Othello Context
- Created by: kgulati
- Created on: 27-03-24 13:05
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- Othello Context
- Historical Context
- written in 1603-4, during the early Jacobean era in England
- Elizabethan and Jacobean England was characterised by social stratification, racism and xenophobia
- England's expansionist policies had led to encounters with other cultures, which influenced perceptions of race and ethnicity.
- Cultural Context
- 'Othello' explores themes of racial prejudice and cultural stereotypes prevalent in Shakespeare's time
- The portrayal of Othello, a Moorish general, reflects Elizabethan attitudes towards Africans and Muslims
- Shakespeare's treatment of interracial marriage challenges societal norms of the times
- Political Context
- The play is set against the backdrop of Venice, a powerful city-state known for its mercantile wealth and political intrigue
- Venice was a republic governed by a doge and a council of nobles, with a complex system of laws and social hierarchy
- Themes of power, manipulation and betrayal in 'Othello' resonate with the political dynamics of Renaissance Italy
- Religious Context
- The clash between Christianity and Islam is subtly depicted in the play, with the characters making religious references and allusions
- Othello's conversion to Christianity and subsequent marriage to Desdemona challenges religious and cultural boundaries
- Literary Context
- 'Othello' is categorised as a tragedy, following the conventions of classical tragedies outlined by Aristotle
- The play is influenced by earlier works including Shakespeare's own tragedies and more evidently Cinthio's tale
- Themes of jealousy, deception and manipulation are central to the play's plots, echoing motifs found in Shakespeare's tragedies
- Gender Context
- The portrayal of women in 'Othello' reflects Renaissance attitudes towards gender roles and female agency
- Desdemona's rebellion against her father's authority and her choice to marry Othello challenge patriarchal norms
- Emilia's defiance of her husband, Iago, highlights the complexities of marital relationships and gender dynamics
- Performance Context
- 'Othello' was originally performed in open-air theatres such as the Globe Theatre, with minimal sets and props
- The play's language and imagery were designed to captivate and engage audiences, regardless of their social status
- Modern adaptations of 'Othello' continue to explore its themes in diverse cultural and theatrical contexts
- Historical Context
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