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Reading Level Lexile 770Genre/Length Classic Fiction; 200 pagesLanguage Register Shakespeare, Historical, LiteraryContent Load Romance, TragedySelected Awards Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult

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Teacher’s Guide

Othello

Overview Background Although William Shakespeare wrote the original Othello, Julius Lester

took the themes and characters of Othello and made the story his own. Lester’s

Othello is not meant to be a parallel of the Shakespeare play. Lester states that his

novel is a re-conceptualization. His characters have been depicted for a modern

audience who will bring their own questions of race and identity to the story.

Lester’s re-conceptualization is set in England during the late 1400s or early 1500s.

At this time, either King Henry VII or King Henry VIII reigned. Lester chose this

setting because he found it easier to recreate this period of history.

Book Summary Julius Lester’s Othello is a tragic story about the power of jealousy.

Othello considers Iago to be his most trusted friend. However, Iago is jealous of

Othello and devises a plan to destroy him. Othello allows jealousy to overcome him

and ultimately he kills his wife Desdemona, and then kills himself.

About the AuthorJulius Lester was born in 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri. His upbringing in the 1940s

and 1950s taught him about issues of segregation and race in America, especially

in the South. After graduating from Fisk University, Lester joined the Student

Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) as a photographer. He has taken

photographs in places as varied as Mississippi, Alabama, Cuba, and North Vietnam.

While working at SNCC, he wrote his second book Look Out, Whitey! during the

winter of 1967.

In 1969, Lester published To Be a Slave, a Newberry Honor Book. This book

helped to establish him as a notable children’s author. He has continued to write

many books and, since the early 1970s, has been teaching at the University of

Massachusetts at Amherst.

THE EXCHANGE QUESTIONWho deserves your trust?

HSLL.T3.TG.Othello.indd 1HSLL.T3.TG.Othello.indd 1 9/21/06 6:00:40 PM9/21/06 6:00:40 PM

Othello


Getting StartedHave students read What If? on Student Journal, page 2

and discuss the scenario. Encourage students to describe the

similarities and differences between the scenario and their lives and

imagine how the situation would affect them.

• Have students write their responses to the three questions below

the scenario and compare answers with a partner or the group.

• Have students discuss how the situation might relate to The

Exchange question and then write a brief summary of their

discussion in the Student Journal.

Student Journal, page 1

Name:

Student Journal

Reading ScheduleGroup members: _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Othello Student Journal Due Date Discussion Date

Introduction Pages 2–4

Chapters 1–7 Pages 5–6



The Exchange

Assessment

Othelloby Julius Lester

Who deservesyour trust?


Othello

Getting Started

What If?You move to a new school and even though you miss your old friends, you have made new friends. You still talk to your old friends and hang out with them on the weekends.

You go to a party and some of your old friends are there along with your new friends. Later on, your old friend calls and tells you that your new friend was saying that you are boring and they only hang out with you because they feel bad for you. You can’t believe what you are hearing because you thought you could trust your new friends. They seemed so nice.

Make notes about how this would affect you.

• Would you believe your old friend?

• Would you confront your new friends?

• Would you continue to be friends with your new friends?

Connect to The Exchange Question Discuss how this situation could relate to The Exchange Question: Who deserves your trust?Summarize your discussion.

Reading the BookThere are several options for reading Othello. They include:

• Whole Class Assign sections of the book and discussion dates

using the planner on Student Journal, page 1. After students

read a section and respond to the corresponding Student

Journal pages, have a class discussion. At the end of the book,

the class meets for The Exchange.

• Small Groups Read the book Introduction with the group.

Group members then read an agreed-upon number of pages,

complete the corresponding Student Journal pages, and meet

to discuss. When they finish the book, they meet again for The

Exchange. Use the planner on Student Journal, page 1 to

establish meeting times.

• Independently Students read the book on their own and

then meet as a group for The Exchange. Use the planner on

Student Journal, page 1 to establish the meeting time.

• Guided Reading Have students read Student Journal,

page 2 and monitor their discussion of the What If? scenario.

Read aloud the book Introduction to give students background

on the book. As students read, use the Before You Move On

questions to guide comprehension. Use the Look Ahead to set

a focus for reading the next set of pages. At the end of each

section, assign the appropriate Student Journal pages. Discuss

the pages before starting the next section. Establish a date for

The Exchange and record it on the planner.


