Historical Background Flashcards
in elizabethan society, how did people stereotype black people?
black people were seen as lustful, savage and were associated with sin.
usually villains in elizabethan literature
How did Shakespeare challenge stereotypes in Othello?
By portraying a black man as the noble protagonist and making Iago, a white man, the villain of the play.
What was the plot of Othello inspired by?
Un Capitano Moro, a story by an Italian writer called Cinthio. The moral of Cinthio’s story is that it’s unwise for european women to marry men from other races, but Shakespeare makes his moral more ambiguous
What would early audiences have been shocked about?
To see a black man marrying a white woman. Shakespeare explores the expectation that interracial marriages are unnatural in his play
Where is the first act of the play set but then where does the action move to?
In Venice, but then the action moves to Cyprus, which is under threat of invasion from the Turks
What was Venice like at the time shakespeare was writing?
A great trading power which has seen as sophisticated, cultured and wealthy
What was Venice widely known in Europe for?
It’s sexual tolerance, and Venetian women were often seen as promiscuous
Who ruled Cyprus?
Under Venetian rule, but was often under threat of invasion from the Turks
What was Cyprus seen as and how did this link with the events of the play?
War-like and uncivilised
The problems between Desdemona and Othello begin soon after they arrive on Cyprus
What was Othello written for?
The Globe Theatre
What was the upper stage of the Globe Theatre used for?
Used by musicians or as required. In Act 1, Scene 1 these would probably have been used as Brabantio’s windows
What are the galleries of the Globe used for?
Where wealthy members of the audience sat
What is the stage of the Globe used for?
Where the play was performed
What is the pit of the Globe Theatre used for?
Where the poorer members of the audience would stand
What is the trapdoor of the Globe Theatre used for?
led below the stage
