New
New
Year 9
Exploring Iago from ‘Othello’ as a Machiavellian villain
I can evaluate Iago's presentation as a Machiavellian villain.
New
New
Year 9
Exploring Iago from ‘Othello’ as a Machiavellian villain
I can evaluate Iago's presentation as a Machiavellian villain.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Niccolo Machiavelli's 'The Prince’ proposes that in order to get and maintain power you have to be prepared to be evil.
- A Machiavellian villain is scheming and operates in secrecy.
- A Machiavellian villain is a 'puppet master’, manipulating and using others as tools.
- Iago reveals his commitment to knavery, through his soliloquies.
Common misconception
Iago is simply a villain - unkind and evil.
Iago's character as a villain can be looked at through different lenses. One is Machiavellian.
Keywords
Machiavellian - Describes someone who gets what they want in cunning, ruthless and immoral ways.
Soliloquy - An act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud by oneself.
Knavery - A deceitful or dishonest act.
Treachery - Betrayal of trust.
Ask students if they know of any Machiavellian villains in stories they have read before.
Teacher tip
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).
Video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is Iago bitter about in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
having Desdemona, who he loves, marry Othello
having his best friend Roderigo reject him
Q2.
What does Iago do in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello' to get revenge on Othello?
Iago decides to organise a group of armed men to look for Othello
Iago encourages Roderigo to woo Desdemona
Q3.
In Act 1 of 'Othello', what does Iago refer heavily to when telling Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello's elopement?
Othello's military rank
Desdemona's promiscuity
Q4.
Which quote from Shakespeare's 'Othello' proves that Iago is planning to be duplicitous in how he acts towards Othello?
''We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly follow'd.''
''Call up her father, Rouse him: make after him, poison his delight''
Q5.
Which quote from Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello' presents Iago as diabolical?
''Plague him with flies''
''Awake the snorting citizens with the bell''
Q6.
How does Iago reveal himself to be a bigot in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
He creates division between him and the Venetians.
He is overtly sexist towards Desdemona and Emilia.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is a Machiavellian villain?
someone who repents for their wrongdoings
someone who is in alliance with the devil
Q2.
What does Iago scheme to do in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Make Desdemona believe Othello has been unfaithful with his wife, Emilia
Separate Othello and Desdemona by pretending there is a crisis in Cyprus
Q3.
Why is the form in which Iago reveals his true intentions in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' significant?
a monologue reveals he is trying to persuade others to join his schemes
a soliloquy reveals he is embarrassed to share his true views
Q4.
In the play 'Othello' what does Iago call upon to bring his 'monstrous' ideas to light?
evil spirits
Roderigo and his brothers
Q5.
Read the following quote from Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello': "And will as tenderly be led by the nose As asses are.'' What is Iago saying about Othello here?
He is too lustful.
He is a traitor.
Q6.
Why might Shakespeare characterise Iago as a Machiavellian villain so early on in the play 'Othello'?
to show Iago's descent into hell
to warn the audience not to be treacherous