Lesson Note on Reading and Explanation of Act One of “OTHERO” by William Shakespare for SS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature in English
Curriculum Theme: Literary Appreciation (Drama)
Previous Lesson: Introduction to “OTHERO” by William Shakespare.
Topic: Reading and Explanation of Act One of “Othello”
Subject Matter: Reading and discussion of Act One Scene One of “Othello” (events, characters, key lines), reading and explanation of Act One Scene Two of “Othello” (meaning of passages, character actions, key points).

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Summarize the main events of Act One, Scenes One and Two of “Othello.”
• Identify the major characters introduced in Act One.
• Explain the meaning of key lines and difficult words from Act One.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate William Shakespeare’s use of language and dramatic techniques.
• Develop an interest in reading and analyzing dramatic texts.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Read assigned lines from the play with appropriate expression.
• Participate actively in class discussions about the play.

Social Domain:

• Collaborate effectively in group reading and interpretation tasks.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• William Shakespeare, Othello (Drama Text)
• Adediran, F. A. (2018). Literature-in-English for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Copies of William Shakespeare’s drama text, “Othello”
• Whiteboard/Blackboard and markers/chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the beginning of a classic play, “Othello.” It enables them to develop critical reading skills and appreciate the literary elements used by the playwright.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic reading comprehension skills and some foundational knowledge of drama and literary terms from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Reading and Explanation of Act One of Othello

Introduction to Act One

Act One introduces the main characters and sets the initial conflict of the play. It reveals Iago’s hatred for Othello and his plot to manipulate others.

Act One, Scene One: Summary and Key Points

This scene opens in Venice, at night. Iago, an ensign, and Roderigo, a wealthy but foolish Venetian nobleman, are discussing Iago’s hatred for Othello, the Moorish general. Iago is angry because Othello promoted Cassio over him. They wake Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, to inform him that his daughter has eloped with Othello. Brabantio is furious and sets out to confront Othello.

The following are key characters introduced:

• Iago: Othello’s ensign, resentful and manipulative.
• Roderigo: A suitor of Desdemona, easily fooled by Iago.
• Brabantio: A Venetian senator, Desdemona’s father.

The following are key lines/phrases:

• “I am not what I am.” (Iago) – This line reveals Iago’s deceptive nature and his intention to conceal his true self.
• “An old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” (Iago) – This is a racist and crude statement used by Iago to provoke Brabantio and highlight Othello’s race.

Act One, Scene Two: Summary and Key Points

Othello is introduced, calm and dignified, discussing his marriage to Desdemona with Iago. Cassio arrives with news that the Duke requires Othello’s presence. Brabantio and his officers arrive, accusing Othello of using witchcraft to marry Desdemona. Othello maintains his innocence and agrees to appear before the Duke to explain the situation.

The following is a key character introduced:

• Othello: A respected Moorish general in the Venetian army, now married to Desdemona.

The following are key points:

• Othello’s noble and composed character is established before Iago’s lies begin to affect him.
• The conflict between Brabantio and Othello over Desdemona’s marriage is highlighted.
• Othello’s confidence in his love for Desdemona and his service to Venice is evident, despite the accusations.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids, Guided Reading, Role-play

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, briefly reviews the previous lesson, and then introduces “Othello” as a significant tragic play by William Shakespeare that they will begin studying.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and understand its context.

Step 2: Reading Act One, Scene One

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher assigns roles for Act One, Scene One, and guides pupils to read aloud, pausing to explain difficult words and phrases as they appear in the text.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read their assigned lines, paying attention to pronunciation and expressing the characters’ emotions.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with the text, the initial events, and the introduction of key characters.

Step 3: Discussion of Act One, Scene One

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the main events of Scene One, the characters introduced (Iago, Roderigo, Brabantio), and explains the significance of key lines.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate by summarizing events, identifying characters, and explaining selected lines from Scene One.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the initial conflict, Iago’s motivations, and the immediate plot developments.

Step 4: Reading Act One, Scene Two

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher assigns roles for Act One, Scene Two, and guides pupils to read aloud, continuing to clarify meanings of passages and character actions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read their assigned lines, focusing on the unfolding drama and the introduction of Othello.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the introduction of Othello and further plot development regarding his marriage.

Step 5: Discussion of Act One, Scene Two

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a discussion on Othello’s character as he first appears, the accusations made against him by Brabantio, and the significance of the scene.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by identifying Othello’s traits and summarizing the scene’s events and conflicts.
Learning Point: Pupils analyze Othello’s initial portrayal and the immediate challenges he faces regarding his marriage.

Step 6: Lesson Content/Board Summary

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-taking/Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the summarized key points, characters, and explanations of Act One, Scenes One and Two on the board for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils diligently copy the board summary into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils create organized notes for future reference and revision.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Who are the main characters introduced in Act One, Scene One of “Othello”?
2. What is Iago’s primary reason for hating Othello in Act One?
3. Summarize the main events of Act One, Scene Two.
4. How is Othello portrayed when he first appears in Act One, Scene Two?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points covered in Act One and assigns homework, which is to read Act One, Scene Three of “Othello” for the next lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and prepare for the next lesson.

Lesson Keywords

• Othello – The Moorish general, protagonist of the play.
• Iago – Othello’s ensign, the manipulative antagonist.
• Desdemona – Brabantio’s daughter and Othello’s wife.
• Roderigo – A wealthy Venetian nobleman, in love with Desdemona.
• Brabantio – A Venetian senator and Desdemona’s father.
• Tragedy – A type of drama in which the protagonist suffers a downfall.
• Elopement – Running away secretly to get married.

Differentiation

For struggling pupils, the teacher will provide simpler summaries of scenes and offer direct explanations of difficult vocabulary. They may also be paired with stronger readers for support. For advanced pupils, the teacher will encourage deeper analysis of characters’ motivations, literary devices, and ask more complex interpretative questions during discussions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should emphasize the dramatic structure and the importance of character introductions in Act One. Encourage expressive reading and active participation from all pupils. Ensure that pupils understand the initial conflicts and Iago’s manipulative nature, as these are foundational for the rest of the play.