New
New
Year 9
Exploring Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Othello’
I can explore how the character of Othello changes by Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Othello’.
New
New
Year 9
Exploring Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Othello’
I can explore how the character of Othello changes by Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Othello’.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Othello begins the scene in delusion and ends with clarity, demonstrating the impact of Iago's deceit.
- Othello says he "loved" Desdemona "too well", which suggests that he doesn't understand the implications of his actions.
- The negative beliefs about Othello perhaps become a self-fulfilling prophecy by the end of the play
Keywords
Impetuous - acting quickly without thought or care
Incredulous - unwilling to believe something
Clarity - being able to think clearly and not be confused
Delusion - being in a state where one has false beliefs about reality
Common misconception
Othello is the only character that suffers a tragic fate
Desdemona, Emilia and Othello all suffer a tragic fate
Ask students to discuss who or what is most responsible for the tragic ending of the play.
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
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.
In 'Othello', who dies in Act 5 Scene 1?
Cassio
Emilia
Desdemona
Iago
Q2.
In 'Othello', what does Othello believe has happened to Cassio in Act 5 Scene 1?
Othello believes Cassio has killed himself
Othello believes Cassio is unharmed
Q3.
In 'Othello', why did Othello want Iago to kill Cassio?
Othello believes Cassio has tried to usurp his position as General
Othello believes Cassio is an unruly soldier with a bad reputation
Q4.
In 'Othello', what is Othello's belief about Iago up to and including Act 5 Scene 1?
Othello believes Iago is diabolical
Othello believes Iago is treacherous
Q5.
In 'Othello', how does Iago deceive Emilia in Act 5 Scene 1?
Iago convinces Emilia that Desdemona has been having an affair with Cassio
Iago convinces Emilia that Othello is a murderer
Q6.
In 'Othello', how does Iago foreshadow his own fallibility in Act 5 Scene 1?
He says ''Cassio, may you suspect Who they should be that have thus mangled you"
He says "I have rubb'd this... quat almost to the sense, And he grows angry"
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
In 'Othello', how does Othello appear before killing Desdemona?
Angry
Despaired
Q2.
In 'Othello', which quote suggests Othello's opposing emotions before killing Desdemona?
"That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee Thou gavest to Cassio."
"Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin"
Q3.
In 'Othello', what does Emilia say about Othello and what does it suggest?
He is "rash as the wind", it suggests he is volatile
He is "false as water", it suggests he is unreliable
Q4.
In 'Othello', how does Othello begin and end Act 5 Scene 2?
He begins with clarity and ends in delusion
He begins in anger and ends in calm
Q5.
"Demand that demi-devil why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?" What does this quote from 'Othello' show?
Othello has learned of Cassio's sins
Othello has learned that he will go to hell when he dies
Q6.
In Shakespeare's 'Othello', Othello is described as animalistic at the beginning of the play and then acts in accordance with this in the last scene. What could be implied?
Other people knew Othello better than he knew himself
Othello was always savage and brutal