othello context Flashcards
1
Q
Race
A
- Black people viewed in stereotypical ways ‘the moor’
- Seen as exotic and mysterious but evil and savage, were often associated with witchcraft.
- The devil was portrayed as having black skin because of this they were villains.
- Desdemona as a white venetian gets sympathy, or would have from an audience at the time, Iago looks honest possibly because he’s white, Othello sees him as incapable of villainy.
2
Q
Gender
A
- Jacobean society was a patriarchal one because of this women were lower than men on the chain of being.
- Seen as objects by fathers and husbands.
- Most men saw venetian women as promiscuous therefore a huge threat.
- Bianca seen as a fallen woman since shes a prostitute.
3
Q
Religion
A
- Hell was a real concern at the time.
- Hellish language would be shocking to a Jacobean audience.
- Many believed black people couldn’t be christian as they weren’t aligned with god.
- Women untrustworthy because of Eve’s sin.
4
Q
The Renaissance man
A
- Ideal man well balanced and in control of emotions (O at the start)
- This changes in Cyprus.
5
Q
Venice
A
- Known for its beauty, culture, civilisation and pleasure.
- It was known for its sexual freedom which is why venetian women were seen promiscuous.
6
Q
Jealousy and chaos
A
- Jealousy seen as infection with no cure and prevention.
- Chaos was undoing gods creation.
- Shakespeares contemporaries had a fear of return to anarchy.
7
Q
Cuckoldry
A
- Mans greatest fear was becoming the horned beast (a goat) fear because they couldn’t control their wives and were married to someone with an unnatural and sexual appetite.
- Young beautiful wives would be a target by other men.
8
Q
Courtly love
A
- Cassio’s poetic language.
- Lady who he is devoted to is expected to have other suitors
- It’s a member of high society who is concerned with notions of honour and reputation.
9
Q
Tragedy
A
10
Q
Jacobean society
A
