Starter quiz
- What does diabolical mean?
- suggestive of the devil ✓
- rebellious
- unintelligent
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- Why is Iago malcontent at the beginning of 'Othello'?
- His wife has run away.
- He was passed over for a promotion by Othello. ✓
- His brother died.
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- What does Iago say that hints at his diabolical nature in 'Othello'?
- ''I hate The Moor''
- ''Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light'' ✓
- ''I know my price, I am worth no worse a place''
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- What is *not* true of Iago as a character in 'Othello'?
- He is kind and honest. ✓
- Iago is presented as a bigot.
- Iago may be jealous of other characters.
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- How can Iago be seen as Machiavellian in 'Othello'?
- He seeks revenge on Othello.
- He plots and schemes using asides or soliloquies. ✓
- He manipulates and exploits others. ✓
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- Why do you think it is so important that the audience get glimpses into Iago's mind in 'Othello'?
- So we can feel sympathy for him.
- So we can see his role in Othello's tragic fall. ✓
- So we can be privy to his rise in success.
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Exit quiz
- Starting with the first, order these events from 'Othello' in chronological order.
- 1⇔Iago complains to Roderigo about not being promoted.
- 2⇔Iago tells Brabantio that Desdemona and Othello eloped.
- 3⇔Iago hatches a plan to make Desdemona look unfaithful.
- 4⇔Iago tells Cassio to speak to Desdemona about his lost role.
- 5⇔Iago seems to worship hell and the devil, exclaiming 'Divinity of hell!'.
- What quote most effectively conveys Iago's satanic nature in Act 2 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
- ''I know my price, I am worth no worse a place''
- ''I hate The Moor''
- ''When devils will the blackest sins put on'' ✓
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- What could be done to elevate a topic sentence when writing analytically?
- use two slightly different adjectives to add depth and debate ✓
- use one adjective to show you have firm point
- use five adjectives to show a good understanding of the whole play
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- Which topic sentence is most effective?
- Iago is malcontent and malevolent, the former of which drives the latter. ✓
- Iago is satanic.
- Iago is simultaneously satanic, diabolical, malcontent and psychopathic.
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- What can be done to elevate use of quotes in analytical paragraphs?
- use one quote per paragraph
- use six quotes per paragraph
- only use quotes you can perform single word analysis on
- find patterns between quotes and link them together ✓
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- What can be done to elevate a concluding sentence?
- Use our best piece of analysis at the end of the paragraph
- Introduce a new idea
- Link back to the big picture of the play ✓
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Using two slightly different adjectives in a topic sentence can add depth and debate to a paragraph.
- Comment on patterns of language, such as diabolical or bestial imagery is useful when analysing Iago.
- Iago can be seen as satanic and Machiavellian.
- Concluding sentences can draw ideas together and can help you comment on Iago's role in the overall tragedy.
Common misconception
Only one interpretation of Iago is relevant since he is clearly a villain.
Even villains can be looked at through multiple lenses. Doing this can elevate your response as you say what others may not consider.
Keywords
Antihero - A central character who lacks heroic attributes.
Depraved - Morally corrupt, wicked.
Machiavellian - Describes someone who gets what they want in cunning, ruthless and immoral ways.
Satanic - Related to the devil, or satan.
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