Drama Othello Setting Flashcards
When was othello written?
1603-end of Elizabthan era,would of influenced his writing
What era was othello first performed?
Jacobean era
What might have influenced the complex portrayal of othello?
1600 queen Elizabeth received a delegation of Moroccan diplomats who may have watched a performance by Shakespeare’s company. If so they might have influence the character of othello who encounters deep prejudice as an outsider in Venice.
What are the connotations of Venice in the 16/17th century?
Has a more cosmopolitan and integrated society, political stability
Why was Venice so fascinating to the English?
It’s geographically familiar but it is also exotic , a paragon of a contemporary republic gov for Shakespeare’s audience bc the heir less eliz sparked widespread interest in alternative forms of rule
Why is Venice feared but also extraordinary?
For his audience it is a place simultaneously associated with exotic excitement and dangerous otherworldliness- its alluring and almost mystical in its exoticism but also on the edge of civilisation so it’s something to be feared.
Why is Cyprus more feared than Venice?
More unknown and closer to Arab and Turks . Setting is further removed from the English audience , both geographically and symbolically- the more civilisation and honour is removed from English comfort
What is othellos personal religious beliefs?
Repeatedly uses biblical language- some critics think him a Christian convert
Others believe he is ambiguously spirited
Othello hints towards a religious background of North African paganism when he explains the origin of his mother’s hankerchief
What is a moor and why is it not possible to pinpoint his race?
It has many definitions and could describe anyone in Africa. In some sense, pinning down his specific race is unimportant - his precise origins do not matter to other characters: they are aware of his otherness, sets him fully apart from them.
What is used to describe morality and race?
Colours: black n white
Why is othello treated with a mixture of respect and fear?
Bc he is a military leader but he is ultimately purged from white European society to which he only partly belonged- his otherness [ethnic minority] is a fascination for the European characters
Context on the generalised dramatic convention of moors on stage and what makes othello different?
They were menaces intent on destruction= a threat to moral,social,political order e.g Aaron-caricature of remorseless evil
Shakespeare’s depiction of him contrast this stereotype: noble n honourable but there are echoes of this stereotype of a moor when he succumbs to jealousy n violent rages.
Thus poses us with a question: is he an honourable man who is reasonably led astray, or does he succumbs to jealously too easily by following Shakespeare’s ideas about moors
What did elite women have to do in the burgeoning of the patriarchy?
Honour their families, dress modest ,remain chaste until marriage and be subservient to husbands and father.
What was Desdemonas controversy in marriage ?
She had a clandestine marriage[secret] =shock
When a women is married there are more rules to abide too
What was the impact of being a “whore” ?
Downfall of her family and reputation in society- women were warned in sermons that adultery and fornications were sins - in a sermon of whoredom and uncleaness against adultery in 1547: going against “Gods commandment” and “abuse the gentleness and humanity”. Women were guilty until proven innocent.
