Othello+Act+4

=Othello Act Four--Lauren & Laura=


 * PLOT SUMMARY**


 * Scene 1:**

Iago & Othello enter mid conversation. Iago is successfully convincing Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio; he claims that Cassio himself has admitted to the affair. Unable to cope with the 'evidence' of this terrible affair, Othello falls down into a trance. Cassio enters and Iago tells him that he would like to talk with him after Othello has recovered and moved on. When Othello recovers, Iago tells him to hide while he questions Cassio about the details of the affair.The audience is made aware of Iago's real intentions: to talk with Cassio aboutthe pursuits of his prostitute Bianca in order to anger Othello, who will think it is his wife being referred to. Bianca shows up to confront Cassio and produced the handkerchief that Othello had given to Desdemona. Enraged and further manipulated by Iago, Othello commits to kill them both. Iago counsels Othello to strangle rather than poison his wife and takes on the responsibility of killing Cassio. Lodvovico arrives with a letter ordering Othello's return to Venice and informing him that Cassio will take over the governorship in Cyprus. As Lodovico asks about Cassio, Desdemona speaks in his favour, which causes Othello to publicly lose his temper and strike Desdemona. He accuses her of being a whore, refuses to hear her pleas of innocence and storms off.

Scene 2:

Othello questions Emilia about whether or not she has seen Desdemona in the act of adultery. It is clear that Othello is deriving a deeper meaning from Emilia’s words than she has intended. Angry at Othello’s line of questioning, Emilia tells him that she would bet her own soul on Desdemona’s honesty and that whichever “wretch” has put these ideas in Othello’s head deserves to be cursed. After Emilia leaves, Othello further convinces himself of Desdemona’s guilt by reasoning that even though Emilia seems to have provided enough evidence of Desdemona’s innocence, Emilia is also too simple to truly see any evidence of Desdemona’s infidelity since she is subtle about her actions. Soon after Othello’s moment to himself, Desdemona and Emilia enter again. Once he has sent Emilia away for privacy, Othello questions Desdemona about her fidelity. Desdemona’s innocence only appears to be lies to Othello, who laments Desdemona’s whoredom. Disgusted, Othello pays Emilia for keeping quiet and leaves. Still puzzled at Othello’s anger, Desdemona orders Emilia to make up her bed with her wedding sheets. Iago enters and they discuss Othello’s belief that Desdemona is a whore. Both Iago and Emilia comfort Desdemona, but it is evident to the reader that Iago is merely playing “innocent” as he pretends not to know what is happening. Because she thinks he is innocent, Desdemona asks Iago what she should do to win back Othello’s heart and is told to be patient. Emilia and Desdemona exit the stage. The scene ends with Roderigo complaining that for all of the jewels he has sent to Desdemona, he has not gotten any closer to being her suitor. Iago convinces Roderigo that the only way to keep Othello and Desdemona from going back to Venice is to kill Cassio, promising that he will be satisfied.

Scene 3:

At the beginning of this scene, Othello orders Desdemona to go straight to bed and to send away Emilia. After Othello and Lodovico exit the scene, the two women have a discussion about love and fidelity in this scene. Desdemona reveals her innocence once again when she asks Emilia if she would ever commit adultery. While Emilia tells Desdemona that she might consider committing adultery for the right price (i.e. if it would mean that she would own the world), Desdemona disagrees and says that she would not. Interspersed in the dialogue is a song that Desdemona sings which tells the story of a spurned lover; this creates an ominous foreshadowing for the tragedy that is to come. The scene ends with Emilia postulating on the reasons why women cheat (“But I do think it is their husbands’ faults if wives do fall”) and Desdemona says goodnight to Emilia.

**STOPPING POINTS, PROMPTS & FOCUS QUESTIONS** (Note: Line numbers based on Cambridge 1984 edition) Throughout the play, including this act, students keep a character journal, taking on the role of Iago (Consider his actions, schemes, inner thoughts & emotions). Students may write entries at any time and will be given some specific prompts to do so. **__ Scene 1 __** Lines 1-45 (Iago accuses Cassio with ‘proof’) Read in pairs, taking on the roles of Iago & Othello. Focus on emotions & gestures they would use. Volunteers perform. ** Questions: / prompts ** What situation does Iago describe to Othello? How does Iago go about providing the 'ocular proof' of Desdemona's infidelity that Othello had previously asked for? Discuss Othello’s response to Iago’s accusations. Would you believe Iago- why/ why not? Is Othello being reasonable? Relate to personal experience – ever been convinced by a friend with no concrete proof? / been deceived by someone who seemed to have proof of their claim? __Imagery & Language__: What images does Iago use to torment Othello/ How does his language contribute to his manipulation? (e.g. note the pun ‘lie’) How is Othello’s breakdown reflected in his language (e.g. note how it changes to chaotic prose)

