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Year 9

Analysing and writing about Iago from ‘Othello’

I can analyse how Shakespeare uses language and structure to present Iago as evil in Acts 1 and 2.

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Year 9

Analysing and writing about Iago from ‘Othello’

I can analyse how Shakespeare uses language and structure to present Iago as evil in Acts 1 and 2.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Using two slightly different adjectives in a topic sentence can add depth and debate to a paragraph.
  2. Comment on patterns of language, such as diabolical or bestial imagery is useful when analysing Iago.
  3. Iago can be seen as satanic and Machiavellian.
  4. Concluding sentences can draw ideas together and can help you comment on Iago's role in the overall tragedy.

Keywords

  • Antihero - A central character who lacks heroic attributes.

  • Depraved - Morally corrupt, wicked.

  • Machiavellian - Describes someone who gets what they want in cunning, ruthless and immoral ways.

  • Satanic - Related to the devil, or satan.

Common misconception

Only one interpretation of Iago is relevant since he is clearly a villain.

Even villains can be looked at through multiple lenses. Doing this can elevate your response as you say what others may not consider.

Debate whether Iago is motivated by pure evil or his own insecurity.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • 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).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does diabolical mean?
Correct answer: suggestive of the devil
rebellious
unintelligent
Q2.
Why is Iago malcontent at the beginning of 'Othello'?
His wife has run away.
Correct answer: He was passed over for a promotion by Othello.
His brother died.
Q3.
What does Iago say that hints at his diabolical nature in 'Othello'?
''I hate The Moor''
Correct answer: ''Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light''
''I know my price, I am worth no worse a place''
Q4.
What is not true of Iago as a character in 'Othello'?
Correct answer: He is kind and honest.
Iago is presented as a bigot.
Iago may be jealous of other characters.
Q5.
How can Iago be seen as Machiavellian in 'Othello'?
He seeks revenge on Othello.
Correct answer: He plots and schemes using asides or soliloquies.
Correct answer: He manipulates and exploits others.
Q6.
Why do you think it is so important that the audience get glimpses into Iago's mind in 'Othello'?
So we can feel sympathy for him.
Correct answer: So we can see his role in Othello's tragic fall.
So we can be privy to his rise in success.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Starting with the first, order these events from 'Othello' in chronological order.
1 - Iago complains to Roderigo about not being promoted.
2 - Iago tells Brabantio that Desdemona and Othello eloped.
3 - Iago hatches a plan to make Desdemona look unfaithful.
4 - Iago tells Cassio to speak to Desdemona about his lost role.
5 - Iago seems to worship hell and the devil, exclaiming 'Divinity of hell!'.
Q2.
What quote most effectively conveys Iago's satanic nature in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
''I know my price, I am worth no worse a place''
''I hate The Moor''
Correct answer: ''When devils will the blackest sins put on''
Q3.
What could be done to elevate a topic sentence when writing analytically?
Correct answer: use two slightly different adjectives to add depth and debate
use one adjective to show you have firm point
use five adjectives to show a good understanding of the whole play
Q4.
Which topic sentence is most effective?
Correct answer: Iago is malcontent and malevolent, the former of which drives the latter.
Iago is satanic.
Iago is simultaneously satanic, diabolical, malcontent and psychopathic.
Q5.
What can be done to elevate use of quotes in analytical paragraphs?
use one quote per paragraph
use six quotes per paragraph
only use quotes you can perform single word analysis on
Correct answer: find patterns between quotes and link them together
Q6.
What can be done to elevate a concluding sentence?
Use our best piece of analysis at the end of the paragraph
Introduce a new idea
Correct answer: Link back to the big picture of the play