Lesson Note on Reading of Act Two of “OTHERO” by William Shakespare for SS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature in English
Curriculum Theme: Drama
Previous Lesson: Reading and Explanation of Act One of “OTHERO” by William Shakespare.
Topic: Reading of Act Two of “OTHERO”
Subject Matter: Reading and explanation of Act Two Scene One of “OTHERO” (events, meaning, characters), reading and explanation of Act Two Scene Two of “OTHERO” (events, meaning, character actions)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Summarize the main events in Act Two, Scenes One and Two of “OTHERO”.
• Identify the key characters present in each scene and explain their actions.
• Explain the meaning of important lines and dramatic elements in Act Two.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the dramatic developments and character motivations in Act Two.
• Engage actively with the text through reading and discussion.
• Develop an interest in understanding literary works.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Read selected parts of Act Two with appropriate expression and understanding.
• Demonstrate comprehension by relating video clips to the written text.
• Participate in discussions about the themes and plot of the play.

Social Domain:

• Collaborate with peers in group reading and interpretation of scenes.
• Share different perspectives on character actions and plot developments.
• Develop effective communication skills through classroom interaction.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Shakespeare, W. (n.d.). Othello. [Relevant Literature in English textbook for SS2]
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9_mQ_fFf58
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Othello-by-Shakespeare

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Copies of the drama text “OTHERO” by William Shakespeare
• Video clips of Act Two, Scenes One and Two of “OTHERO”
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils to understand the unfolding plot and character development in “OTHERO” by focusing on Act Two. It enables them to interpret the text, identify key literary elements, and appreciate the dramatic progression of the play.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of the play’s background, the main characters, and have read Act One of “OTHERO”. They also understand basic literary terms related to drama.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Reading and Explanation of Act Two of “OTHERO”

Act Two Scene One

This scene takes place on the coast of Cyprus. A violent storm has scattered the Turkish fleet, bringing relief from the invasion threat. Cassio, Desdemona, Emilia, and Iago arrive separately. Cassio expresses worry for Othello’s safety. When Othello finally arrives, he is overjoyed to be reunited with Desdemona. Iago, however, begins to implement his malicious plan. He observes Cassio and Desdemona interacting and misinterprets their courtesy as flirtation. He then manipulates Roderigo, convincing him that Desdemona is in love with Cassio and that he must provoke Cassio into a fight to get him dismissed. Iago reveals his true intentions in a soliloquy, planning to make Othello believe Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio.

Key characters and their actions:

• Cassio: Arrives first, expresses concern for Othello, shows courtesy to Desdemona.
• Desdemona: Arrives safely, expresses joy at Othello’s arrival.
• Iago: Arrives, observes interactions, deceives Roderigo, plans to manipulate Othello against Cassio and Desdemona.
• Othello: Arrives, relieved from the storm and reunited with Desdemona, expresses profound happiness.
• Roderigo: Easily manipulated by Iago, agrees to provoke Cassio.

Act Two Scene Two

This is a very short scene. A Herald proclaims a general celebration throughout Cyprus to mark the destruction of the Turkish fleet by the storm and Othello’s marriage to Desdemona. The proclamation announces two hours of feasting, sports, and revelry for everyone.

Key characters and their actions:

• Herald: Announces Othello’s proclamation for a general celebration.

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 and reviews the previous lesson on Act One of “OTHERO,” asking questions about the main characters and initial plot points.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and recall key information from Act One.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the previous lesson to the current topic and are prepared for Act Two.

Step 2: Reading Act Two Scene One

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces Act Two Scene One, guides pupils to read it aloud, assigning roles to different pupils, and clarifies unfamiliar vocabulary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read Act Two Scene One, taking on assigned roles and noting any difficult words or phrases.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with the text of Act Two Scene One.

Step 3: Explanation of Act Two Scene One

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Elucidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the events, character actions, and significant dialogues in Act Two Scene One, focusing on Iago’s developing plot.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and summarize the key happenings of the scene.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the plot and character motivations in Act Two Scene One.

Step 4: Reading Act Two Scene Two

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces Act Two Scene Two, guides pupils to read it aloud, assigning roles, and clarifies vocabulary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read Act Two Scene Two, taking on assigned roles and noting any difficult words or phrases.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with the text of Act Two Scene Two.

Step 5: Explanation of Act Two Scene Two

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Elucidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the events and significance of Act Two Scene Two, highlighting its brevity and purpose.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions, and summarize the main point of the scene.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the purpose and content of Act Two Scene Two.

Step 6: Video Reinforcement

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid Integration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents short video clips depicting key moments from Act Two, Scenes One and Two, asking pupils to relate them to the text.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video clips and discuss how they visually represent the events and character actions in the text.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a visual understanding and reinforce their comprehension of Act Two.

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. Who are the main characters present in Act Two Scene One?
2. Briefly describe Iago’s plan as revealed in Act Two Scene One.
3. What is the significance of the storm mentioned in Act Two Scene One?
4. What event is being celebrated in Act Two 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: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of Act Two, emphasizing Iago’s manipulative nature and the dramatic ironies, and assigns pupils to read Act Three for the next class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for the next stage of the play.

Lesson Keywords

• Othello – The tragic hero, a Moorish general.
• Iago – Othello’s ensign, the villain of the play.
• Desdemona – Othello’s wife.
• Cassio – Othello’s lieutenant.
• Roderigo – A Venetian gentleman manipulated by Iago.
• Cyprus – The island where Act Two takes place.
• Soliloquy – A speech given by a character alone on stage, revealing their thoughts.
• Deception – The act of misleading someone.

Differentiation

For pupils who are fast learners, the teacher will encourage them to discuss the foreshadowing of future events in Act Two. For slower learners, the teacher will provide simplified summaries and focus on key character actions and plot points, using visuals to aid understanding.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have adequate copies of the text or display the text clearly for all pupils. Encourage expressive reading and active participation. Pay close attention to Iago’s soliloquies as they reveal his motives and plans. Ensure video clips are appropriate and enhance understanding of the scenes.