Lines 46-160 Continue in pairs & record evidence of Iago’s manipulation **Questions/ prompts**: __Theme__: How does this conversation build on the theme of reality & appearance? __Character:__ Discuss Iago’s manipulation of Othello- how does he use Cassio to deceive Othello? How does he control the direction of Othello’s thoughts? How does he use Desdemona’s virtues against her? Why does Iago suggest an alternative method of killing Desdemona? Is Cassio a rounded, human character or a dramatic device employed by Shakespeare as a means to bring about Othello’s downfall? Justify.

Lines 161-200 ** Questions/ Prompts: ** __Prediction__: What will Othello do to Desdemona? Will he follow through? __Character:__ Write Iago journal entry – what are your plans? How do you feel about the way they are they playing out so far?

201-End of scene __Character:__ What role does Desdemona’s innocence play? (e.g. increased anger & tension from Othello for speaking in defence of Cassio, reader sympathy heightened when mistreated, “I have not deserved this”) Compare Othello in this scene with Act 1 Scene 1 -“Othello then and now” (written comparison/ Venn diagram/ mind map/ static image. Incorporate quotation evidence.

**__ Scene 2 __** Lines 1-18 ** Questions/ prompts: ** Discuss Othello’s reasoning – are his suspicions of Desdemona’s infidelity plausible? Predict: Will Emilia’s testament of Desdemona’s faithfulness make a difference to Othello? How do you think Emilia would react if she knew that “the wretch” she refers to is her husband?

Lines 19-93 (Othello confronts Desdemona) Read/ act out in pairs ** Questions/ prompts: ** Discuss: to what extent does Desdemona understand Othello’s accusations? __Character & Language:__ Class could be divided into 2 & given role of Desdemona/ Othello. Re-read the lines and prepare to debate their character’s argument. Can extend beyond the lines in the play, but must stay in character & pay attention to the language that they use. How has Othello’s language become more like Iago’s (e.g. twisting words – compare with Iago in lines 46-160 of Scene 1) How does Desdemona demonstrate strength of character? __Prediction:__ Has Desdemona managed to save herself with her pleas? Would she have been more successful if she was not such an innocent character? Students could write prediction as if: i. Othello has been convinced by Desdemona. Ii. Othello has not been convinced

Lines 94-170 ** Questions/ prompts: ** __Language__: Discuss Emilia unknowingly referring to her own husband as “some eternal villain”. How accurate is she? Get students to identify the humour and the technique being used (irony). __Prediction & Character:__ Based on what we know about Iago, what will happen after Desdemona pleas her case to Iago? How might he use this to his advantage? Record thoughts in Iago journal entry

171-End of scene __Character:__ What role does Roderigo play? Is he a rounded/ flat character? So far how has he i. advanced ii. threatened Iago’s manipulations __Theme__: Groups choose a theme (e.g. reality & appearances, manipulation, jealousy...) and plot evidence from these scenes on large butcher paper (this would be an activity that students do regularly throughout the reading of the play).

**__ Scene 3 __** Lines 1-16 __Context/ theme:__ Discuss differences in gender roles then and now (as part of ongoing notes on historical contexts of gender, race, social status etc represented in the play). Would this scene occur today?

Lines 17-56 (willow song) ** Questions/ Prompts: ** What is the tone of this scene? What do you think Desdemona’s state of mind is during these lines? Give reasons for your response. What is the Willow song about? Prepare a group performance of the song (choose dramatisation/ choral reading/ rap/ singing etc). Consider emphasis, language, imagery, themes conveyed etc... __Language & imagery:__ What images does the song evoke? What language techniques/ poetic devices can you identity (e.g. repetition) & what are their effect? __Theme:__ How is this song relevant to themes of the play? / Why do you think Shakespeare included it? Research the significance of the willow (emblem of the forsaken lover) An extension could be to compare the emblem of the willow tree with other literary/ Shakespearean uses (e.g. Ophelia falling off willow tree & drowning in Hamlet, Viola in Twelfth Night, “"Make me a willow-cabin at your gate/ And call upon my soul within the house.")

