New
New
Year 9

Exploring Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'

I can explore the changes in Othello's character in Act 4, Scene 1.

New
New
Year 9

Exploring Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'

I can explore the changes in Othello's character in Act 4, Scene 1.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Othello’s fit robs him of his ability to speak, the trait that distinguishes humans from animals.
  2. Consumed by jealousy, he has become the animal that the prejudiced characters have described him as being.
  3. Formally, Othello was the centre of attention as the military hero, he now lurks on the periphery, an outsider.
  4. Lodovico is used to draw attention, almost like a chorus to Othello's change.

Common misconception

The audience will perceive the tragic hero to be at complete fault for their downfall.

In Othello, due to the amount of time we spend getting to know Iago, we can see the huge role Iago plays in Othello's character change.

Keywords

  • Consumed - To be so full of a feeling that it affects everything you do.

  • Symbolic positioning - When an object or character is placed in a position that symbolises a theme or idea.

  • Outsider - A person who does not belong to the wider community or group.

  • Poignant - Evoking deep sadness or regret.

Students could hot seat Othello about his character change.
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 sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Why is Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' called 'The Temptation' scene?
Desdemona tempts Cassio to have an affair with her
Cassio tempts Desdemona to run away with him
Correct answer: Iago tempts Othello to probe for more information about Desdemona's 'infidelity'
Iago tempts Othello to divorce Desdemona
Q2.
What biblical role does Iago represent in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' and why?
Adam because his innocence is corrupted
God because he has complete control over Othello
Correct answer: Serpent because he tempts and manipulates Othello
Q3.
''No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt." What does this quote show about Othello's initial reaction to Iago's manipulation in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
he is gullible
Correct answer: he is independent
he is savage
Q4.
How does Othello react to Iago's suggestions by the end of Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: he is suspicious
he is calm and doesn't doubt Desdemona at all
he wants to kill Cassio and Desdemona
Q5.
How can Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' be seen as the peripeteia?
Correct answer: Othello shows his insecurities, feels indebted to Iago and remarks he is doomed
Othello sees Desdemona and Cassio kissing
Othello, consumed by jealousy, falls into a trance
Q6.
Which quote reflects that Othello's imminent downfall is inevitable in 'Othello'?
Correct answer: "Tis destiny unshunnable, like death"
"I am abused"
"O curse of marriage, That we can call these delicate creatures ours"

6 Questions

Q1.
What is Othello consumed by in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
grief
love
Correct answer: jealousy
Q2.
What is not true of Othello's character change by Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: he starts off as savage but in Act 4 Scene 1 he is honourable
he starts off as eloquent but by Act 4 Scene 1 he is incoherent
he starts off calm but by Act 4 Scene 1 he is hysterical
Q3.
Which of the below is the best description of how symbolic positioning is used effectively in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Iago lurks on the periphery symbolising him as an outsider
Correct answer: Othello lurks on the periphery symbolising him as an outsider
Othello interrupts Cassio and Iago's conversation symbolising his power
Q4.
How is dramatic irony shown in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: Lodovico says ''I am sorry I was deceived in him''
Othello says ''O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!''
Othello says ''Get me some poison, Iago, this night.''
Q5.
''--Handkerchief--confessions--handkerchief!--''. 'What does the syntax here show in this quote from Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: Othello's mental health is deteriorating
Correct answer: Othello's speech is far from the eloquent speech of Act 1
Othello is tired
Correct answer: Iago has successfully 'poisoned' Othello's mind
Q6.
How does Othello act at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello' and what does it show?
Correct answer: he is violent towards his wife, showing how he has lost his honourable status
he kills Cassio, showing how rage has taken over him
he kills Desdemona, his downfall is cemented
he hits Iago, he recognises he has been manipulated