Setting

Question 1

Where is Othello set?

Answer 1

-begins in Venice + by act 2 moved to Venetian war outpost in Cyprus
-Venice had reputation as cosmopolitan + diverse city full of wealth + political stability

Question 2

What was Venice in 16th + 17th centuries like in terms of its governing?

Answer 2

-example of contemporary republican government
-republican style was continuation of ancient Roman tradition
-was a fascination among renaissance viewers with the republic as Tudor period rapidly ending + no indication of who would succeed Elizabeth I
-widespread interest in alternative forms of rule in England + successful, republic of Venice caught attention of public

Question 3

What was Venice known for?

Answer 3

-for its diversity as home to variety of cultural + ethnic backgrounds incl. Othello
-busting with trade + opportunity e.g trade between Venetians + Turks but several ottoman-Venetian wars raged throughout
-Venice was geographically familiar being situated in Europe but also exotic as had close trading ties with North Africa + Middle East

Question 4

How did Shakespeares audience feel about Venice?

Answer 4

-place simultaneously associated with exotic excitement + dangerous otherworldliness
-seemed alluring + mystical in its exoticism but also a place on edge of ‘civilisations + something to be feared

Question 5

Why did Shakespeare set Othello abroad?

Answer 5

-Venice is both familiar + exotic
-is an ideal setting into English anxieties + preoccupations can be projected + explored