context

Question 1

when was Othello staged and written?

Answer 1

early 1600s around the turn of the century

Question 2

what were there concerns about during the time Othello was staged and written? (2)

Answer 2

1) concerns of kingship and morality of the person on the throne
2) questions of power and responsibility which are prominent in some of Shakespeare’s plays

Question 3

what is the difference with Shakespeare’s plays set outside of England?

Answer 3

1) different emotional contexts
2) stability is the main emotional context within Othello due to the Venetian Republic being a stable institution

Question 4

what often happens in Shakespeare’s tragedies?

Answer 4

the harmony of the universe in neoplatonic philosophy is completely overthrown

Question 5

what is different with Othello compared to Shakespeare’s other tragedies?

Answer 5

The play may appear to be a comedy, misleading the audience and allowing the introduction of new types of characters such as Iago.

Question 6

who was on the throne when Othello was staged?

Answer 6

James I
1) many parallels between Othello and James I
2) both had transgressions relationships of the time
3) both outsiders, James in the London court and Othello in Venice

Question 7

what is unusual about Othello? (2)

Answer 7

1) Shakespeare’s first portrayal of a black hero, when previous black characters were often villains
2) reflects the intellectual rebirth in the Renaissance period, Shakespeare experimenting with new characters

Question 8

what is the significance of the handkerchief in terms of audience?

Answer 8

1) trivial to the audience yet significant to the climax of the play/ peripeteia, play shifts from potential comedy to tragedy
2) confusion of emotions contributes to audience catharsis