Passing the Flame
Adapted version
Terminale · English
This page uses a clearer font, more spacing and shorter blocks. The full texts are on the other pages. Take your time.
Dédicace (en français)
À la mémoire du Professeur Pierre Spriet, et à tous mes maîtres de Bordeaux III. Aux artistes de la RSC (Stratford, 1984-85). Aux élèves de Terminale qui partent en Hypokhâgne ou en Licence d’Anglais : puisse cette flamme devenir la vôtre.
What this sequence is about
Theme. Passing on a love of words. The trap of theatre in Othello.
Guiding question. How does Shakespeare turn the stage into a trap of perception?
Level. Terminale, towards hypokhâgne or Licence LLCER.
Five anchors
1. Transmission
Professor Pierre Spriet. Bordeaux III. The educated imagination (Northrop Frye, 1964).
Professor Pierre Spriet. Bordeaux III. The educated imagination (Northrop Frye, 1964).
2. The trap
Iago stages a play inside the play. Othello believes what he sees.
Iago stages a play inside the play. Othello believes what he sees.
3. Ocular proof
Seeing is not knowing. Act III, scene 3. Act IV, scene 1.
Seeing is not knowing. Act III, scene 3. Act IV, scene 1.
4. Humility
Stratford. The Dirty Duck. The ensemble, not the star.
Stratford. The Dirty Duck. The ensemble, not the star.
5. The flame
The love of the text is yours to carry.
The love of the text is yours to carry.
Warm-up (short)
- Who gave you a love of words?
- What does « read between the lines » mean?
- Have you ever misread something you saw?
Show answers
Details. Name one person. Give one example of subtext. Give one personal misreading.
Summary. Transmission, subtext, the danger of sight.
Key quotation (easy layout)
I am not what I am.
Iago, Othello I.1 · Folger
Give me the ocular proof…
Othello, Othello III.3 · Folger