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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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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

  1. Iago’s third soliloquy reveals his exploitative machinations.
  2. References to God and Hell develop the diabolical presentation of Iago.
  3. Iago describes poisoning Othello's ear; he knows the effect his manipulation will have.
  4. Iago takes pleasure in corrupting goodness: he talks of tarnishing Desdemona’s virtue and calls Cassio an "honest fool".
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Analysing Iago’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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?
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Equipment

You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.

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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
Correct answer: The play moves from Venice to Cyprus and there is a storm.
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'?
Correct answer: Iago schemes and revels in the delight of trapping Cassio in his 'web'.
Cassio kisses Emilia upon greeting her.
Correct answer: Cassio and Othello are separated by the storm.
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.
Correct answer: The storm won't kill Othello but Iago's schemes shortly after will.
Q4.
How does Iago show his misogyny in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: He mocks his wife, saying she talks too much.
He kisses Desdemona knowing she has a husband.
Correct answer: He slanders women generally, calling them wild-cats behind closed doors.
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.
Correct answer: His mind will suffer the same turbulence as a result of Iago's scheme.
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''
Correct answer: ''With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.''

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
Correct answer: Ask Desdemona to speak to Othello on your behalf
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?
Correct answer: so that it will make Othello suspicious and jealous of Cassio and Desdemona
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.''
Correct answer: ''Divinity of hell!''
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
Correct answer: Iago knows his words will be poisonous, infecting Othello’s mind
Q5.
How could Iago be deemed ''clever'' in 'Othello'?
Correct answer: Iago judges the psychology of other characters very well.
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'?
Correct answer: He wants to corrupt all goodness - that of Cassio and Desdemona.
He asks the audience "how am I then a villain?’’.
Correct answer: He revels in evil and hell.