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’.
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.
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.
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
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).
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