Starter quiz
- Why is Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' called 'The Temptation' scene?
- Desdemona tempts Cassio to have an affair with her
- Cassio tempts Desdemona to run away with him
- Iago tempts Othello to probe for more information about Desdemona's 'infidelity' ✓
- Iago tempts Othello to divorce Desdemona
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- What biblical role does Iago represent in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' and why?
- Adam because his innocence is corrupted
- God because he has complete control over Othello
- Serpent because he tempts and manipulates Othello ✓
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- ''No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt." What does this quote show about Othello's initial reaction to Iago's manipulation in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
- he is gullible
- he is independent ✓
- he is savage
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- How does Othello react to Iago's suggestions by the end of Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
- he is suspicious ✓
- he is calm and doesn't doubt Desdemona at all
- he wants to kill Cassio and Desdemona
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- How can Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' be seen as the peripeteia?
- Othello shows his insecurities, feels indebted to Iago and remarks he is doomed ✓
- Othello sees Desdemona and Cassio kissing
- Othello, consumed by jealousy, falls into a trance
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- Which quote reflects that Othello's imminent downfall is inevitable in 'Othello'?
- "Tis destiny unshunnable, like death" ✓
- "I am abused"
- "O curse of marriage, That we can call these delicate creatures ours"
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Exit quiz
- What is Othello consumed by in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
- grief
- love
- jealousy ✓
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- What is *not* true of Othello's character change by Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
- he starts off as savage but in Act 4 Scene 1 he is honourable ✓
- he starts off as eloquent but by Act 4 Scene 1 he is incoherent
- he starts off calm but by Act 4 Scene 1 he is hysterical
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- Which of the below is the best description of how symbolic positioning is used effectively in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
- Iago lurks on the periphery symbolising him as an outsider
- Othello lurks on the periphery symbolising him as an outsider ✓
- Othello interrupts Cassio and Iago's conversation symbolising his power
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- How is dramatic irony shown in Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
- Lodovico says ''I am sorry I was deceived in him'' ✓
- Othello says ''O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!''
- Othello says ''Get me some poison, Iago, this night.''
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- ''--Handkerchief--confessions--handkerchief!--''. 'What does the syntax here show in this quote from Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
- Othello's mental health is deteriorating ✓
- Othello's speech is far from the eloquent speech of Act 1 ✓
- Othello is tired
- Iago has successfully 'poisoned' Othello's mind ✓
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- How does Othello act at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello' and what does it show?
- he is violent towards his wife, showing how he has lost his honourable status ✓
- he kills Cassio, showing how rage has taken over him
- he kills Desdemona, his downfall is cemented
- he hits Iago, he recognises he has been manipulated
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Othello’s fit robs him of his ability to speak, the trait that distinguishes humans from animals.
- Consumed by jealousy, he has become the animal that the prejudiced characters have described him as being.
- Formally, Othello was the centre of attention as the military hero, he now lurks on the periphery, an outsider.
- Lodovico is used to draw attention, almost like a chorus to Othello's change.
Common misconception
The audience will perceive the tragic hero to be at complete fault for their downfall.
In Othello, due to the amount of time we spend getting to know Iago, we can see the huge role Iago plays in Othello's character change.
Keywords
Consumed - To be so full of a feeling that it affects everything you do.
Symbolic positioning - When an object or character is placed in a position that symbolises a theme or idea.
Outsider - A person who does not belong to the wider community or group.
Poignant - Evoking deep sadness or regret.
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