Some Thoughtful Questions for Last Minute Revision
Othello
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Why is Roderigo important?
Why is Iago trusted?
How does Iago corrupt Othello’s judgment so quickly?
What are the flaws in Othello and Desdemona’s marriage?
What is Cassio’s significance?
What are Iago’s motivations?
How is masculinity presented?
Why are the women significant?
The Great Gatsby
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What is the significance of the green light?
What is Gatsby’s dream?
What is the narrative method and what is significant about this?
What are the important aspects of the geographical and historical setting?
What is the significance of Owl Eyes?
Why does no one come to Gatsby’s funeral?
Why is Wilson significant?
How are the themes of the film relevant for contemporary NZ?
The Handmaid’s Tale
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Discuss the significance of setting in The Handmaid’s Tale. Why does Atwood choose to set the novel
where she does?
How does Gilead create and use a new vocabulary to maintain its totalitarian order?
Discuss the role of the Aunts and of Serena Joy in the novel. How do they relate to other women, and
how does this make them fit into the hierarchy of Gilead?
Is the Commander a sympathetic character, a monster, or both?
Is Atwood’s novel ultimately a feminist work of literature, or does it offer a critique of feminism?
What role does Moira play in the novel? How does her significance change as the story progresses?
Is Offred to blame for her situation?
Fahrenheit 451
1. Why would society make "being a pedestrian" a crime? (Clarisse tells Montag that her uncle was once
arrested for this.)
2. One suicide and one near-suicide occur in this book. One woman, who shuns books but loves TV and
driving fast in her car, anesthetizes herself,; "We get these cases nine or ten a night," says the medical
technician. Another woman, who cherishes her books, sets herself on fire with them; "These fanatics
always try suicide," says the fire captain. Why would two people who seem to be so different from
each other try to take their own lives? Why does suicide happen so frequently in Montag's society?
3. Why does Beatty program the Hound to track Montag even before Montag stole the book? Do you
believe Beatty had seen him steal books before? Or is it that Beatty had detected a change in Montag's
attitude or behavior? Cite incidents in the book that support your answer.
4. Montag turns to books to rescue him; instead they help demolish his life- -he loses his wife, job and
home; he kills a man and is forced to be a nomad. Does he gain any benefits from books? If so, what are
they?
5. Do you believe, as Montag did, that Beatty wanted to die? If so, why do you think so?
Since the government is so opposed to readers, thinkers, walkers, and slow drivers, why does it allow
the procession of men along the railroad tracks to exist?
6. Once Montag becomes a violent revolutionary, why does the government purposely capture an
innocent man in his place instead of tracking down the real Montag? Might the government believe
that Montag is no longer a threat?
V for Vendetta
When and where is the film set? Impression of society at the given time?
What evidence is there that the people are unhappy with the Govt?
What is the significance of November the 5th, list four things that are shown happening on this day?
How does "V" deliberately include Evey in his plans?
Although Gordan and "V" never meet, the film suggests connections between them, what similarities
did you notice?
6. Chief inspector Finch says that he has been a party member for 27 years and he is one of the inner
cabinet. How does the film suggest he has his doubts about the regime, even before he finds out about
Larkhill and the St Mary's virus?
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American Beauty
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What is the significance of the Fitts family and home?
What is the significance of Rikki’s videoing habit?
What is the significance of the title?
What is the link between beauty and truth?
How are the main characters presented to the viewer?
What is Angela’s function?
What are Lester’s problems and how does he solve them?
How are the themes of the film relevant for contemporary NZ?