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Year 9 - English

Introduction to 'Othello' and plot exploration

'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 understand the plot and context of 'Othello'.

Key Notes

  • Iago is angry that he has been passed over for promotion, so pretends to love Othello whist plotting his downfall
  • Iago tells Desdemona's father about her secret marriage to Othello which causes trouble but she defends her love for him
  • Iago preys on Othello's insecurity by planting Desdemona's handkerchief – false proof of her betrayal - in Cassio's room
  • Iago manipulates Othello to the point where he murders his wife, as punishment for her supposed unfaithfulness
  • Race and gender are key contextual ideas to consider in the play

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Protagonist: A protagonist is the main character in a play.
  • Inciting incident: The inciting incident is an event that acts as the catalyst for the protagonist's changing fate.
  • Resolution: The resolution is the end of the story where the problem is solved.
  • Catalyst: A catalyst is something that causes something else to happen.
  • Moorish: Moorish people were the North African people that ruled Spain from 711 to 1492.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • We would react the same way towards the characters and events as would the Jacobean audience.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Iago is angry that he has been passed over for promotion, so pretends to love Othello whist plotting his downfall. Iago tells Desdemona's father about her secret marriage to Othello which causes trouble but she defends her love for him.

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

A protagonist is the main character in a play.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: We would react the same way towards the characters and events as would the Jacobean audience. Correction: Explain that societal beliefs were different in the 1600s so a Jacobean audience would likely react differently to the events and characters.

More Lessons In This Unit

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