context: Othello Flashcards
how does Shakespeares work fitting with the renaissance?
its innovative and it challenges and questions the beliefs and assumptions upon which elizabethan society was founded. Shakespeare also subverts traditional values in his plays, for example, in Othello the tragic hero is a black man the heroine is assertive
why was shakespearean times a significant Time in writing and the arts?
the renaissance had just started in Italy and Shakespeares works are closely tied with renaissance
what was the renaissance
‘rebirth’
began in Italy in the 14th century. it saw a revival of artistic and intellectual endeavour which gradually spread across Europe. classic texts and culture of Greece and Rome were rediscovered and the golden age of English literature began
how does Shakespeare use Iago to criticise traditional views?
Iago is given subversive views to discredit them because the voice of Iago was highly criticised by the audience
why may Othello be set abroad?
because of censorship, any criticism Shakespeare makes of those in authority or questions he asks about race and nobility had to be muted. he couldn’t directly criticise the monarch or the English court
