Starter quiz
- What is a symbol?
- when an object reoccurs throughout a play
- when an object represents something else ✓
- when a character speaks alone
-
- In Shakespeare's 'Othello', how does Iago deceive Othello?
- He convinces him that Venice is in danger.
- He convinces him that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. ✓
- He convinces him that he is a useless army general.
-
- How does Iago contribute to getting Cassio fired in 'Othello'?
- He frames him as having an affair, so Othello fires him.
- He frames him as a drunkard, so Othello fires him. ✓
- He frames him as a war criminal, so Othello fires him.
-
- In the play 'Othello', what is the moment Othello sees Desdemona's 'affair' with Cassio as 'reality'?
- He sees Desdemona and Cassio kissing.
- Desdemona's lipstick is smudged.
- He sees Bianca, Cassio's mistress, with Desdemona's handkerchief. ✓
- He sees Cassio's tie in Desdemona's pocket.
-
- Is Desdemona what she seems at the beginning of the play 'Othello'? Explain.
- No, her father believes she is ''a maiden never bold''. ✓
- Yes, she is a timid young woman who obeys her father.
- No, Othello believes she is a faithful wife.
-
- How does ‘’I am not what I am’’ link to the theme of appearances vs reality in the play 'Othello'?
- It shows how Iago is insecure about not getting a promotion.
- It shows how Iago cannot decide if he likes Othello or not.
- It shows how Iago will appear to be loyal but in reality be treacherous. ✓
-
Exit quiz
- Which character appears inseparable from the theme of appearance vs reality in Shakespeare's 'Othello'?
- Desdemona
- Roderigo
- Iago ✓
- Othello
-
- How is Roderigo deceived in the play 'Othello'?
- He is led to believe that Iago is genuinely helping him to win over Desdemona. ✓
- He is led to believe that he will be imminently promoted.
- He is led to believe that Desdemona secretly loves him.
-
- How does Iago paint a false depiction of Othello in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Othello'?
- Iago paints Othello as animalistic and evil in 1.1 ✓
- Iago paints Othello as a thief in 1.1
- Iago paints Othello as noble hero in 1.1
-
- In 'Othello', why is Othello's trance significant in helping Iago manipulate reality?
- Iago uses Othello's impairment to successfully fabricate a conversation. ✓
- Iago sends Othello back to Venice and claims he is not fit to lead the army.
- It buys Iago time to frame Desdemona and Cassio in an intimate moment.
-
- Which literary device is commonly used for Iago's speech and why is it significant in crafting the theme of appearance vs reality in 'Othello'?
- sonnet, it shows his secret love for Desdemona
- soliloquy, it shows his want to conceal ✓
- dramatic monologue, it shows his secret boastful nature
-
- In 'Othello', Othello states that he needs "ocular proof" to believe Desdemona's affair. How does Iago achieve this?
- He plants a handkerchief in Cassio's room. ✓
- He manipulates Cassio into a drunken confession.
- He takes Othello to a secret balcony where he can see for himself.
- He manipulates Desdemona so she inadvertently lies to Othello.
-
Worksheet
Loading worksheet ...
Presentation
Loading presentation ...
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Iago’s deceit is delivered by manipulation of perception.
- Iago defines his role as deceiver in Act 1, Scene 1: ’I am not what I am’.
- The language of the play refers to dreams, trances and visions to explore the unreliability of reality.
- Iago performs a role of a director, addressing audience and staging scenes, suggesting how reality can be manipulated.
Common misconception
Appearance vs. reality is only shown through Othello believing his wife is unfaithful.
There are many moments in the play in which appearance and reality are manipulated
Keywords
Deceit - the act of causing someone to believe something that is not true
Treacherous - involving deception or betrayal
Conceal - prevent something from being seen
Aside - a remark intended to be heard by the audience but not other characters
+