Context Flashcards
Explain the views on Venetian women during the Elizabethan period (context)
Widely viewed as symbols of Catholic morality, women were expected to be obedient wives and pro create, denied political rights, managed to exert som influence on social and economic relations through acquisition of dowries and the management of family wealth, women aided Venice’s development and contributed to society. English view of Venetian women was that they were feisty, untameable beings.
Describe Cyprus and its importance in the Elizabethan era (context)
Became Venetian protectorate in 1473, population rich and diverse, geopolitically pivotal site on east-west trade routes which attracted westerners and Europeans, its economic and military strategic position led to a constant battle for ownership, had a lot of allure due to its mythological past, eventually overtaken by the ottomans.
Explain the significance of Moors and racism in England during the Elizabethan period (context)
Slavery not based on race but based on countries being conquered. People such as moors not treated how they would’ve been in pre-civil war America. Division of race not important to the English at the time. Division in clashes of culture and religion and mistrust of people from foreign lands. Moorish king came to visit England during the period which may have influenced Shakespeare’s writing of Othello.
What is the significance of racial stereotypes in Shakespearean England and Europe? (Context)
Shakespeare presents the reality that men of colour from foreign lands are indeed civil, literate and faithful, going against some Eurocentric stereotypes that African men were barbaric, illiterate and promiscuous studs. Views towards race largely shaped by governments diplomatic policies and exotic stories brought back overseas by travellers. Helped the British conquer Spain so were given some recognition, however they were later deported due to overpopulation.
Patriarchal society in the Elizabethan era (context)
Men held power and predominate roles of political and moral authority. Property and titles inherited by the males in the family. Men largely free to do what they liked.
The renaissance man (context)
A person in the archetype of broad talents and expertise. A man is the centre of his universe and is limitless in his capacity for development. We should embrace all knowledge and develop our capabilities fully.
The rota fortunae (context)
Belief that had origins in the Middle Ages and continued in popularity throughout the Elizabethan era. Based on the belief that fat and fortune control life ‘rota’ or wheel could gain you favour or reduce your status as misfortune struck. People rode around the wheel in their life and their position on the wheel determined their fate (too good, bottom bad). Links to Romeo and Juliet “O, I am fortune’s fool”- Romeo.
Tragedy in drama and the Jacobean tragedy (context)
Originated from Ancient Greece. Involves tragic heroes of exceptional accomplishment. Jacobean tragedy a drama in which the dominant motive is revenge for a real or imagined injury, favoured during Elizabethan/Jacobean eras. Found in its highest expression in Shakespeare’s ’Hamlet’. Involves soliloquies and murder.
Significance of Florence during the renaissance period (context)
Often named as the birthplace of the renaissance. Home of many early writers and prominent artists. Dominated by wealthy merchants. Became most important city in Italy as well as all of Europe in late 1400s. Iago doesn’t approve of Cassio being a military man because he hails from Florence.
Significance of courtly love (context)
Medieval European literary conception of love that emphasised nobility and chivalry. Man existed to serve his lady. Invariably adulterous. Idealised customs stylised by rituals surrounding a knightly male figure and a lady. Male figure meant to endure hardship in an act of service in order to win his lady’s favour.
Significance of Moors (context)
Muslim inhabitants of Southern Europe. No distinct or defined set of people, applied to them by the Europeans. Differences in culture and religion led to prolonged conflict. No clarification of Othello’s race, could be dark skinned African or a lighter skin Arab.
Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ (context)
16th century treatise written as an instruction guide for new princes and royals. General rule is that the aims of the man in charge can justify the rise of immoral means to achieve the end result. Contributed to negative connotations of politics in Western Europe.
