1. What is the content of Constance's monologue at the end of this scene? Do you think she is setting herself up as a fool intentionally or unintentionally?

2. What happens as Constance is reading OTHELLO from her complete works of Shakespeare?

3. What happens in the second vignette of the Dumbshow and from where do you think this scene is derived?

4. What happens in the scene with the pet turtle and how is this symbolic of Romeo and Juliet's relationship?

5. What is the effect of Nurse's blank verse musings?

6. What does the Chorus do after delivering the monologue?

7. What happens when Iago and Othella reenact their fight scene?

8. How does the opening scene of Act 3, Scene 2 demonstrates the change in Romeo and Juliet's relationship?

9. Why do you think Act 1 is titled "The Dumbshow"?

10. How does the Chorus appear and what is its first action?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 4, Scene 4, Tybalt watches on in disgust while both Romeo and Juliet throw themselves at Constance, whom both believe at this point to be a boy. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. What do you think is the reason for Tybalt's disgust at the behavior of Romeo and Juliet? There are several possible reasons, so read this scene very carefully as well as Act 3, Scene 1 where Tybalt and Romeo first encounter Constance. Substantiate your stance with specific details from the text.

2. What do you think is the reason for the competition between Romeo and Juliet? Is it truly just because they are both smitten with Constance or is it an indication of underlying problems in their relationship which is just manifesting in this competition for Constance's affection? Elaborate on your ideas using specific examples from the text.

3. Juliet is just turning fourteen and Romeo is not much older than she. Is it reasonable to expect them to behave differently than they do? Which Romeo and Juliet are more believable--the two depicted in Shakespeare's play or the two depicted in Goodnight Desdemona?

Essay Topic 2

The overarching theme of GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA is said by some critics to be that of the ideas of feminism. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Define feminism yourself and then look it up in a dictionary and note the definition. How closely do the two definitions coincide? Is there anything about the "official" definition that surprises you? That you disagree with?

2. Trace the theme of feminism throughout the play, citing examples of the theme of feminism and whether or not the portrayal is harmonious with the definition of feminism you created in question one.

3. Do you think the author had a feminist agenda in writing this play? Why? Did the feminist element appeal to you? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Homosexuality is a prominent theme in the Scenes that take place in Verona. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Do you believe any of the characters in this play are actually homosexual? Who? Why do you believe so? If not, why not? Support your statements with specific detail from the text.

2. Do you believe this play is homophobic or accepting of homosexuality? Explain your statements with specific examples.

3. Would it make any difference as to how you interpret the homosexual theme if you knew that the author is a publicly self-proclaimed lesbian? How would that change the way you interpreted the homosexual overtones?

(see the answer keys)

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