Othello


IntroductionHave students read the book Introduction. Check their

comprehension with the three follow-up questions on Student

Journal, page 3.


Othello

Introduction

Read the Introduction on pages 9–11 in Othello. The Introduction will help you understand key concepts in the book. Knowing them will help you discuss and write about the book.

The Introduction includes information about

• why the author chose to adapt the play

• the author’s writing style

• the similarities and differences between Shakespeare’s play and this novel version

After you read the Introduction, answer these questions to check your understanding.

1. Why did Julius Lester decide to write a new version of Othello?

2. How did Julius Lester write the book so that readers can better understand the story?

3. How is Lester’s novel similar to Shakespeare’s play? How is it different?

Lester thinks more people would enjoy Shakespearean plays if the language were easier and the stories were told in a more modern way.

Lester wrote the play as a novel using modern English. Sometimes he includes words from the original play too. These words appear in italics but do not interrupt the story.

They both have the same main characters and storyline. The main difference is Lester’s decision to make Iago African rather than Caucasian. Another difference is the setting. Lester’s story is set in England in the early 1500s while Shakespeare’s play is set in Italy and Cyprus.

Introduction: Key ConceptsHave students study the first Key Concept with the help of the

graphic organizer on Student Journal, page 4. After studying the

example, they should create similar graphic organizers to focus

their understanding of the remaining Key Concepts.


Othello

Introduction: Key Concepts

Concept Map

Study the Concept Map for manipulative. Write a sentence using the word manipulative.

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Key Concepts

betraydeceptionjealousymanipulativeracist

On a separate sheet of paper, create a similar Concept Map for each of the Key Concept words. Write what the word is like (Characteristics) and what the word is not like. Use a dictionary to include a definition of the word and examples. Then write a sentence for each Key Concept word.

Concept Map

manipulative

Characteristics of concept: Not characteristic of concept:

sneaky and dishonest

Definition of concept

lyingusing someone to get what you want

Examples of concept

controllingmeansly

honestkindtruthful

Key Concept


Othello


Pages 13–68 Answers for Before You Move On

Chapters 1 – 7 PAGE 19

1. Character’s Point of View Why does Desdemona doubt Othello’s feelings for her? She is worried that Othello will not be interested in her because she is young and not well-traveled.

2. Conflict Reread pages 17 and 18. What problem starts the story?Lord Bertrand wants Desdemona to marry, but she keeps refusing suitable men because she wants to marry someone that she loves, like Othello.

PAGE 42

1. Conclusions Othello has promoted Michael. Why does Emily react so negatively? She is worried about how Iago will react. She feels Iago is treated unfairly by Othello.

2. Character’s Motive Why does Othello talk to Michael about his feelings instead of going directly to Desdemona? Othello isn’t confident. He worries that Desdemona cannot love him because of his age and skin color. He knows that she trusts Michael and will listen to him.

PAGE 55

1. Comparisons Both Lord Bertrand and Iago hate Othello. Compare their reasons. Lord Bertrand thinks Othello acts morally superior. Iago is jealous of the love that his wife Emily has for Othello.

2. Character’s Point of View Why does Michael not tell Desdemona how he feels about her?

He is afraid that Desdemona will not share his feelings and he wants to be loyal to Othello.

PAGE 68

1. Summarize Othello and Desdemona finally marry but only after some confusion. What happens?

Father Thomas wrongly assumes that Michael is the groom. When he learns the truth, he tries to stop the wedding, but Othello proves that he has been baptized.

2. Conclusions Reread pages 67 and 68. Why does Othello worry after he marries Desdemona?

He worries that something will happen to Desdemona and then he will feel like an outsider again.


Othello

Respond to Chapters 1–71. Personal Response Desdemona feels like she has known Othello

much longer than a year. Is there anyone in your life that you feel like you have known forever when it has not really been that long? Why?

2. Evidence and Conclusions Reread page 57. What shows that Othello is not the type of person to betray his friends? Use the word betray in your response.

3. Comparisons How do Desdemona and her father view love differently? Why?

4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree with their answer?

