Othello, Day 3: Act 1, Scene 3
Lesson plan for day 3 of the Othello unit. The spell of Othello's stories, Brabantio's warning, and Iago's plan to use Othello's trusting nature.
ENGLISH 12 AP - Language and Literature:
Daily Plan
UNIT: Othello
DAY: 3
Assignment to have been completed: Students should have completed Act I.3 of Othello. They should also have completed the corresponding study questions.
Activities:
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A. Discuss Act I of Othello. Use the following questions to direct discussion and my answers to evaluate that discussion. The numbers in parentheses indicate line numbers at which the appropriate text may be reviewed and read aloud. Please indicate how far you get in each class.
Scene 1.3
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1. Explain the “spell” by which Othello charmed Desdemona.
The “spell” is the romantic tale of his own youth, capture and enslavement, and numerous adventures. (127-169)
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2. What explanation does Othello offer for his love for Desdemona and hers for him?
He loves her because she possesses such “pity” for his sufferings. She loves him for the dangerous life he has endured. (166-167)
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3. What do you make of Brabantio’s remark in line 290?
He suggests that since she has deceived one man to whom she owed respect (her father), she is likely to deceive another (her husband).
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4. What prediction can you make on the basis of lines 291 - 292?
Given that Iago is a confessed deceiver, it seems likely that he will strike at Othello through her.
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5. What seems to be Iago’s belief about the love between any man and woman?
He seems to believe the only relationships between men and women are based on lust, which is itself inconstant.
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6. In scene I, Iago complains that Othello passes him over for promotion in favor of Cassio. What further reason for his hatred of Othello does he offer in this scene?
He believes rumors that Othello has slept with his wife. (366-368) [However, he has absolutely no evidence but will pursue his revenge merely because it might be true.)
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7. How does Iago explain his high expectation that he will be able to manipulate Othello?
Iago asserts that Othello is “of a free and open nature / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so.” (379-380) In other words, Othello is too trusting; he is not sophisticated enough to suspect or see through hypocrisy.
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Assignment for next class meeting: Read Act 2.1 of Othello. Complete the corresponding study questions.