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Valuable aspects of any literary work are its themes, symbols, and motifs. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to anatomize without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
Throughout the play, Othello, a Moor, is seen as an outsider. Although he holds a position of high power in Venice, he is still a victim of racial prejudice. He marries a nobleman’s daughter and, because of their interracial marriage, jealousy, skepticism, and revenge ensue.
Throughout the play, there is no evidence or proof of Desdemona’s infidelity. However, it is Iago who constantly plants a seed of suspicion in Othello’s mind that causes his jealousy to flare. The smoking gun for Othello is the embroidered handkerchief Iago stole to plant in Cassio's room.
The handkerchief is a major symbol in the play. It was first given to Desdemona by Othello as a token of his love, which she cherished. Later, when she tries to put it on Othello’s head, he pushes her away and she drops it. Emilia, Iago’s wife, steals it so that it can be planted on Cassio. For Othello, it is a symbol that shows broken love and Desdemona's infidelity. When she loses it and it is found with Cassio, in his mind it is like her giving herself to someone else. There is an element of foreshadowing as well. When he gave it to Desdemona, Othello told her it was his mother's, and that an Egyptian charmer put a spell on it that would keep his father faithful. From the beginning, the handkerchief is associated with jealousy.
Grade Level 9-12
Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)
Type of Assignment Individual or Partner
Type of Activity: Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Common Core Standards(This will start a 2-Week Free Trial - No Credit Card Needed)
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Use This Assignment With My Students", change the description of the assignment in your Dashboard.)
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Othello. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
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(Modify this basic rubric by clicking the link below. You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
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