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Year 9 - English

'Othello' and Aristotle's conventions of tragedy

'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 explore how the structure of the play 'Othello' meets or subverts Aristotle's model for tragedy.

Key Notes

  • Aristotle prescribed criteria for tragedy and comedy.
  • Aristotle prescribed unity of time, place and action.
  • The plot in a tragedy should evoke pity and fear in an audience and end with catharsis.
  • A tragic hero - a man of noble standing with a fatal flaw and an error of judgement - must meet a demise.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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.
  • Peripeteia: A pivotal action that changes the protagonist's fate from secure to vulnerable.
  • Catharsis: The process of releasing emotions.
  • Anagnorisis: A moment of insight where the tragic hero understands their fate.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • A tragedy is simply a sad play.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Aristotle prescribed criteria for tragedy and comedy. Aristotle prescribed unity of time, place and action.

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

A central character that experiences a tragic downfall.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: A tragedy is simply a sad play. Correction: Tragedies have specific conventions, such as a tragic hero and their hamartia, a tragic fall and elements of fate or the supernatural.

More Lessons In This Unit

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