Starter quiz
- What is *not* a characteristic of a typical tragedy?
- a tragic hero who experiences a downfall
- a marriage ✓
- catharsis for the audience
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- What is the definition of 'hamartia'?
- excessive pride
- taking fate into one's own hands
- a fatal flaw or error in one's character ✓
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- What is the definition of 'hubris'?
- excessive jealousy
- excessive pride ✓
- excessive greed
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- In Shakespeare's 'Othello', what may Othello's hamartia be? Choose two that may apply.
- his love for Desdemona
- his greed for money
- his naïve trust of Iago ✓
- his jealousy ✓
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- In 'Othello', what moment do we see Othello's stubborness?
- when he fires Cassio
- when he refuses to listen to Desdemona about her fidelity ✓
- when he kills himself
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- How is Othello revealed to be noble at the beginning of the play 'Othello'?
- he defends himself eloquently and respectfully ✓
- he speaks in blank verse ✓
- he elopes with Desdemona
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Exit quiz
- In Shakespeare's 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hamartia?
- When he believes Iago's claims that Desdemona has been unfaithful ✓
- When he fires Cassio
- When he elopes with Desdemona
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- In 'Othello', when does Othello reveal his hubris?
- When he elopes with Desedmona
- When he says Iago is "honest"
- When he refuses to listen to Desdemona's side of the story ✓
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- What lesson may Othello be said to have learned by the end of the play 'Othello'?
- To not elope with a woman
- To not trust men too easily ✓
- To remain humble
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- Look at this quote from Shakespeare's 'Othello': "Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?" This quote shows Othello's moment of...
- anagnorisis ✓
- peripeteia
- exposition
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- Which quote shows Othello's remorse at the end of the play 'Othello'?
- "Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!" ✓
- "I have done the state some service, and they know't."
- "Of one that loved not wisely but too well"
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- In 'Othello', how does Othello's hubris lead to his downfall by the end of the play?
- Othello believes Iago easily, he then gets jealous and angry at Desdemona
- Othello refuses to acknowledge Desdemona's pleas, he then kills her senselessly ✓
- Othello fires Cassio, Cassio then has an affair with Othello's wife
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Othello may be considered a tragic hero as he recognises the root of his downfall.
- Othello's hamartia might be his jealousy or his naive trust of Iago.
- Othello’s hubris may be shown when he won’t consider Desdemona’s viewpoint or when he views himself as a godly figure.
- Othello's demise is also triggered by his stubbornness.
Common misconception
Othello's jealousy is the only thing that causes him to be considered a tragic hero.
Othello also has hubris, stubbornness and anagnorisis that can add to his status as tragic hero.
Keywords
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
Hubris - excessive pride or self-confidence
Anagnorisis - a moment of insight where the tragic hero understands their fate
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