Othello knew that Emily wanted to marry him, but he did not because he knew Iago loved her. He did not want to betray Iago.

Lord Bertrand doesn’t feel that love is necessary for marriage. He wants Desdemona to marry a wealthy man from a good family. Power and reputation are important to him. Desdemona believes that she must marry someone who means something to her. She believes in love.


Othello

Respond to Chapters 1–7, continued

5. Character In Chapters 1–7, we learn a lot about Iago. List details about Iago that you have learned through his thoughts and interactions in this section.

What do Iago’s characteristics tell you about him and what he is capable of doing?

Details Web

Iago’sFeelings and

Characteristics

Iago cannot be trusted. He is sneaky, manipulative, and jealous. He is capable of trying to ruin the life of someone he hates.

plansrevenge against

Othello and Michael

hates Othello

because of Emily

is jealous of Michael’s promotion

hasa gift of words

creates false

appearances

doesn’t trust

people

manipulates people’s feelings


Othello




1. Plot Iago’s discovery of the secret marriage triggers his plan to destroy Othello. What is Iago’s plan? Iago plans to tell Lord Bertrand about the marriage because he knows Lord Bertrand will take action against Othello.

2. Conclusions Describe how Iago treats Lord Bertrand and Othello. How is it different from how he really feels? He acts friendly and loyal to both, but inside, he dislikes them and is mean-spirited and vindictive.

PAGE 104

1. Flashback The King had a secret love for Lord Bertrand’s wife. How does this influence his decision about Othello and Desdemona’s marriage? The King is jealous of Othello’s and Desdemona’s courage to risk being together and empathizes with their situation so he rules in their favor.

2. Foreshadowing Why does Lord Bertrand tell Othello that Desdemona will deceive him? It is a clue that Desdemona will deceive Othello or that Othello will think she is deceiving him.

PAGE 127

1. Character’s Motive Othello takes away Michael’s position. Why does Iago convince Michael to make a toast? He knows Michael will easily become drunk and become vulnerable enough to do something inappropriate. He wants him to lose his position.

2. Summarize Reread pages 118 and 119. Why does Iago think destroying Othello will be easy?

Iago knows that Othello trusts him because of their shared background—he can convince Othello that Desdemona and Michael are involved, and Othello will believe him over Desdemona.


Othello

Respond to Chapters 8–131. Personal Response Iago poses as a friend to Othello, but he really

wants to destroy him. What are the traits of a true friend? Are true friends ever jealous of one another? Why or why not?

2. Inference Iago deceives Michael by telling him he should go to Desdemona and ask her to speak with Othello. What is the real reason he does this? Use the word deception in your response.

3. Comparisons Compare how Othello and Lord Bertrand attempt to get the King to rule in their favor.

4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree with their answer?

Lord Bertrand argues that it is a threat to the throne for Othello and Desdemona to be married. He says that Othello used witchcraft to get Desdemona to fall in love with him. Othello tells the King that love is the only witchcraft he used. He tells the King that he and Desdemona are in love.

Iago uses deception to get what he wants. He knows that if he can plan to have Michael and Desdemona speaking privately, he can get Othello to show up and see them talking. He knows that Othello will become jealous and think that Michael and Desdemona are secretly in love.


Othello


5. Plot In Chapters 8–13, you read about some of the effects of Iago’s actions. List what Iago does in the Causes column. List what happens because of Iago’s actions in the Effects column.

Why is Iago’s character so critical to the plot?

Cause and Effect Chart

Causes Effects

Iago is setting the events in motion by manipulating the characters to act and react to benefit him. There is a trial before the king because Iago suggests it, Michael drinks because Iago insists upon it, and Michael goes to Desdemona because Iago recommends it.

1. Lord Bertrand is angry with Othello and wants revenge.

2. Othello is thankful for lago’s loyalty and quick thinking.

3. Michael gets drunk and loses his rank as Lieutenant.

4. Michael goes to Desdemona but leaves before Othello can see him.

1. Iago tells Lord Bertrand about the secret marriage.

2. Iago convinces Othello to talk to the king and pretends to give him good advice.

3. Iago convinces Michael to drink.

4. Iago tells Michael to speak to Desdemona about regaining his reputation with Othello.


Othello




1. Sequence Iago points out Michael running from the garden and makes Othello suspicious. What other events lead to Othello’s growing doubt?Desdemona asks Othello to reconsider Michael’s position, Iago convinces Othello that Michael must have something to hide or that Michael and Desdemona have feelings for each other.

