Assignment task:
Desdemona's character:
1. Why does Desdemona tell Emilia she took her own life? What does this say about Desdemona's character? What does her character show/represent?
2. Examine the similarities and differences in class, freedoms, and wisdom of the three women - Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca, in the play. Do their class differences affect their perspective? Their behavior? Why or why not?
Othello's character:
3. Should Othello be pitied? Consider: Does Othello's character learn anything? Does he get what he deserves? Is he a true tragic hero according to Aristotle? What is his flaw? Does his last speech change your opinion of him? Why or why not?
Iago's character:
4. Does Iago intend the fatal consequences from the beginning or is he making it up as he goes along? Does his plan succeed? Is he the "super villain" you imagined? Why does Iago choose the path of silence towards the end of 5.2? Does Iago "win" in a way? What should be Iago's punishment? Who or what allowed Iago to be so treacherous? Why or why not?
Play Overall:
5. Are any of the characters justified in their acts of revenge? Explain. When is revenge justified? Why is this a tragedy?
6. Is this a play about the fatal-flaw of jealousy or is it a more complex cultural critique? What are Shakespeare's motives? How does this play resonate in modern society?
7. How does the role of women in Othello influence the outcome of the play? Explain.
8. Othello is referred to as "the Moor" nearly sixty times in the play, but is called by his name only about twenty
times. What might the effects of this labeling be on a person?
9. Look at the textual references to Othello's race to better determine the impact of racial relations within the tragedy.
What is Shakespeare saying about race?
10. Re-read the conversation between Emilia and Desdemona at the end of Act 4, Scene 3. Who do you think Shakespeare agreed with? What might he have been trying to tell the audience?
11. Considering both the good and bad, especially the pathetic end most of the characters meet, in the play do you think Shakespeare was or wasn't ahead of his time in consideration of racial and gender ideals?
12. Finally, write and answer at least 3 of your own questions. Make sure they are level 2 or level 3 questions to generate more discussion!