57-end of scene __Character__: Compare & contrast Desdemona & Emilia’s attitude towards fidelity. What does it say about their character? Write own view – who agree with & why (personal, no obligation to share) Discuss the effect of Desdemona’s innocence –Will it save/ condemn her? How might Desdemona’s innocence be tragic when coupled with Othello’s naivety/ gullibility? How, if at all, would the situation be different if her character was more like Emilia? __Theme:__ add to theme brainstorms on butcher paper


 * LESSON PLAN:**

__Learning Objectives:__ L/V T; I; LF || 5 || Attendance Starter: play a clip of a movie that has some sexist content in it to evoke student response. || “A League of Their Own” (DVD) || S/L T; I; LF; RO; MS || 5 || Give personal response in small groups (of four), followed by whole class discussion ||  || S/L T; I; LF; P&C; RO; MS || 5 || Brainstorm: (whole class discussion) How are we different? How are we similar? (//Analysis// ) In what ways has our society developed socially in terms of gender equality? (//Evaluation// ) (Write this in your notes) ||  || S/L T; I; LF; P&C; RO; MS || 10 || Now that we have begun to consider gender roles in our society, we’re going to look at gender in Shakespeare’s time… 1) Read lines 1-24 (silent reading) 2) Decide which character is saying each line 3) Are they male or female? (//Application// ) || Photocopied sheet without names of characters || R/W T; I; LF; P&C; RO; MS || 10 || à Show students scene with names included Discussion: FQ: What made you decide which voice was male or female? (//Analysis// ) What differences in speech/language are there between men and women in Shakespeare? (//Analysis// ) What does this tell you about gender differences in Othello? (//Evaluation// ) TP: Shakespeare uses language to illustrate gender differences. In this next part, Shakespeare uses language in a different way to communicate the inner feelings of Desdemona. || OHT of scene || S/L/R T; I; LF; P&C; RO; MS || 10 || Read aloud in pairs: lines 25-56  1) Make note of the language that is being used—descriptors, imagery, emotive language… ||   || S/L T; I; LF; P&C; RO; MS || 5 || FQ: What words did you highlight and why? (//Knowledge// ) What effect might this moment have on the ending of the play based on the language used? (//Analysis// ) ||  || S/L/R T; I; LF; P&C; RO; MS || 10 || Now we are going to read the “Willow Song” on its own and do a close reading so that we can look more closely at what Desdemona is saying… 1) In groups of four, read the song over and make notes 2) Decide how you are going to interpret this song in a new way 3) We will present these songs to the class in the next lesson || Photocopy of the “Willow Song” || Act 4 - Ben and Chris Act 4 Scene 1 Iago and Othello are once more discussing the matter of Desdemona and Cassio. Iago slyly insinuates that it is okay for a woman to be naked with a man if nothing happens and that a woman may do with her handkerchiefs as she pleases. The undertone of these comments only works up Othello more, and when pressed hard enough, Iago finally contrives that Cassio confessed to him that he had lain down with Desdemona. Othello falls into a trance and soon afterwards Cassio enters. Iago explains it is the second fit as such in two days and that he should leave, but that he would like to speak with him in time. Iago explains to Othello when he wakes that Cassio was there and that he arranged a meeting. He tells Othello to hide and observe their conversation when Cassio returns. He explains that he will get Cassio to recount his tale of sexual encounters with Desdemona. He later tells the audience that he will actually ask questions of Cassio in regards to Bianca, the prostitute. Watching the conversation, Othello witnesses Cassio laughing openly, and though he cannot hear the details, assumes it is about Desdemona. When Bianca enters and tosses the handkerchief back to Cassio, his rage is set, having seen Cassio’s mistress handling Desdemona’s handkerchief. He convinces himself that he must kill Cassio and Desdemona that very night. He mentions poison, but Iago pushes him to strangle her in the bed in which she betrayed him. Lodovico enters with Desdemona with a letter recalling Othello back to Venice. The two discuss Cassio, upsetting Othello even further and when Desdemona expresses happiness at being recalled, Othello strikes here. Lodovico is surprised by the violence and the loss of control by Othello.
 * __Curriculum__ || __Time__ || __Activity: Gender and Othello__
 * Examine gender within the language by reading aloud & comparing Shakespeare’s society to ours
 * Prepare a presentation of the “Willow Song” with a modern understanding || __Resources__ ||
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 * __ Summary __**
 * __ Focusing questions and stopping points: __**

Scene 2
Othello questions Emilia about Desdemona’s infidelities, to which Emilie denies the accusations. However, Othello only takes this as meaning his wife is more cunning than he thought. He then takes to calling Desdemona a “whore” and a “strumpet”, railing against her. Desdemona is distraught by her husband’s treatment of her, sure that she is being punished for some unknown crime. Emilia once again shows foresight by saying it is as though someone has turned Othello against her. However, when his opinion is asked, Iago only states that it is politics that have Othello so worked up. In yet another conversation with Roderigo, Iago convinces him not to give up his pursuit just yet. He enlists Roderigo’s assistance in the end in the murder of Cassio, telling him that Cassio’s death will keep Othello and Desdemona in Cyprus.

