New
New
Year 9
Exploring Act 3, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’
I can explore the theme of temptation in Act 3, Scene 3.
New
New
Year 9
Exploring Act 3, Scene 3 of ‘Othello’
I can explore the theme of temptation in Act 3, Scene 3.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Act 3, Scene 3 can be seen as the moment of peripeteia in the tragedy.
- The fragmented structure of the scene highlights the increasingly disordered nature of the play.
- The symbolic setting of the garden alludes to the biblical temptation in that it mirrors Iago's satanic role.
- Dramatic irony heightens the tension in Act 3, Scene 3.
Keywords
Peripeteia - a pivotal action that changes the protagonist’s fate from secure to vulnerable
Symbolic setting - a setting that symbolises a key idea or theme
Dramatic irony - a tragic technique in which the significance of a character’s words are clear to the audience but unknown to the character
Common misconception
Othello's downfall is solely due to his own faults.
Shakespeare carefully crafts Iago as someone who plays a huge role in Othello's downfall - acting like the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
Ask students if Iago's presentation here links with any other moments of the play i.e. his diabolical nature.
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
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
Loading...
Starter quiz
Download starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
What happens to Cassio in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
He proposes to Desdemona
He dies in battle
Q2.
In 'Othello', what does Iago tell Cassio to do regarding getting his job back?
Speak to Othello about it immediately
Do not act upon it
Q3.
In 'Othello', what is Iago's motive when he tells Cassio to speak to Desdemona about his job and not Othello directly?
He thinks this is the best way to help Cassio
He wants to orchestrate Cassio and Desdemona falling in love
Q4.
''Pour pestilence into his ear." What does this quote from 'Othello' show about Iago's intentions with Othello?
He wants to give Othello good advice
He wants Cassio to manipulate Othello
Q5.
What is dramatic irony?
When something in a play is particularly comical.
When a character says something they do not mean.
Q6.
Look at the quotes from 'Othello', which quotes shows Iago as diabolical?
"And what's he then that says I play the villain?''
''For 'tis most easy The inclining Desdemona to subdue In any honest suit''
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
What does the setting in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' symbolise?
tranquility
love
Q2.
How does Desdemona appear to be when she asks Othello to speak to Cassio about his job in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
nonchalant
angry
Q3.
In Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello', how does Iago make Othello believe he has his best interests at heart?
He says "Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady, Know of your love?"
He says "I am not bound to that all slaves are free to."
Q4.
How is dramatic irony shown in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
The audience know that Desdemona truly loves Cassio but Othello does not.
Q5.
How can Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' be viewed as the play's peripeteia?
Desdemona kisses Cassio.
Q6.
Look at the quotes from 'Othello', what does Othello say that suggests he has internalised other people's prejudices?
''I am abused; and my relief Must be to loathe her.''
''I had rather be a toad...than keep...the thing I love For others' uses''