2. Assumption What does Othello assume about Desdemona? Why?Othello assumes that Desdemona is untrue to him. Othello assumes this because Iago has planted the seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind.

PAGE 167

1. Conclusions Reread page 161. Why does Iago ask Richard to kill Michael instead of doing it himself?Part of Iago’s plan is to get promoted, and if he is involved in the killing this will not happen.

2. Inference Why does Othello ask Desdemona for the handkerchief when he knows she does not have it?He is still hopeful that Iago is wrong, or that Desdemona will tell him the truth and that might explain everything.

PAGE 194

1. Inference Reread pages 170 and 171. When Othello finally confronts Desdemona, why does he not believe her?Because his jealous passions have filled him with rage, and he will not believe the truth.

2. Cause and Effect Emily figures out that Iago has been lying and that he tricked Othello. She blames him for Desdemona’s death. How does he react?Iago claims that it is not his fault. Othello did not have to believe him. He just told him what he thought.


Othello

Respond to Chapters 14–231. Personal Response Othello’s perception of Desdemona changed

because of Iago. If you were Othello, would you have changed your feelings about Desdemona based on what Iago told you? Why or why not?

2. Irony The problems in this story arise because Othello is jealous and thinks Desdemona is unfaithful to him. Why is this ironic? Use the word jealousy in your response.

3. Generalization Why are stories like this important to read?

What If?4. Connect Look at your notes on Student Journal, page 2. Think about what you

might do in a situation in which you didn’t know who to trust. Compare this to Othello.Who deserved Othello’s trust?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

It is ironic because Desdemona is one of the most faithful characters in the story. Othello allows jealousy to overcome him. Desdemona would never betray her love for Othello.

They show us the detrimental effects of jealousy, hatred, lack of communication, and unfounded assumptions. They also warn us against people like Iago.


Othello


5. Analyze Character In Chapters 14–23, the story becomes tragic. List what Othello does and what this shows about him. Use the Chart to answer the question.

What is Othello’s tragic flaw? How does this flaw make him guilty of Desdemona’s murder?

Character Description Chart

Character What the Character Does

What This Shows About the Character

Othello

Students may say Othello’s tragic flaw is jealousy. It causes him to doubt Desdemona and kill her. Students may also say Othello’s tragic flaw is trusting Iago. It keeps him from questioning Iago. He believes he has been betrayed by Desdemona and kills her.

doubts Desdemona because of Iago

believes Desdemona gave the handkerchief to Michaelkills Desdemona and then kills himself

he is not able to think for himself or make his own decisionshe is not confident because he believes Desdemona is unfaithfulhe allows jealousy to ruin his life


Othello


Othello inside back cover

Review the work you did in your Student Journal. Take your book and your Journal with you to The Exchange book discussion.

EXCHANGE IDEAS

• Tell the group why you would recommend or not recommend this book.

• Compare this book to something it reminded you of, such as another book, a movie, a TV show, or a personal experience.

• What did you learn from this book?

THE QUESTION

Who deserves your trust?

• Why did Othello trust Iago and not Desdemona? Did Iago deserve Othello’s trust?

• Iago tells lies about everyone in the story and causes horrible things to happen. Why do you think gossip is so powerful?

• Have you ever trusted someone and then found out they were lying? What happened? Explain.

REFLECT

Summarize your Exchange. How did this book change the way you see something? What questions do you still have? How will you answer them?

Exchange DiscussionTHE QUESTION

Who deserves your trust?

• Why did Othello trust lago and not Desdemona? Did lago deserve Othello’s trust? lago plays on Othello’s lack of confidence when it comes to Desdemona. Othello is a strong character, but he momentarily becomes weak because of his love for Desdemona and his loss of faith in those closest to him. lago deserved Othello’s trust because he was an old friend, but because he turns out to be manipulative and evil, in the end lago does not deserve Othello’s trust.

