Othello: the opening scene (Knowing and Satisfaction)
An analysis of the opening scene of Othello, looking at how Shakespeare presents us with ideas of how we can or can not ‘know’ truths, and how we can or can not be ‘satisfied.’
Read MoreGraham Bradshaw on 'Othello'
Graham Bradshaw’s short commentary on Othello is provocative and thought-provoking.
Read More'Othello' Quizlet 2
The second in a revision series using quotations from Othello, by Act.
Read More'Othello: Language and Writing' by Laurie Maguire
Othello: Language and Writing by Laurie Maguire, Professor of English at Oxford University, is in the Student Skills series from Arden Shakespeare, but is also an excellent refresher for teachers.
Read More'Othello' Quizlet 1
The first in a revision series using quotations from Othello, by Act.
Read MoreThe Usborne Complete Shakespeare
This collection of re-tellings of 37 plays is highly recommended for children, and will also be useful for adults.
Read More'To be or not to be' in BSL
Jamal Ajala performs ‘To be or not to be’ in BSL: an opportunity for an interesting exercise in class.
Read MoreMacbeth 6: ten key quotations
The final post in a series of 6 for pupils revising Macbeth. Here are 10 key quotations: think about their significance and write notes before reading the analyses.
Read MoreMacbeth 5: the end
Essay 5 in a series on Macbeth looks at the end, particularly the key speech ‘Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.’
Read MoreMacbeth 4: the supernatural
The fourth in a series of essays on Macbeth looks at the impact of the supernatural.
Read MoreMacbeth 3: Malcolm the hero?
The third in a series of essays on Macbeth looks at a possible ‘hero’ of the play, Duncan’s son Malcolm.
Read MoreMacbeth 2: the real Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is not a one-dimensional ‘fiend’ but rather a complex, living human being. This essay examines her nine appearances in the play.
Read MoreMacbeth 1: 'If it were done'
The first in a series of posts on Macbeth starts with the most important moment in the play, the soliloquy ‘If it were done…’
Read MoreThinking about 'King Lear'
Here are some exercises on quotations in King Lear. They are designed for pair-work 10-minute sessions in class, but work perfectly well for individuals.
Read MoreBooks of the Year, 2020
An annual personal choice of books of the year.
Read MoreINOTE, November 28th 2020
Here are the slides from my two presentations at the (virtual) conference of the Irish National Teachers of English on November 28th.
Read MoreHow to Think Like Shakespeare
The tagline for this site is Thinking, Writing, Reading, Teaching, and you may have spotted that Shakespeare features regularly. So it’s exciting to come across a book which combines all five elements.
Read MoreEmma Smith on 'Othello'
Emma Smith’s This is Shakespeare is one of the best books of recent times to examine the plays (20 of them). This post looks at her chapter on Othello.
Read More'King Lear' Quizlet 5
Act 5: Quizlet flashcards for recalling and thinking about quotations.
Read MorePatrick Page on Iago
Patrick Page goes deep into Iago’s character in this fascinating talk for Red Bull Theatre’s Chicago 2020 project.
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