Setting in Othello

What is a garrison?

the troops stationed in a fortress or town to defend it - Cyprus

Why is Venice significant in terms of trade?

It was key in maritime trade in the Renaissance era and was economically strong, known as 'the marketplace of the world.'

Why is Iago able to manipulate Othello in Venice, but not Cyrpus?

In Venice, Othello is under the jurisdiction of the Senate, whereas in Cyrpus he is in control, becoming the 'judge, jury and executioner' as he is allowed to pass punishemt where and how he sees fit.

Because Othello arrives after the defeat of the Turks, the militant mindset of Othello as a 'great captain' is gone, and thus Cyprus becomes a domestic setting for him where his insecurities can be preyed upon.

What denomination of Christianity did Venice follow?

Catholicism

What was Venice (in)famously known for?

Social diversity and a sexually promiscuous culture.

Iago in Act 3,3 to Othello

''In Venice they do let Heaven see the pranks they dare not show their husbands.''

''She did decieve her father, marrying you''

Othello in 4,2

''I took you for that cunning wh*re in Venice that married with Othello.''

What stereotype does Iago perpetuate to keep Roderigo under his guise?

That Venentian Women are sexually promiscuous.

When was Cyprus conquered by the Turks?

1571 - Shakespeare relies on a known fact that Cyprus fell to the Turks to solidify the tragedy as the events of the play were futile. Iago is successful.

Why is Cyprus a liminal setting?

It is far from the norms of Christianity and the 'morality' expected in central Europe.

Why is Aphrodite being born in Cyprus significant?

It mirrors the tragic conflict of love and love presented throughout the play.

Cyprus is a battleground...

...but not for the fight Othello epxected.

What does the opening setting do?

Allows for Iago's duplicity to be foregrounded, as the darkness gives him secrecy to unfold is plans and lead a Charivari of racial hatred towards Brabantio's house unnoticed.

Why is the play's final setting significant?

Fuses love and duty as Desdemona's 'chamber' is used as both Othello and Iago's trial made public to the cast of the play.

Essay points for Setting:

1. Setting acts to heighten Iago's duplicity. Darkness in Act 1,1, Iago relies on conventions of Venetian Women to manipulate Othello, storm foregrounds chaos Iago will create. Turks won in 1571.

2.Movement to Cyprus puts Othello in charge, making him judge, jury, and executioner. Proximity to Eastern culture forces Othello to question racial identity, final speech.

3. Drawing together of domestic and military attitudes, and the public and private. Setting gradually gets smaller, resulting in sense of claustrophobia. Aphrodite being born in Cyrpus forgrounds battle between love and war, 'love under seige.'