Exploration of the theme of race in 'Othello'
I can evaluate the significance of race in the play ‘Othello’.
Exploration of the theme of race in 'Othello'
I can evaluate the significance of race in the play ‘Othello’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Race cannot be considered a theme in the same way that jealousy and love are themes but it must be considered.
- Othello's racial identity is undefined but being an outsider makes him vulnerable to Iago's machinations.
- Before Othello, Black characters in Elizabethan drama were often villains; the presentation of a noble Moor was new.
- Imagery of black and white, light and dark is regular, suggesting colour is important in the play.
Keywords
Dislocate - move something from its place or position
Prejudice - an unfair opinion about a person or a group not based on actual evidence
Xenophobia - extreme dislike or fear of foreigners
Insular - ignorant of cultures, ideas or people outside of one’s own experience
Common misconception
Othello acts in the way he does simply due to his hamartia: jealousy.
We must interrogate why Othello is targeted by Iago, how his outsider status makes him more susceptible to manipulation and insecurity.
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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