William Shakespeare, Othello
Lesson plans and other teaching ideas

A Cultural Context for Othello
This essay provides background information.

"Divinity of hell!": Soliloquies, Cutting and Computers
In this standards-based, technology-integrated lesson, students work with soliloquy to understand a character and the power of language.

Fear and Loathing in Othello
In this standards-based lesson, students use The History and Description of Africa by Leo Africanus to understand attitudes about Africans in Elizabethan England.

"How to choose a good Wife from a bad...": Were Othello and Desdemona doomed from the start?
After reading the play, students examine Alexander Niccholes's 1615 book, "A discourse, of marriage and wiving: and of the greatest Mystery therin contained: How to choose a good Wife from a bad...." They discuss the relationship from the perspective of the time.

Images of Othello: A Shakespearean WebQuest
Students examine the text of the play, then use online resources to see what Othello has looked like in previous productions. They write an essay explaining the type of actor who should play Othello today. Adobe Reader or compatible application required for access to the handout.

Investigating Othello: Peeling Away Layers of Meaning
In this standards-based lesson, students explore how issues are connected throughout the play. Issues include the pathology of the evil person, how militarism affects characters and events, the role of racism throughout the play, the treatment of women, how colonialism affects characters and events, and building and destroying reputations in the play.

MTV Othello
Students dramatize Desdemona's "Willow Song" to "recognize how music and lyrics contribute to the mood and meaning of a scene."

"O, I have lost my reputation:" Why Reputation Matters in Othello
In this simple activity students explore the importance of reputation in order to better understand plot and theme.

Othello
Teaching guide, including summary, prereading, discussion questions, journal response questions, analysis and suggestions for performance, bibliography. This extensive teaching guide requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

Othello
Background, suggestions for writing about the play, and extensive analysis. Scroll to the bottom for sample essay questions.

Othello
This 12-page document addresses 69 vocabulary words drawn from the play. Adobe Reader or compatible application required for access.

Othello
This document encourages students to analyze the play as they consider issues related to filming it. This 21-page document requires Adobe Reader for access.

Othello: Gender, Race, and the Student
This 18-day unit plan includes ideas for assessment.

Othello, the Moor of Venice
Plot summary, themes, discussion of irony, essay topics, more.

Othello: ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre
Support materials for the updated version by Andrew Davies, set in London and featuring "New Scotland Yard in the era of race riots, neo-Nazis, and political spin." Scroll down for a link to teaching materials and other resources.

Othello Unit Plan
This 17-day unit includes assessment and evaluation.

Othello's Father of the Bride
Students analyze the character of Brabantio by examining his reaction to Desdemona's marriage to Othello.

Shakespeare's Othello and the Power of Language
Students explore the relationship between Iago's use of language and his ability to manipulate others. This unit includes short group performances, writing exercises, and the guided use of online dictionaries and concordances to study Shakespeare's language.

A Teacher's Guide for The Merchant of Venice and Othello
These lesson plans and classroom activities are provided by PBS as part of the ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre series.

That's Moor Like It!
Using resources available online from the New York Times, "students focus on the play Othello and its current screen adaptation O to explore how modern adaptations of Shakespeare have the potential to both enhance the original text and detract from its meaning."

The Tragedy of Othello
This 30-page guide from The Acting Company offers a comprehensive approach to the play, including day-by-day reading assignments and exercises. Also included: a list of insults from the play, biography, and background about the Elizabethan theater. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

The Trial of Iago: "To you. . . remains the censure of this hellish villain"
In this standards-based lesson, students "analyze text and utilize outside resources to determine Iago's fate, which is not addressed by Shakespeare in the play. They will then present their findings in an organized "trial" scenario."