1. Othello Journals

2. Journal 4 How does Brabantio respond to his daughter’s marriage to Othello? Identify the lines. Do you agree that wives should choose their fathers over husbands? Do you feel sorry for Brabantio? Why or why not?

3. Journal 5 Describe Desdemona’s love for Othello on page 37 (1.3, 243-255). What kind of wife is she? What does she value? What characteristics are important to you in a boyfriend/girlfriend?

4. Journal 6 Read Iago’s first soliloquy on page 45. What is his tone? What lines reveal this tone? Where would you have him placed? (setting) Describe the significance of this setting and how it relates to the tone of the soliloquy. If you were to direct Iago’s actions, what would you have him do as he reads specific lines? (Be sure to refer to specific lines).

5. Journal 7 Paraphrase in your own words Iago’s definition of a truly good woman (2.1, 148- 158). What is ironic about what he says after Desdemona asks “to do what?” To what degree do you agree or disagree with his definition? How would you characterize Iago based on this definition?

6. Journal 8 What is your first impression of Cassio? Choose two words that describe him and find two evidences from his speech that reveal these qualities about him.

7. Journal 9 Reread the soliloquy at the end of 2.1 p. 65. What kind of words does Iago use to prove he has evil ambitions? (Consider the words he uses to describe specific characters). Identify at least three examples.

8. Journal 10 Reread 2.3, 245-253 Summarize what Iago says about Reputation in your own words. Do you agree with his opinion? Why or why not?

9. Journal 11 Pick one quote from Act 1 depicting your theme and one quote from Act 2 depicting your theme. What are they revealing about the conflict, mood, and or characters in the play? What are they foreshadowing?

10. Journal 12 How does Othello react to Desdemona’s plea to take Cassio back? What does this reveal about him? Would you take Cassio back as lieutenant if you were Othello? Explain you answer. Do you think it’s right for Desdemona to plead on Cassio’s behalf? Explain you answer.

11. Journal 13 Reread Othello’s soliloquy? 3.3, 260-279 What is his tone? How do you know? Identify two metaphors and explain what is being compared to what. What is the meaning behind each?

12. Journal 14 How does Iago “poison” Othello’s mind? Break down the step by step manipulation- (103-124).

13. Journal 19 Summarize what Desdemona is saying on lines 4.2, 148-163. p. 171 What is her tone? Why is she kneeling? What does this speech reveal about her personality and values?

14. Journal 20 On lines 4.3, 24-50 summarize the story of the Barbary. How does it relate to Desdemona’s situation? Why do you think she’s singing this? How does Emilia and Desdemona’s views different (lines 81-98) What is your view of this? Explain

15. Journal 21 Describe Othello’s internal conflict on lines 5.2, 1-23. (p.195) What metaphors does he use to describe Desdemona? How do these metaphors emphasize this conflict?