Othello context and typicality

Bits to add: vice plays, willow song?

What is typical of Shakespeare’s plays in terms of subplots vs what is the case in Othello?

Shakespeare often features a crude, comedic subplot that would often feature the same themes as the main plot but also provide comic relief. This is not really the case in Othello, with only brief moments of comic relief (clown), heightening the feeling of claustrophobia in the play

What undermines the credibility and Othello’s characterisation and perhaps makes him more of a stereotype of the Moors?

In the Jacobean period, he would’ve been played by a white man in black face. Although this was typical for theatre, could undermine the credibility of Othello’s characterisation and make him more of a caricature

What kind of reputation did Venice have in the 17th century?

Regarded as a cosmopolitan, merchantile city. Also notably a Republic, which would’ve perhaps piqued English attention given the questions over rule with Eliz’s lack of obvious successor

Why might’ve Shakespeare chosen the setting of Venice/Cyprus?

Merchantile, geographically familiar enough for an English situation being situated in Europe but still exotic (especially given its trading ties with North Africa and the Middle East). Allure of exotic excitement and dangerous otherworldliness. Even more true for the setting of Cyprus

How might have Jacobean society perceived non-white people?

The white Venetian’s treatment of Othello would have likely mirrored white English people’s behaviour. Although there are some records of the presence of non-white people e.g. at the court of 16th and 17th century monarchs, non-white people were a very small minority

Why is it perhaps significant that we never find out Othello’s exact origins?

His “otherness” is enough on its own for him to be set apart from the others. He becomes a source of both distrust and fascination (e.g. Desdemona being enthralled by the stories of his past) for the other characters regardless

What war is the play set against the backdrop of and how does this link to the plot?

The play is set against the backdrop of the war between the Christian Republic of Venice and the Muslim Ottoman Empire (e.g. the whole reason they go to Cyprus is because of reports of a Turkish attack). Given that we learn Othello used to be Muslim but converted to Christianity, this could be used to inform interpretations regarding attitudes to his morality etc and is another indication of Othello’s otherness and a reason for distrust. Some have argued religion fuels Iago’s malignancy (unlikely)

Who is another example of a Moor in Shakespeare’s plays and what does this show about Shakespeare’s/Jacobean depictions of race?

Aaron, the main villain of Titus Andronicus. A force of pure evil who takes pleasure in causing pain and suffering. Is a caricature of remorseless evil, almost comically so in the extremity of his characterisation. Nevertheless, is arguably a typical depiction of Moors in Elizabethan/Jacobean England

At the start of the play, does Shakespeare’s characterisation of Othello align with typical depictions of Moors in this time period?

No

Alongside the racial, stereotypical connotations, what part of Jacobean society makes Brabantio’s, Iago’s, etc animalistic descriptions of Othello even worse>

Firm belief in the Great Chain of Being, which underpins many of Shakespeare’s plays. Animals perceived lower than humans in this Christian hierarchy - perceived to be less than human. Could also link to ideas of Christian values being imposed on Othello

In what way does Desdemona go against typical gender expectations at the start of the play?

It was expected that fathers would choose a husband for their daughters, especially amongst the upper classes where daughters were especially seen as assets for gaining power

From a feminist/maybe even Marxist perspective, what could be seen as giving Emelia the freedom to speak openly at the end of the play?

The normal social order has been disrupted by Othello’s murder of Desdemona, which gives Emelia the freedom to speak up for herself even if it’s contradicting the patriarchal hierarchy. Or could just be she’s so emotional that she has no shiggles to give, especially since we’ve already seen that she’s quite firm/outspoken for a woman

In terms of women in particular, how is Venice perceived which then manifests itself in the attitudes of the (male) characters, even if it’s not really justified?

As a place of sexual freedom -link to Iago quote about how women let God see the pranks they dare not show their husband.