New
New
Year 9
Analysing Iago’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’
I can analyse how Iago is presented in his Act 2, Scene 3 soliloquy.
New
New
Year 9
Analysing Iago’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’
I can analyse how Iago is presented in his Act 2, Scene 3 soliloquy.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Iago’s third soliloquy reveals his exploitative machinations.
- References to God and Hell develop the diabolical presentation of Iago.
- Iago describes poisoning Othello's ear; he knows the effect his manipulation will have.
- Iago takes pleasure in corrupting goodness: he talks of tarnishing Desdemona’s virtue and calls Cassio an "honest fool".
- Iago uses imagery to show the control he has over the characters and tries to manipulate the audience too.
Keywords
Machinations - A plot or a scheme.
Diabolical - Characteristic of the devil.
Incarnation - A person who embodies a spirit or quality in the flesh.
Exploitative - Treating others unfairly to gain benefit.
Antithesis - A person or thing that is the direct opposite of something else.
Common misconception
Iago is similar to many other Shakespeare villains.
Iago stands out because of his diabolical nature.
Get students to explore why Iago has so many soliloquies. Why is it important for the audience to understand the inner workings of his mind?
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- 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.
How is disorder created in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello' through setting?
The play moves from Cyprus to Venice and there is a flood.
The play moves from Venice to Cyprus and there is a volcanic eruption.
Q2.
How is disorder shown through characters in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Cassio kisses Emilia upon greeting her.
Q3.
Why is it poignant that Cassio and Montano long so deeply for Othello's safe return in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
They secretly hate Othello but are pretending to be his friend.
Othello dies in the storm.
Q4.
How does Iago show his misogyny in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
He kisses Desdemona knowing she has a husband.
Q5.
What could the storm in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello' symbolise about Othello's future?
He will die due to being weakened by the storm.
He will have to defend Cyprus from the Turkish fleet after all.
Q6.
Which quote shows that Iago is going to act as a 'puppet master' in people's destruction in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
''He takes her by the palm''
''You are pictures out of door... wildcats in your kitchens''
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What does Iago tell Cassio to do about his lost rank in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Speak to the Duke
Stay calm, don't act on it
Q2.
Why does Iago tell Cassio to speak to Desdemona about his loss of rank in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello', and not Othello himself?
because Othello is very busy
because Othello is ignoring him at the moment
Q3.
In Act 2 Scene 2 of 'Othello', how does Iago show his love for evil and hellish acts?
''And what's he then that says I play the villain?''
''she's framed as fruitful As the free elements.''
Q4.
Look at this quote from Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello': 'pour pestilence into his ear''. Which analysis matches this quote?
Iago very cleverly judges the psychology of other characters
Iago will corrupt Desdemona’s virtue
Q5.
How could Iago be deemed ''clever'' in 'Othello'?
He did not get promoted.
He wants to corrupt all goodness - that of Cassio and Desdemona.
Q6.
How might Iago be seen as an incarnation of the devil in 'Othello'?
He asks the audience "how am I then a villain?’’.