Curated OER
Shakespeare's Othello and the Power of Language
Students read and analyze Iago's rhetoric in specific monologues and dialogues with other characters, examine what Iago says and how he says it, define some basic rhetorical terms, and discover the sometimes dangerous power of language.
Curated OER
The Trial of Iago: "To you...remains the censure of this hellish villain"
Students analyze text and utilize outside resources to determine Iago's fate, which is not addressed by Shakespeare in Othello; students present their findings in an organized trial scenario.
Curated OER
"Thou hast set me on the rack": A Dramatic Reading of Iago's Most Poisonous Lines
Students select and analyze quotations from Othello, and do a dramatic reading to illustrate the power of Iago's most poisonous words.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Shakespeare's Othello and the Power of Language
A lesson plan focusing on the power of Iago's language, as shown through his crafty deception of Othello, "Shakespeare's Othello and the Power of Language" provides several links to information on Shakespeare, Othello, and rhetoric.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Deception, Drama, and Misunderstanding
Investigate how Shakespeare and Renaissance writers explore miscommunication, dishonesty, trickery, and the nature of theatre.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Ethnicity and Identity
From Othello and Shylock to depictions of the 'New World' and anti-immigration riots, explore Shakespeare's fascination with ethnic identity.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Othello
Shakespeare's tragedy Othello was written around 1603. This interesting site analyses the major characters, the themes and talks about important quotations in the play.