society.
- Othello is established as calm, powerful and eloquent, which makes his later disturbance all the more shocking.
- Visually, Othello is an outsider but morally he embodies all that would be seen as respectable, chivalrous and moral.
- Othello's honourable speech contrasts the way in which Iago presented him as boastful.
Keywords
Epithet - A phrase expressing an attribute considered characteristic of the person being described.
Honourable - Bringing or deserving respect.
Valiant - Possessing courage and determination.
Eloquent - Fluent or persuasive in speech.
Common misconception
Othello will live up to others' expectations and opinions of him.
Othello is completely different to other's perceptions of him. Indeed, he must be worthy of sympathy if he is to be a tragic hero.
Ask students if a modern and Elizabethan audience would react in the same way to meeting Othello.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what does Brabantio find out in Act 1 Scene 1 about his daughter?
she has run away because she is in danger
she has died
Q2.
At the start of 'Othello', why did Iago tell Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello's elopement?
he wants to celebrate their marriage
he wants to get revenge on Othello for his violence
Q3.
What does Iago do to mock Othello when speaking to Brabantio at the start of 'Othello'?
compares him to a jilted lover
compares him to a criminal
Q4.
What is not a valid interpretation of Iago in the opening scene of Shakespeare's 'Othello'?
he is presented as a villain
he is presented as a malcontent
Q5.
"O unhappy girl! With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a father!" What does this quote show about Brabantio's feelings towards his daughter's elopement in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Brabantio is satisfied with the match.
Brabantio is happy if Desdedoma is happy.
Q6.
What does Brabantio's reaction to the elopement of Othello and Desdemona in 'Othello' reveal about him?
he wants Iago to marry Desdemona
he is open-minded
he never wants Desdemona to marry
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
In Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello', what does Brabantio accuse Othello of?
killing his daughter
poisoning his daughter to put her to sleep
Q2.
How does Othello respond to Brabantio's accusations of bewitching Desdemona in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
angrily
tearfully
Q3.
Which quote taken from Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' shows Othello's honour?
''I won his daughter''
''That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter, It is most true''
Q4.
In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what epithet do the other characters use to refer to Othello and why is it significant?
'Valiant general' and it shows their respect to him
'Traitor' it shows their contempt for him
Q5.
What does the Duke say that testifies to Othello's eloquence in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
the Duke says that Othello is a "valiant" leader, so he must be trusted
the Duke says that Othello's love for Desdemona seems "truer than the moon"
Q6.
Why is Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' important in shaping Othello as a tragic hero?
The audience begin to see Othello's flaws in this scene.
Othello has his anagnorisis in this scene.