1. Compare how Othello, Iago and Desdemona view the ideas of duty and devotion.
2. What does the city of Venice show in the play? What does the land of the Turks show?
3. Why does Desdemona love Othello?
4. According to Andrew Moore, "Othello's commanding posture, his peace as he meets the swords of Brabantio's posse with a joke conveys a sense of physical prowess so clear that it is rarely called into action; when Othello threatens the brawlers , we have a sense of huge power subdued by complete self-control. Man is illustrious from the beasts by his upright posture, and Othello's physical stature is a metaphor for his full humanity; therefore, when poisoned by Iago's lies, he writhes on the stage and lies comatose, Othello is seen to be robbed of humanity. This idea is precisely reflected in his speech, as he frequently refers to animals, a monster, and a beast." Based on this explanation, what can you infer from the last act, in which Othello has recovered his posture and his eloquence? Describe.
5. Cite and show the lines in Act I which show that European men considered African men ugly, yet more sexually potent than European men. How do they reconcile this seeming dichotomy?
6. There are many tragic elements in Othello. What, in your mind, makes this play such a powerful tragedy? Of all the bad things that happen, which aspect sticks out to you as the most exasperating/ unfair /heartbreaking/etc.?