• lago tells lies about everyone in the story and causes horrible things to happen. Why do you think gossip is so powerful?

• Have you ever trusted someone and then found out they were lying? What happened? Explain.

Evaluate the DiscussionUse the reproducible master from page 8 of this Teacher’s Guide

to evaluate The Exchange discussion. The form may also be used

by students for group assessment.

Discussion Rubric

Excellent Good Fair

Everyone participated. Most people participated. Only a few people participated.

Everyone spoke clearly. Most people spoke clearly. Some people did not speak clearly.

Everyone listened carefully. Most people listened carefully.

Some people did not listen carefully.

We stayed on the topic throughout the discussion.

We stayed on the topic most of the time.

We did not stay on the topic all the time.

We responded to each other’s thoughts and ideas often.

We commented on each other’s thoughts and ideas sometimes.

We did not make many comments on each other’s thoughts and ideas.

Most people used examples from the book to support their points.

Many people used examples from the book to support their points.

Only a few people used examples from the book to support their points.

Most people gave detailed answers using their experiences and even other texts.

Many people gave detailed answers using their experiences.

Only a few people gave detailed answers.

Notes:

Evaluate the Discussion

Discussion Rubric


Excellent Good Fair

Everyone participated. Most people participated. Only a few people participated.

Everyone spoke clearly. Most people spoke clearly. Some people did not speak clearly.

Everyone listened carefully. Most people listened carefully.

Some people did not listen carefully.

We stayed on the topic throughout the discussion.

We stayed on the topic most of the time.

We did not stay on the topic all the time.

We responded to each other’s thoughts and ideas often.

We commented on each other’s thoughts and ideas sometimes.

We did not make many comments on each other’s thoughts and ideas.

Most people used examples from the book to support their points.

Many people used examples from the book to support their points.

Only a few people used examples from the book to support their points.

Most people gave detailed answers using their experiences and even other texts.

Many people gave detailed answers using their experiences.

Only a few people gave detailed answers.

Notes:

Evaluate the Discussion

© Hampton-Brown

Book Title Date


Othello


Othello

Guidelines for Short EssayHave students write a short essay in response to one of the writing prompts below. Use the Scoring Guide to assist in your evaluation of their essays.

A. Othello murders Desdemona, but other characters play a part in her death. Imagine that Othello’s murder case is in a court of law today and you are a lawyer. Write an argument to convince the jury that Othello is not the only guilty person in this murder.

Arguments should include details about characters who are partly responsible for

Desdemona’s death. lago, Richard, Emily, and Lord Bertrand do not act honorably. While

Othello does commit the physical act of killing Desdemona, he would not have done it if

he wasn’t being manipulated by lago. This argument should also be supported with details

about Othello’s love for Desdemona.

B. There are many kinds of love explored in Othello—true love, forbidden love, self-love, and friendship. Choose one or two characters and tell what kind of love is most important in their lives and how this love affects what happens to them. How does their view of love compare to yours?

Love makes all the characters act passionately about what they want. Desdemona and

Othello value true love so much that they marry despite racial differences and without the

approval of Desdemona’s father. Othello’s love for lago blinds him to the truth. Self-love is

most important to lago and causes him to destroy Othello and Desdemona.

Scoring Guide

Description of the response:

4 • Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful• Explanation is fully developed• Support includes specific and relevant text evidence• All parts of the question are clearly addressed

3 • Interpretation is adequate• Explanation is developed but may lack some insight• Support includes most specific and relevant text evidence• All parts of the question are addressed to some degree

2 • Interpretation is literal or limited• Explanation is incomplete• Support includes some specific and relevant text evidence• Only parts of the question are addressed and mostly in a limited way

1 • Interpretation is weak• Explanation is vague• Support includes few, if any, relevant details from the text • Only one part of the question is minimally addressed

0 Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant

Assessment Part I, continued

Circle the best answer.

5. Emily does not tell Desdemona that lago has the handkerchief because she—

A has a secret hatred towards Desdemona

B must have forgotten that her husband took it

C did not hear Desdemona asking about it

D was being loyal to her husband

6. From this story, what can the reader conclude about Iago?

A He wants to be a trusted and loyal servant.

B He regrets his previous behavior.

