Othello

Othello’s hubris is…

To what extent is Othello responsible for his

own downfall?

Tragic structure Explanation

Othello’s rise
Othello suffers a
misfortune
Othello falls

The setting of Cyprus for the tragedy is

significant because…

Shakespeare utilizes language to mark Othello’s

rapid mental deterioration. Explain.
Discuss how Othello sees himself as an agent of
justice.

Re-visit the play’s pivotal climax Act 3 Scene 3.

Write an analytical paragraph in which you
discuss Shakespeare’s use of dramatic
techniques.

Re-visit Act 4 when Othello is about to

murder Desdemona. Write an analytical
paragraph in which you discuss Othello’s use of
language.
 Iago
Iago is a symbol of the juxtaposition between
appearance and reality. He has a false public
persona and reveals his true self to the audience
when alone on stage. Discuss 3 of his
‘villainous’ attributes.

Give 3 examples of Iago’s depraved language:

1)
2)
3)

Write a paragraph in which you consider what

Shakespeare’s intentions are with this character?
 FEMALE
CHARACTERS
Desdemona
Key qualities Textual evidence
Paragon of virtue and
beauty
Desdemona as a
possession
Desdemona as
assertive
Doting wife
Passive victim

Research the significance of Desdemona’s

Willow Song and Shakespeare’s use of
foreshadowing:
https://www.yorknotes.com/alevel/english-
literature/othello-2017/study/studying-the-
play/01120102_act-iv-scene-3
Emilia
Closely analyze Emilia’s monologue:
‘But I do think it is their husbands’ faults
If wives do fall: say that they slack their duties,
And pour our treasures into foreign laps,
Or else break out in peevish jealousies,
Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us,
Or scant our former having in despite;

Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace,

Yet have we some revenge.

Let husbands know

Their wives have sense like them: they see and smell
And have their palates both for sweet and sour,
As husbands have.

What is it that they do

When they change us for others? Is it sport?
I think it is: and doth affection breed it?
I think it doth: is’t frailty that thus errs?
It is so too: and have not we affections,
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have?

Then let them use us well: else let them know,

The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.
Summarize Emilia’s relationship with
Desdemona?

In what sense does Shakespeare use the

character of Emilia as a contrast to Desdemona?

To what extent is Emilia, like Desdemona, a

victim?
Bianca
Read and make notes on the following blog
about Bianca and her significance as a minor
character:

https://amysmithliterature.wordpress.com/
2021/06/05/minor-characters-in-othello-bianca/