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.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Othello. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Begin by explaining the concept of themes to students. Teachers can explain that almost all pieces of literature are based on a few main themes and if students can efficiently identify these themes, they will be able to understand the entire concept of that writing.
With the help of teachers, students can identify several different themes in Othello. Encourage the students to read the play carefully a few times and try to identify the main concept of the entire story. Teachers can also describe themes as the “heart of the story”.
To further understand the significance of these themes, students can try to change the storyline bit and predict the outcomes of the story. This will help analyze the connection between different themes and the importance of each theme.
After identifying themes, encourage the students to view the play from the perspective of the author. This part will require some in-depth research on the background of the author. Students can do some research on the life of Shakespeare and look at some cultural and historical context from the time of Shakespeare.
The primary subject of "Othello" is envy and its negative consequences, racism and prejudice, and suspicion. The drama explores how people may get consumed by prejudice and envy, which makes them distrust their loved ones, behave impulsively, and finally result in disaster.
Othello, the main character, is a Moor (a North African) amid a predominately white Venetian society, hence race is a prominent issue in the play. Othello's racial identity has an impact on both his interactions with other people and his sense of self, and the play tackles topics of racism, discrimination, and cultural disparities. Because of his race and identity, Othello becomes the target of prejudice and injustice.
The topic of love—romantic and platonic—is approached in many different ways throughout the play. Though real, Othello and Desdemona's love is ultimately marred by jealousy. Iago manipulates the characters' feelings and behaviors by using love. In the end, the feelings of betrayal and distrust overtake love and result in the tragic deaths of Othello and Desdemona.