Cultural Context Flashcards
When was Shakespeare writing?
During a Renaissance - the Renaissance was a cultural movement, that was artistic and intellectual and challenged old traditions.
How does the Renaissance relate to Othello?
It encouraged Shakespeare to challenge traditional values - he portrayed Othello as an ethnic minority who was noble and a civilised hero, while Iago was an immoral white man who was very destructive.
What is Othello inspired by?
Cinthio’s story -most of the characters and the basic plot are similar.
What did Shakespeare change from Cinthio’s story?
He develops Iago’s motives - in Cinthio’s story, ‘The Ensign’ (Iago) is clearly motivated by his lust for ‘Disdemona’ (Desdemona) , but Shakespeare adds other potential motives, such as a hatred of Othello and a jealousy of Cassio. He makes Iago’s true motive more ambiguous, which makes Iago seem more like a motiveless force of evil.
What is the message Cinthio’s story?
That white women should not marry outside of their race, whereas Shakespeare’s play has a much more ambiguous outcome.
How were racial stereotypes at the time of writing?
They presented Moors as violent savages. This can be seen in other literature of the time, where they were portrayed as lustful, dangerous villains, eg. the character of Aaron in Titus Andronicus.
How would a contemporary audience have viewed Brabantio’s reaction to Desdemona’s marriage?
They would have sympathised given it was his responsibility to find his daughter a suitable man to marry.
