Bonus Features: Discussion Points
Post Act 1
- Exploring Othello: Post-Scene Questions (Act 1, scene 3) Video
- What are your first impressions of Brabantio, Othello, Desdemona and Iago? After seeing how some of the characters in this scene behave, come up with a word or phrase that best describes them. Who is the most powerful character in this scene and why?
- How do the uses of language and power differ between Brabantio and Othello? What does this tell us about them?
- What does Iago’s soliloquy at the end of the scene reveal about the character and his motives?
Post Act 2
- Exploring Othello: Post-Scene Questions (Act 2, scene 1) Video
- Discuss the relationships between Iago and Emilia and between Othello and Desdemona. In what ways do they differ? Why do you think that is? What does it tell us about the characters?
- How do Emilia and Desdemona’s reactions to Iago’s comments about women shape your understanding of this scene and the world of the play?
- Who is the most powerful character in this scene and why?
- Discuss the significance of Iago speaking primarily in prose (common everyday language that we speak) while other characters, including Othello, speak in verse (poetry). What might this signify about the characters?
Post Act 3
- Exploring Othello: Post-Scene Questions (Act 3, scene 3) Video
- Why is Othello so quick to believe Iago about Desdemona’s infidelity by the end of this scene?
- Why is the theft of the handkerchief by Emilia a significant turning point? Can mere objects have such power?
- How do you explain Iago’s sudden position of dominance in this scene?
- How do systems of oppression work together? For example, is there a relationship between misogyny and racism?
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