Anh Tran Discussion questions
1. What did Othello’s final speech say about his role in the play?
Before Othello stabs himself he gives a final speech. Othello restates his loyalty for the
Venice society. With the references of the stories of adventure and war that wooed
Desdemona. He reminds us the quality that made him who he is and the duties of
protecting Venice. Othello was puzzled, confused and distracted of the thoughts of Iago that
made him do horrible things and acknowledges in the most powerful and awful way that
he is and will remain an outsider. The images of pain tormented the feelings of jealousy and
suspicion took over him and became a beast. It certainly makes the play more to believe
that Othello is a loyal person with his noble speeches; but, since he still denies the deep
wrong he has committed, and his own part in this dirty act but the brutality and cruelty of
Othello's behavior cannot be fully redeemed or forgiven.
2. Do you think Iago became narcissism? Explain
The definition of Narcissism is an excessive or erotic interest in oneself. The myth is
about a Greek youth named Narcissus who fell in love with his reflection.
Yes Iago is a narcissist because throughout the play he wanted everything for himself. A
character trait like Narcissism can destroy a person because the individual becomes
selfish and doesn’t care about others.
Examples
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When Iago didn’t get the lieutenant position and wanted revenge on Cassio by
getting him fired and almost killed
Using Roderigo to help him succeed his plan
Making Othello jealously overcoming him and resulted in killing Desdemona
murder of Emilia because she exposed the truth about him
Overall manipulation over the characters just to get his revenge
3. In your opinion what is the most significant part of Act 5?
In my opinion the most significant part was when Emilia exposed the truth of Iago’s evil plans
through her accusations. By saying “O thou dull moor, that handkerchief thou speak’st of I
found by fortune, and did give my husband; For often with a solemn earnestness, More than
indeed belong’d to such a trifle, He begg’d of me to steal it”(Act.5.2.225-229). This revealed
that Iago manipulated everyone to believing what he said. Also the confession of Cassio that
didn’t have an affair with Desdemona which made Othello realizes that Cassio was framed by
Iago by having the handkerchief. Then Iago kills Emilia just to shut her up which showed his true
evil side. This was a key component of the characters realizing the true story of what happened
and who caused all of this to end in a horrific way.