C He wishes to die soon so he can be with his wife.

D He is willing to destroy anyone to achieve his goals.

7. When Othello confronts Desdemona and he does not believe she has been faithful, the author creates a mood of—

A fear

B horror

C peace

D hopelessness

8. Which sentence from the story suggests that Othello thinks it is an act of respect to murder Desdemona?

A “That handkerchief which I so loved and gave to you, you gave to Cassio.”

B “Call me an honorable murderer, for I did nothing in hate and all in honor.”

C “Do not lie to me, woman.”

D “Have you said your prayers tonight, Desdemona?”

9. When Michael says that he no longer enjoys his role as messenger between Othello and Desdemona it—

A shows how Michael really feels about Desdemona

B proves that Michael will betray Othello

C proves Michael’s loyalty to Iago

D makes it obvious what will happen to Lord Bertrand

Othello

10. The King’s decision about Desdemona and Othello shows—

A that the King favors Lord Bertrand

B that the King is unfair

C why the King is racist

D that the King recognizes the value of true love

Name:

Assessment Part I


1. Iago wants the power and respect that Othello has. lago wants Emily to look at him like she looked at Othello. These are examples of lago’s—

A distrust

B revenge

C jealousy

D sadness

2. Why does Iago go to Othello and tell him that Lord Bertrand found out about his marriage to Desdemona?

A Iago wants Othello to think he is a loyal friend.

B Iago wants Desdemona to fall in love with him.

C Iago wants to make Lord Bertrand upset.

D Iago thinks that Othello will run away in fear and be gone forever.

3. Iago is very manipulative so he is able to carry out his plan against Othello. In this sentence, what does manipulative mean?

A violent

B foolish

C sneaky

D racist

4. Which of these best summarizes the story?

A A strong-willed woman, Desdemona, wants to marry the man that she loves. Desdemona knows that her father, Lord Bertrand, will not approve. She marries Othello secretly in the middle of the night. Lord Bertrand is furious and seeks the King’s favor.

B Desdemona and Othello marry even though Desdemona’s father doesn’t approve. Iago uses this event as the beginning of his plot to destroy Othello. Iago begins to plant mistrust in Othello’s mind. Desdemona cannot convince Othello of her innocence. Othello’s jealousy drives him to murder Desdemona.

C Othello promotes Michael Cassio and marries Desdemona. These actions increase Iago’s hatred of Othello. Iago influences Othello and convinces him Desdemona has been unfaithfull. Emily suspects Desdemona is in danger, but does nothing to help. Emily regrets not saying anything about the handkerchief.

D Othello asks Michael Cassio to be a messenger for him. Iago sets out to have Michael Cassio removed from his position. Iago successfully entices Michael Cassio to drink alcohol. Michael starts a fight and Othello removes him from his position.

Othello Name:

AssessmentAssess students’ understanding of Othello by administering the

multiple-choice test and essay questions. (Teacher’s Guide,

pages 10–12)

How you administer the Assessment depends on your objective.

You may choose to use the test as:

• an open-book test to allow students to continue practicing

reading strategies and/or become familiar with a typical

standardized test format

• a closed-book test to check students’ comprehension of the

book and their abilities in various reading skills

• a take-home test to allow students to practice reading strategies

as well as test-taking skills

Suggested point values are as follows:

Assessment Part I: 5 points per question for a total of 50 points

Assessment Part II: 40 points possible (see Scoring Guide,

page 13)

Assessment Part II

Assessment Part I



Assessment Part I


1. Iago wants the power and respect that Othello has. lago wants Emily to look at him like she looked at Othello. These are examples of lago’s—

A distrust

B revenge

C jealousy

D sadness

2. Why does Iago go to Othello and tell him that Lord Bertrand found out about his marriage to Desdemona?

A Iago wants Othello to think he is a loyal friend.

B Iago wants Desdemona to fall in love with him.

C Iago wants to make Lord Bertrand upset.

D Iago thinks that Othello will run away in fear and be gone forever.

3. Iago is very manipulative so he is able to carry out his plan against Othello. In this sentence, what does manipulative mean?

