Context

Question 1

Actor of Othello, how does this make the play racist?

Answer 1

Richard Burbage was one of the most famous actors in the Shakespeare company so he was most likely the first actor to play Othellos role. He would have worn black makeup and a wig from lambswool. (Lambswool significant as shows perception of black people as animalistic, Othello is likely a caricature of a black man because of this)

Question 2

What was the play inspired by?

Answer 2

From a collection (Gli Hecatommithi) by Cinthio called ‘un Captaino Moro’ (meaning a Moor Captain) Same plot but Moor kills Disdemona more aggressively, he is tortured and killed by Desdemonas relatives. This fulfills some poetic justice/ instructive moral for the audience compared to Othello, but perhaps Shakespeare didn’t wish to give the audience the same justice they wished for.
-Cinthio added Brabantio and Roderigo. Brabantio adds more depth to Othellos situation as provides another reason for Othellos insecurity. Roderigo demonstrates the span of Iagos authority.

Question 3

Quarto vs Folio version

Answer 3

-Quarto came out before Folio version
-we primarily use the Folio
-added to folio version Othello calls Desdemona a public commoner

Question 4

Titus Adronicus

Answer 4

Aaron (a Moor) is portrayed as a force of evil who takes pleasure in causing suffering, would of been seen as a threat to the moral, social and political order within the play when on stage. ‘I have done a thousand dreadful things […] and nothing grieves me heartily indeed but that I cannot do ten thousand more’.