Comprehensive Literature Packet: Shakespeare’s “Othello”

The literature packet offers an in-depth exploration and full study of Shakespeare’s “Othello.”

The literature packet features:

• a study guide
• discussion questions,
• vocabulary worksheets
• an interactive and graded quiz
• writing prompts with grading guidelines
• cross curricular projects (math, science, history, and art), and
• additional resources.

Students will learn to:

1. Analyze and interpret complex texts:
– Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

2. Determine themes and central ideas:
– Identify and analyze the themes and central ideas of each tragedy and their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another.

3. Understand the structure of drama:
– Analyze how Shakespeare’s use of structure contributes to the meaning and impact of the plays, including how the acts and scenes fit together to provide the overall structure of the plays.

4. Analyze character development:
– Examine how characters, particularly protagonists and antagonists, develop over the course of the plays, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or themes.

5. Interpret figurative language:
– Identify and analyze Shakespeare’s use of figurative language, including metaphors, similes, and personification, and explain their meaning and contribution to the themes and tone of the plays.

6. Conduct research projects:
– Conduct short research projects to answer questions or solve problems, using several sources, and present findings on topics such as the historical context of the plays and their modern adaptations.

7. Write arguments and explanatory texts:
– Write clear and coherent arguments or explanatory texts that introduce claims or topics, support them with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, and demonstrate understanding of the literary works.

8. Present information and findings:
– Present claims and findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound reasoning, and well-chosen details about Shakespeare’s tragedies.

9. Use technology and digital media:
– Use digital tools and resources to produce and publish writing, and to interact and collaborate with others, including linking to and citing sources.

These learning objectives ensure that students not only engage deeply with the texts but also develop critical skills aligned with Common Core Standards, preparing them for higher-level analysis and academic writing.