Lesson Note on Introduction to “OTHERO” by William Shakespare for SS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature in English
Curriculum Theme: Drama and Literary Appreciation
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: Introduction to “Othello” by William Shakespeare
Subject Matter: Meaning of the play, background of the playwright, background and setting of the play, plot summary, Shakespearean language and current English.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

• Define the play “Othello” as a dramatic literary text.
• State key biographical facts about William Shakespeare.
• Describe the background and setting of the play “Othello.”
• Summarize the main events of the plot.
• Identify differences between Shakespearean language and modern English expressions.

Affective Domain:

• Show interest in understanding classical literary works.
• Appreciate the historical context of the play.
• Participate actively in discussions about the play’s themes.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Take accurate notes on the background and setting of the play.
• Rewrite selected Shakespearean words into current English.
• Observe and analyze key scenes from film clips.

Social Domain:

• Engage in collaborative discussions about the play.
• Respect diverse interpretations of literary texts.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Literature in English for Senior Secondary Schools by P.B. Ejiofor et al.
• Copies of William Shakespeare’s “Othello”

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Copies of the play “Othello”
• Cardboard sheets with Shakespearean and modern English comparisons
• Projector and screen for film clips
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundational elements of William Shakespeare’s “Othello” before a detailed study. It enables them to grasp the context, characters, and initial plot, which is important for appreciating the play’s themes and language.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of drama as a literary genre and some familiarity with literary terms like plot, setting, and character.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Introduction to Othello by William Shakespeare

Meaning of the Play “Othello”

“Othello” is a tragic play by William Shakespeare, first performed in 1604. It is a powerful drama that explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, racism, love, and revenge, leading to a catastrophic end for its main characters.

Background of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon.” His works include 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems.

Background and Setting of “Othello”

The play is set in two main locations:

• Venice, Italy: The play begins here, establishing Othello’s military prominence and his secret marriage to Desdemona, as well as Iago’s resentment.
• Cyprus: Most of the action takes place on this island, where Othello is sent to command the Venetian forces against the Turks. The isolation of Cyprus contributes to the intense psychological drama and Iago’s successful manipulation.

The time period is roughly the late 16th or early 17th century. The social environment reflects military hierarchy, racial prejudices against Othello (a Moor), and the societal expectations of women during that era.

Plot Summary of “Othello”

The play tells the story of Othello, a respected Moorish general in the Venetian army, who secretly marries Desdemona, a beautiful and virtuous Venetian lady. Iago, Othello’s ensign, harbors deep resentment towards Othello for promoting Cassio over him and suspects Othello of having an affair with his wife, Emilia. Iago plots revenge by subtly manipulating Othello into believing that Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio. Through a series of deceitful actions, including the use of a lost handkerchief, Iago fuels Othello’s jealousy to a frenzy. Othello, consumed by rage, murders Desdemona. When the truth of Iago’s deception is revealed by Emilia, Othello takes his own life in despair. Iago is arrested, and Cassio assumes command.

Shakespearean Language vs. Current English

Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English, which differs from contemporary English in vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Understanding these differences is key to appreciating his works.

Examples:

• “Hark!” – Listen!
• “Wherefore” – Why
• “Art thou” – Are you
• “Doth” – Does
• “Thy/Thine” – Your/Yours
• “Anon” – Soon
• “Marry” – Indeed (originally a mild oath by the Virgin Mary)

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the new topic, “Introduction to Othello by William Shakespeare,” stating that it is a play to be studied.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the day’s lesson.

Step 2: Meaning of the Play “Othello”

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what “Othello” is – a tragic drama exploring themes of jealousy and betrayal – and its significance as a literary text.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute their initial thoughts on what a tragedy might entail.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the genre and core themes of the play.

Step 3: Background of William Shakespeare

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides a brief background of William Shakespeare, mentioning his era, importance, and some of his other famous works.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes on the playwright’s background.
Learning Point: Pupils gain knowledge about the author of the play.

Step 4: Background and Setting of the Play

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visuals
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the historical and geographical setting of “Othello” (Venice and Cyprus), discussing the social environment of the time.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification about the setting.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the context in which the play is set.

Step 5: Plot Summary of “Othello”

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion/Narrative
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides the pupils through a summary of the main events of the play, outlining the key characters and their roles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute to the discussion of events, and ask questions about the plot.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the sequence of major events and character relationships in the play.

Step 6: Shakespearean Language vs. Current English

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Comparison/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays cardboard sheets with examples of Shakespearean words and phrases, comparing them with their modern English equivalents.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the differences and practice rewriting some expressions into current English.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to understand the linguistic challenges and beauty of Shakespearean text.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What kind of play is “Othello,” and what are some of its main themes?
2. Mention two important facts about William Shakespeare.
3. Name the two main settings of the play “Othello.”
4. Briefly summarize the main conflict in the plot of “Othello.”
5. Give two examples of Shakespearean words and their modern English meanings.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the introduction to “Othello” and assigns homework, asking pupils to research more about the main characters.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded with a reinforced understanding and a task for further learning.

Lesson Keywords

• Othello – The tragic play by William Shakespeare.
• Shakespeare – The renowned English playwright and poet.
• Tragedy – A genre of drama where the protagonist suffers a downfall due to a fatal flaw or external forces.
• Setting – The time, place, and social environment in which a story takes place.
• Plot Summary – A brief overview of the main events in a story.
• Shakespearean Language – The Early Modern English used by William Shakespeare.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to find additional Shakespearean words and their modern equivalents. For those who need more support, the teacher can provide simpler plot summaries or paired reading activities to ensure understanding.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that the film clips shown are age-appropriate and focus on key introductory scenes. Encourage active participation and create a welcoming environment for discussing challenging themes. Emphasize the importance of understanding the historical context to fully appreciate the play.