New
New
Year 9

Exploring Act 5, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’

I can explore the intensifying characterisations of Iago in Act 5 Scene 1.

New
New
Year 9

Exploring Act 5, Scene 1 of ‘Othello’

I can explore the intensifying characterisations of Iago in Act 5 Scene 1.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The depths of Iago’s depravity, treachery and cowardice are revealed in his violence towards Cassio and Roderigo.
  2. Othello's violent speech contrasts poignantly with his declarations of love in Act 1.
  3. Night symbolises Iago and Othello’s descent into darkness and foreshadows the evil acts to come.

Common misconception

Iago is an evil villain, completely in control the whole play.

Iago begins to show his fallibility in 5.1.

Keywords

  • Depravity - Moral corruption or wickedness.

  • Poignant - Evoking deep sadness or regret.

  • Symbolism - When an image represents a wider idea or theme.

  • Treachery - Betrayal of trust.

Ask students to note down all the things that could go wrong for Iago after this point.
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 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).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What happens to Othello in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
He is consumed by rage and kills Desdemona
Correct answer: He is consumed by jealousy and falls into a trance
He is consumed by jealousy and wounds Iago
Q2.
How does Othello show his mental instability in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: His speech is no longer coherent
He refuses to leave his room
Correct answer: He talks of murder
Q3.
What is the significance of Othello hiding and listening to Cassio and Roderigo's conversation in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
It shows him being rejected by society
It shows how much he hates Cassio
Correct answer: It shows him lurking on the periphery as an outsider
Q4.
"O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!" and ''How shall I murder him, Iago?'' What is the significance of these quotes from 'Othello'?
Othello is clearly in love with Iago
Correct answer: Othello has become overly dependent on Iago
Othello is tricking Iago in the same way Iago did to him
Q5.
Why is Lodovico's statement: "Is this the noble Moor whose solid virtue could neither graze nor pierce'' in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello' poignant?
Correct answer: It confirms Othello's fall from honourable to seemingly depraved
It shows Othello will lose his wife
It shows everyone hates Othello
It confirms Othello will die
Q6.
What does Iago say he will do at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Kill Desdemona
Kill Othello
Kill himself
Correct answer: Kill Cassio

6 Questions

Q1.
What does Iago do in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: He injures Cassio and kills Roderigo
He kills Cassio and injures Roderigo
He kills Othello
He kills Gratiano and Lodovico
Q2.
Which symbol is used in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: Night is used to symbolise Othello and Iago's descent into darkness
Handkerchief is used to symbolise jealousy
Blood is used to symbolise sin
Q3.
Which quote reveals Iago's jealousy of Cassio in 'Othello'?
Correct answer: ''He hath a daily beauty in his life That makes me ugly''
''besides, the Moor May unfold me to him''
''Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home''
Q4.
When is dramatic irony used in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
When Othello says "Thou teachest me"
Correct answer: When Othello remarks that Iago is ''just, honest, brave''
When Othello says "Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted"
Q5.
How does Iago reach the height of depravity in Act 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: He acts upon his vicious words, turning to murder
He deceives his wife
He pretends he is Cassio's good friend
Q6.
What does Iago's final aside in ct 5 Scene 1 of 'Othello' reveal?
Correct answer: Despite being a villain with a lot of control, he is fallible too
He wants to kill himself because he fears he will be exposed
He believes he is untouchable as he has been able to manipulate everyone