A violent

B foolish

C sneaky

D racist

4. Which of these best summarizes the story?

A A strong-willed woman, Desdemona, wants to marry the man that she loves. Desdemona knows that her father, Lord Bertrand, will not approve. She marries Othello secretly in the middle of the night. Lord Bertrand is furious and seeks the King’s favor.

B Desdemona and Othello marry even though Desdemona’s father doesn’t approve. Iago uses this event as the beginning of his plot to destroy Othello. Iago begins to plant mistrust in Othello’s mind. Desdemona cannot convince Othello of her innocence. Othello’s jealousy drives him to murder Desdemona.

C Othello promotes Michael Cassio and marries Desdemona. These actions increase Iago’s hatred of Othello. Iago influences Othello and convinces him Desdemona has been unfaithfull. Emily suspects Desdemona is in danger, but does nothing to help. Emily regrets not saying anything about the handkerchief.

D Othello asks Michael Cassio to be a messenger for him. Iago sets out to have Michael Cassio removed from his position. Iago successfully entices Michael Cassio to drink alcohol. Michael starts a fight and Othello removes him from his position.

© Hampton-Brown

Othello Name:




5. Emily does not tell Desdemona that lago has the handkerchief because she—

A has a secret hatred towards Desdemona

B must have forgotten that her husband took it

C did not hear Desdemona asking about it

D was being loyal to her husband

6. From this story, what can the reader conclude about Iago?

A He wants to be a trusted and loyal servant.

B He regrets his previous behavior.

C He wishes to die soon so he can be with his wife.

D He is willing to destroy anyone to achieve his goals.

7. When Othello confronts Desdemona and he does not believe she has been faithful, the author creates a mood of—

A fear

B horror

C peace

D hopelessness

8. Which sentence from the story suggests that Othello thinks it is an act of respect to murder Desdemona?

A “That handkerchief which I so loved and gave to you, you gave to Cassio.”

B “Call me an honorable murderer, for I did nothing in hate and all in honor.”

C “Do not lie to me, woman.”

D “Have you said your prayers tonight, Desdemona?”

9. When Michael says that he no longer enjoys his role as messenger between Othello and Desdemona it—

A shows how Michael really feels about Desdemona

B proves that Michael will betray Othello

C proves Michael’s loyalty to Iago

D makes it obvious what will happen to Lord Bertrand

© Hampton-Brown

Othello

10. The King’s decision about Desdemona and Othello shows—

A that the King favors Lord Bertrand

B that the King is unfair

C why the King is racist

D that the King recognizes the value of true love

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Assessment Part II

Choose one question to answer. Write 3–4 paragraphs. Use 3 examples from the text to support your answer. Continue your essay on a separate sheet of paper if necessary.



Othello

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© Hampton-Brown

Name:


Othello


Guidelines for Short EssayHave students write a short essay in response to one of the writing prompts below. Use the Scoring Guide to assist in your evaluation of their essays.


Arguments should include details about characters who are partly responsible for

Desdemona’s death. lago, Richard, Emily, and Lord Bertrand do not act honorably. While

Othello does commit the physical act of killing Desdemona, he would not have done it if

he wasn’t being manipulated by lago. This argument should also be supported with details

about Othello’s love for Desdemona.


Love makes all the characters act passionately about what they want. Desdemona and

Othello value true love so much that they marry despite racial differences and without the

approval of Desdemona’s father. Othello’s love for lago blinds him to the truth. Self-love is

most important to lago and causes him to destroy Othello and Desdemona.

Scoring Guide

Description of the response:

4 • Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful• Explanation is fully developed• Support includes specific and relevant text evidence• All parts of the question are clearly addressed

3 • Interpretation is adequate• Explanation is developed but may lack some insight• Support includes most specific and relevant text evidence• All parts of the question are addressed to some degree

2 • Interpretation is literal or limited• Explanation is incomplete• Support includes some specific and relevant text evidence• Only parts of the question are addressed and mostly in a limited way

1 • Interpretation is weak• Explanation is vague• Support includes few, if any, relevant details from the text • Only one part of the question is minimally addressed

0 Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant


Teacher’s Guide Othello - · PDF fileTeacher’s Guide Othello Overview Background...

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Transcript of Teacher’s Guide Othello - · PDF fileTeacher’s Guide Othello Overview Background...