AO3: Historical context

Ottoman

A large Muslim empire centered in modern-day Turkey; rivals of Venice and referenced in Othello's military backdrop.

Moor

Term used for Muslim North Africans; in Othello, it identifies Othello's race and outsider status in European society.

Venice

Italian trade city where Othello begins; symbol of wealth, diversity, and Renaissance diplomacy.

Cyprus

Island setting in "Othello" / a Venetian colony where conflict and tragedy unfold in most of the play.

How does Shakespeare exploit the Christian-Turkish binary?

Christians were viewed as good and the Turks as the enemy other. Shakespeare undercuts this by making the villain lago a Venetian and hero Othello an outsider

When is Othello set?

1570's Venice, whilst Italy was at war with the Ottoman Empire for control of the Adriatic Sea and Cyprus. The war had already been won by the Ottoman Empire in 1570.
The Ottoman Empire's army are the 'Turks' in the story.

Setting and Characters

• The play is set in both Venice, a symbol of civilization and order, and Cyprus, representing chaos and conflict

• Othello's status as a black general in a predominantly white society intrigued Shakespeare's audience, challenging racial norms and stereotypes of the time.

• Women were expected to adhere to traditional roles as obedient wives and mothers, reflecting the patriarchal society of the Elizabethan era.

• Shakespeare addresses gender expectations through characters like Desdemona, who defies societal norms by asserting her independence and agency.

• Queen Elizabeth I's policies favored English interests over foreign influences, shaping public attitudes towards outsiders and foreigners.

Race and Cultural Perceptions

• Elizabethans associated dark skin with sin, evil, and the Devil

Setting

• Both Venice and the Ottoman Empire wanted control over Cyprus, as it was profitable. Cyprus was also a good location for the Venetian army to launch attacks on the Ottoman Empire army.
  
  When Shakespeare was writing this, the war had already been won by the Ottoman Empire in 1570. Play written 1603-4

Tragic hero

• The tragic hero's fall is a result of both internal flaws and external influences

• The fates are cruel and not benevolent- no matter how admirable you are the world will not treat you how you deserve

• Tragic heroes are objects of pathos

• Othello's character as a flawed hero disrupts the balance of order, leading to tragedy

• Themes of good versus evil, loyalty versus betrayal, and jealousy versus trust are central in Othello.

What were Jacobean views on 'natural' order within society

• In Jacobean tragedy, references to the subversion of the 'natural' order are used to warn the audience that there is trouble ahead

what could greatly damage a man's pride and reputation in the Jacobean era?

• in the 17th century, cuckoldry was a prevalent male fear

• men who have been cheated on -’A horned man's a monster and a beast’ Iago Act 4 Sc1- too weak to control wives' sexuality - shamed in society - lose their dignity/reputation/pride