Scene 3
Othello, deciding to walk with Lodovico demands that Desdemona retreat to her chambers and dismiss her maid. Desdemona then discusses with Emilia what seems to be a premonition of her own death, requesting that her body be wrapped in her wedding sheets. Emilia comments on the state of Desdemona’s marriage, mentioning that it might have been a mistake. Desdemona, however ignores the comments and ponders the meaning of adultery, asking if Emilia would ever cheat on her husband. The two discuss the nature of sexual appetites and the double standards set by men over women before Desdemona finally readies herself for bed.

Stopping point 1 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“How shall I murder him, Iago?” iv.i.164 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. What did Iago mean by “Work on/My medicine work”? (iv.i.44-45) Has he literally given Othello some medicine? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. What line(s) lead Othello to believe Cassio is suggesting Desdemona is being unfaithful? What are they meant to mean? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Othello’s feelings have gone through a wide variety and range; how is he acting now, compared to earlier in the play? How is this evident? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Who do you think is more to more to blame for Othello’s lack of thought: Iago, or Othello?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stopping point 2 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">End of Act 4, Scene 1 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. When told to strangle Desdemona, Othello responds "Good, good! The justice of it pleases. Very good!" (iv.i.204) How is this a direct turnaround from the start of the text? Support your answer with a quote. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Do you think Desdemona’s reaction to Othello’s anger is realistic? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Do you think Lodovico is angry at Othello, or disappointed in his own faith in him? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Make a prediction for the next scene

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stopping point 3 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">End of Act 4, Scene 2 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Why does Othello ignore Emilia’s words? Is this because of his own personality, or Iago’s words? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. When Iago says to Desdemona “Go in, and weep not: all things shall be well” (iv.ii.172), what do you think he really expects to happen? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Emilia begs Othello, "If any wretch have put this in your head/Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse!" (iv.ii.15-6) what is she suggested? Do you think she knows anything that the other characters do not? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Make a prediction for the next scene

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stopping point 4 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">End of Act 4, Scene 3 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">See lesson plan provided – focus on this scene

Focus on scene 3 Split kids into 5 groups, give each all 4 scenarios. Briefly discuss each and decide what your group would do. Be ready to report on your decision. 1. You find out your friend stole money from your wallet in order to pay for his lunch. Do you: · Give him the bash and take the amount forcibly from him · Accept his apology and ask him about his circumstances · Ignore it 2. You are falsely accused by a teacher for bunking class. Do you: · Angrily deny it and storm out of class · Remain calm and tell the teacher she can ring your mother who will vouch for you · Accept the punishment even though you don’t deserve it 3. You and a friend are caught with the teacher’s purse. Do you: · Blame your friend entirely, knowing he has a bad reputation · Own up to it entirely and say your friend was not involved · Tell her the truth – you were both involved 4. Your sister complains to your father that you are bullying her. Do you: · Deny everything, and get her back for it afterward · Own up to your mistakes and apologize to her, acknowledging your recent stress · Deny everything but totally ignore her from now on This activity is to make students aware of how and why people make different decisions when faced with difficult circumstances when they are in trouble. Often it is easy to simply respond badly in turn. In Othello, Desdemona tells Emilia “Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend!” (4.3.101) Split students into groups of 4, ensuring each group has 2 (or at least 1) strong reader. These strong readers should take the part of Desdemona and Emilia. Students in their groups to act out the scene. After everyone has finished, regroup as a class. Teacher to read through Emilia’s final speech (4.3.80-99) and Desdemona’s final two lines (4.3.100-101) Class discussion on the scene and key points: Teacher-led focusing questions: Play video ‘Willow’ song to students: [] Students to get into pairs. Each pair makes a number of predictions about what will happen to: · Iago · Othello · Desdemona · Emilia · Cassio
 * Lesson plan **
 * Act 4 **
 * Pre-reading:**
 * During-reading:**
 * Post-reading:**
 * 1) What are the differences in perspective between Desdemona and Emilia?
 * 2) There is a general sense of foreboding – what parts of the text show this and how?
 * 3) Would you act and feel the same way if you were in Desdemona’s position?
 * 1) What is your reaction to the song?
 * 2) Do you think it is necessary for the scene?
 * 3) Why/why not?