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Year 9

Exploring Othello as a tragic hero

I can explore the ways in which Othello is a tragic hero.

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Year 9

Exploring Othello as a tragic hero

I can explore the ways in which Othello is a tragic hero.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Othello may be considered a tragic hero as he recognises the root of his downfall.
  2. Othello's hamartia might be his jealousy or his naive trust of Iago.
  3. Othello’s hubris may be shown when he won’t consider Desdemona’s viewpoint or when he views himself as a godly figure.
  4. Othello's demise is also triggered by his stubbornness.

Keywords

  • Tragic Hero - a central character that experiences a tragic downfall

  • Hamartia - a tragic hero’s fatal fault or mistake that leads to their catastrophic end

  • Hubris - excessive pride or self-confidence

  • Anagnorisis - a moment of insight where the tragic hero understands their fate

Common misconception

Othello's jealousy is the only thing that causes him to be considered a tragic hero.

Othello also has hubris, stubbornness and anagnorisis that can add to his status as tragic hero.


To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Exploring Othello as a tragic hero, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Compare Othello's status as tragic hero to other tragic heroes that the students have studied, are there any differences?
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
What is not a characteristic of a typical tragedy?
a tragic hero who experiences a downfall
Correct answer: a marriage
catharsis for the audience
Q2.
What is the definition of 'hamartia'?
excessive pride
taking fate into one's own hands
Correct answer: a fatal flaw or error in one's character
Q3.
What is the definition of 'hubris'?
excessive jealousy
Correct answer: excessive pride
excessive greed
Q4.
In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what may Othello's hamartia be? Choose two that may apply.
his love for Desdemona
his greed for money
Correct answer: his naïve trust of Iago
Correct answer: his jealousy
Q5.
In 'Othello', what moment do we see Othello's stubborness?
when he fires Cassio
Correct answer: when he refuses to listen to Desdemona about her fidelity
when he kills himself
Q6.
How is Othello revealed to be noble at the beginning of the play 'Othello'?
Correct answer: he defends himself eloquently and respectfully
Correct answer: he speaks in blank verse
he elopes with Desdemona

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In Shakespeare's 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hamartia?
Correct answer: When he believes Iago's claims that Desdemona has been unfaithful
When he fires Cassio
When he elopes with Desdemona
Q2.
In 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hubris?
When he elopes with Desedmona
When he says Iago is "honest"
Correct answer: When he refuses to listen to Desdemona's side of the story
Q3.
What lesson may Othello be said to have learned by the end of the play 'Othello'?
To not elope with a woman
Correct answer: To not trust men too easily
To remain humble
Q4.
Look at this quote from Shakespeare's 'Othello': "Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?" This quote shows Othello's moment of...
Correct answer: anagnorisis
peripeteia
exposition
Q5.
Which quote shows Othello's remorse at the end of the play 'Othello'?
Correct answer: "Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!"
"I have done the state some service, and they know't."
"Of one that loved not wisely but too well"
Q6.
In 'Othello', how does Othello's hubris lead to his downfall by the end of the play?
Othello believes Iago easily, he then gets jealous and angry at Desdemona
Correct answer: Othello refuses to acknowledge Desdemona's pleas, he then kills her senselessly
Othello fires Cassio, Cassio then has an affair with Othello's wife