Examine the use of animal imagery in Othello, beginning with Iago’s speeches in the first scene of the play. Start by locating as many references to animals throughout the play as you can. What patterns do you find? How does the animal imagery contribute to the fall of Othello in the play? Explore the issue of racism in Othello and relate it to the problems of racial hatred in Elizabethan England. “Othello is a tragedy of incomprehension, not at the level of intrigue but at the deepest level of human dealings. No one in Othello comes to understand himself or anyone else.” (Nick Potter) Agree or disagree. Explain. It has been argued that Othello is accessible to us today because of the issues of racism, love, betrayal, and jealousy. Pick one and explain why Othello is accessible to us. Be careful, and be sure to talk about the play. Discuss prejudice in Othello. What points do you think Shakespeare was attempting to make? Why does Othello marry Desdemona? Why does she marry him? Was the destruction of the marriage inevitable or was Iago’s malice necessary?