Prompt Questions:
Discuss the role of race in Othello. How race affect the actions of the characters (not only Othello, but others as well). In preparation for this question, you may want to look up the term “moor”.
What motivates Iago to take the actions he does? Avoid a simplistic answer here. Are there multiple motivations?
Discuss the role of the handkerchief as a symbol. What might the handkerchief represent to Desdemona? To Othello? To Iago?
Discuss the evolution of Othello’s character. What is his downfall? Does he redeem himself at all in the end?