New
New
Year 9
Exploring Othello as a tragic hero
I can explore the ways in which Othello is a tragic hero.
New
New
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
- Othello may be considered a tragic hero as he recognises the root of his downfall.
- Othello's hamartia might be his jealousy or his naive trust of Iago.
- Othello’s hubris may be shown when he won’t consider Desdemona’s viewpoint or when he views himself as a godly figure.
- 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.
Compare Othello's status as tragic hero to other tragic heroes that the students have studied, are there any differences?
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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.
What is not a characteristic of a typical tragedy?
a tragic hero who experiences a downfall
catharsis for the audience
Q2.
What is the definition of 'hamartia'?
excessive pride
taking fate into one's own hands
Q3.
What is the definition of 'hubris'?
excessive jealousy
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
Q5.
In 'Othello', what moment do we see Othello's stubborness?
when he fires Cassio
when he kills himself
Q6.
How is Othello revealed to be noble at the beginning of the play 'Othello'?
he elopes with Desdemona
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
In Shakespeare's 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hamartia?
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"
Q3.
What lesson may Othello be said to have learned by the end of the play 'Othello'?
To not elope with a woman
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...
peripeteia
exposition
Q5.
Which quote shows Othello's remorse at the end of the play 'Othello'?
"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
Othello fires Cassio, Cassio then has an affair with Othello's wife