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Year 9 - English

Exploration of the theme of race in 'Othello'

'Othello'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore Shakespeare's 'Othello'. They start by learning about Aristotelian tragedy and how Shakespeare adapted it. They read long extracts from across the play, and consider the presentation of Othello, Iago and Desdemona. Finally, they look at key themes, such as jealousy.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to evaluate the significance of race in the play 'Othello'.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Othello acts in the way he does simply due to his hamartia: jealousy.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key 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.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Dislocate'

move something from its place or position.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Othello acts in the way he does simply due to his hamartia: jealousy. Correction: We must interrogate why Othello is targeted by Iago, how his outsider status makes him more susceptible to manipulation and insecurity.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 9 English guide library.