Your Name
Br. Byrd, OP
Eng.IV.CP.
8/28/14
Othello Summer Reading Questions
1. Begin with examining what kind of man Iago seems to be.
a. How does he appear to others?
b. Is he intelligent or stupid, charming or not?
c. Does he have the capacity to be a great man, a noble leader like Othello or is
there something wrong with his character? If so what is wrong?
d. Finally, what is tragic about Iago?
2. List your personal feelings about Iago. Do you sympathize ultimately or do you
always dislike him?
3. Follow the course of Othello in the play. Focus on the changes in Othello.
a. At the beginning of the play what kind of man does he seem to be?
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b. How does he appear to others? Is he intelligent or stupid, rash or controlled,
a great man or not?
c. Trace the stages of his deterioration once Iago sets his game. Why does he act
as he does? What is it about him that causes his tragedy? Could he act
differently or not?
d. Finally, what is tragic about Othello? The conclusion might be about your
personal feelings toward him. List these conclusions.
4. Follow the courses of one more character: Desdemona, Emilia, Cassio or Roderigo.
a. What purpose does your character provide to the Othello and Iago?
b. Do you sympathize with them? Be ready to explain your decisions.
5. Finally, determine three themes in the play. With each theme you find, have a
corresponding quote that you think supports it. Be sure to Identify the speaker and
the line notation. Example: Othello (II,5,255-60).
a. Theme One:
b. Theme Two:
c. Theme Three:
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