Starter quiz
- What do we learn in Act 1 Scene 3 of Shakespeare's 'Othello'?
- Desdemona and Othello are planning their honeymoon.
- The Turkish fleet are targeting Cyprus. ✓
- Iago wants to marry Desdemona.
- Brabantio has ordered for Othello to be killed.
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- What does Othello say he is skilled at in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
- being a warrior ✓
- speaking romantically
- winning over women
- writing poetry
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- With 'Othello' in mind, complete the sentence: Whilst Iago views Othello as __________, Othello presents himself as __________.
- boastful, modest ✓
- charming, rude
- Machiavellian, innocent
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- In 'Othello', what is Iago's scheme against Othello?
- To propose to Desdemona because he has loved her for many years.
- To make Othello believe Desdemona has had an affair with Cassio ✓
- To make Desdemona believe Othello has been unfaithful.
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- In 'Othello', why does Iago believe his scheme will be successful?
- because he believes Othello ''is of a free and open nature'' ✓
- because he believes Cassio is a handsome man ✓
- because he believes he is the master of trickery
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- What epithet do other characters use for Othello throughout the play 'Othello' and why is it important?
- ''The general'' it shows they trust his leadership skills
- ''The Moor'' it shows they view him as an outsider ✓
- ''Traitor'' it shows they do not trust him
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Exit quiz
- In Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello', what occurs in Cyprus that destroys the Turkish fleet?
- a flood
- an earthquake
- a storm ✓
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- Look at this quote from Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello': ''for they were parted With foul and violent tempest.'' What does this quote foreshadow?
- Cassio and Othello's deaths
- Cassio and Othello's division through Iago's manipulation ✓
- Cassio and Othello's physical fight
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- In 'Othello', why is it significant that Iago talks of his scheme in an aside?
- it shows Iago plotting in secret, showing him as a Machiavellian villain ✓
- it shows Iago plotting in secret, showing him as shy
- it shows Iago speaking openly, showing him as boldly rebellious
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- ''With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.'' What does this quote from Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello' suggest?
- Iago will trap the characters mentally using his manipulative schemes. ✓
- Iago will use the smallest pieces of evidence to suit his manipulations. ✓
- Iago finds Cassio irritating.
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- In Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello', why is the location change to Cyprus significant?
- Whilst Venice represents order and tradition, Cyprus represents wilderness ✓
- Whilst Venice represents wilderness, Cyprus represents order and tradition
- Whilst Venice represents the patriarchy, Cyprus represents war
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- What could the storm in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Othello' symbolise about the later events to come?
- That Othello's mind will soon be trapped in the same turbulence ✓
- That there will be deadly battle to come
- That Othello and Desdemona will divorce
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Shakespeare often uses different locations to represent mindsets.
- In 'Othello', Venice represents civilisation whilst Cyprus symbolises the wilderness.
- The storm is a recurring symbol in Shakespeare's plays, reflecting a disruption of order.
- The description of the storm dividing Othello and Cassio foreshadows Othello’s demise.
Common misconception
The storm in Othello is just a device that means the Turkish army is defeated and the war is over.
The storm in Othello is a device that is symbolic of chaos and disorder to come.
Keywords
Pathetic fallacy - The attribution of human emotion to inanimate objects or things.
Foreshadow - Warn of a future event.
Misogyny - Dislike of or prejudice for women.
Poignant - Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
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