The Horror! The Horror!

What is the nature of the evil that pervades the story of Othello? What is the central motivating factor for Iago? Is he aware of his own monstrosity? Why has Iago been characterized as THE most chilling and evil villain ever?

It's all fun and games until someone puts his eye out

At what point does the tragedy TURN in Othello? Where does a relatively innocent and domestic drama about jealousy, cuckoldry, and personal spite suddenly turn into something much more dire and dangerous? Who propels such a bloody ending? How? When?

The Devil is in the details

Many consider Shakespeare a secular writer who avoids overt religious themes and references. Do you agree this is also the case with Othello? Where in Othello do you spy religious symbolism, characterization, allusion, and theme?  Why does Shakespeare do this with this story?  What effect do these allusions have?

"Don't look so bored. Imagine how I must feel."

After "reading" any good piece of literature (or even film, for that matter), we are often left with that memorable scene that speaks to us in some way.  Perhaps it crystallized the character or theme for you, or articulated a philosophy of life that is important to you, or even just made you laugh or cry.  What is one of those scenes from Grendel that you will probably long remember (and Why?)?

The world is but a question, inscribed in our souls

We all have particular, specific questions about the text that we ask in order to better understand the characters, plot, and message.  If you have any of these types of questions, pose them here and offer an idea or two in response -- "Reactions to Grendel" (Ex.: Why does Grendel's mother have no name? Why does Grendel meet the Dragon? Why is he fascinated with Wealtheow, Unferth, the Shaper? What is this story really about? Is this a story about the power of our democratic society or about the destructive nature of man? About Hope and a Higher Purpose or Existentialism?)  You may also respond to others' questions here.

The Horror! The Horror!

What is the meaning of Evil?  How do you define it? What makes for an evil character? What is its source? Are we all evil, and is this . . . expected . . . normal? Is it as simple as selfish, self-centered pride, as grandiose as genocide?
What was God getting at when he told Cain that Sin (e.g., Evil) crouches outside his door and desires him, but that Man must master it? Is British poet W. H. Auden in agreement when he wrote, "Evil is . . . always human and shares our bed and eats at our own table"?

OMG!

Finish one of the sentences and then elaborate on your thoughts and ideas:
"If Victor has become GOD, then . . . ."
"If Nietzsche had met Victor, and heard his tale, the philosopher might have said . . ."