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An extract from Shakespeare’s Animated Tales, covering key moments from ‘Othello’, including the opening scenes between Iago and Brabantio.

This clip can be used to explore the use of animal imagery and figurative language in general, in this play and a lead into other examples from Shakespeare’s works. Students working in pairs could note down any examples of animal imagery used in the clip and which character uses them. Then students can choose three of these, to do some detailed annotation and interpretation. To finish off, each pair can present one of their quotes each and explain to the class why the image is so effective, linking it to their wider knowledge of the play and other works. Can be used to explore the character of Iago through his language of hatred. Whilst students view the clip they need to jot down as many of the angry and hateful words Iago uses or urges others to use. Students can also trawl sections of the playscript to add to this. What kind of a man is Iago? Is his being passed over for the position of lieutenant enough to warrant his extreme hatred? Or is there more to Iago’s feelings than this?