A-Level Literature - Othello Lesson 11: The Turning Point in Act 4, Scene 1

This lesson examines the pivotal moment in Act 4, Scene 1, where Othello publicly humiliates and strikes Desdemona, marking a dramatic shift in his character and the play’s trajectory. Students will analyse Shakespeare’s use of language, imagery, and stage directions to convey Othello’s emotional breakdown and escalating jealousy. The lesson explores critical perspectives, including feminist, postcolonial, and psychoanalytic readings, to understand how gender, race, and societal pressures influence his actions. Through close reading and discussion, learners will consider the dramatic tension, moral implications, and tragic consequences of Othello’s transformation.