Shakespeare’s Othello 10th Literature Spring 2018

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice Written by William Shakespeare between 1601-1604. Published in 1622

Setting Othello is set against the backdrop of the wars between Venice and Turkey that raged in the late sixteenth century. Cyprus (which is the setting for most of the play) was a Venetian outpost.

Historical Background 1537 – Venice joined a “holy league” vs. Turks – were defeated by Ottomans, who dominated the Mediterranean for the next 35 years. 1540 – Venice signed a truce 1567 – Ottoman ruler decreed treaties could be broken to retrieve lands from the Christians 1571 – 13th Crusade vs. the Ottoman Turks 1572 – New Treaty; Venice gave up Cyprus

Othello Protagonist – Othello Antagonist – Iago Themes: honor vs. love isolation

Othello Motifs: sight and blindness black and white animals, plants demons and monsters Symbols: the handkerchief

Othello Major conflict: Othello and Desdemona marry and attempt to build a life together, despite their differences in age, race, and experience. Their marriage is sabotaged by the envious Iago, who convinces Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful.

Characteristics of a Tragedy Tragic hero – someone of great social importance. Likable - whatever trait is most likable, often leads to the hero’s downfall. (Passion in Romeo and Juliet) At some point the hero falls from glory. His own hubris (desire to reach beyond possibility) ensures a downfall. Mixture of personal choice and fate. The hero must make a personal choice that will result in an unstoppable chain of negative events. Hero must realize his mistake, but always too late. Not only does the hero suffer, but his choice will inflict misery upon other people.

Othello, the Moor The term “moor” was used to refer to North Africans, West Africans, non-whites or Muslims of any origin. North and West Africans living in Elizabethan England were frequently singled out for their unusual dress, behavior and customs and were commonly referred to as “devils” or “villains.” Moors were commonly stereotyped as animalistic and wicked.

However, Othello is a noble figure of great authority However, Othello is a noble figure of great authority. He is respected and admired by the duke and senate of Venice as well as by those who serve him. Only Iago and Roderigo voice an explicitly stereotypical view of Othello, depicting him from the beginning as an animalistic, depraved outsider.

Shakespeare’s Use of Stereotypes In Othello, Shakespeare calls on his audiences to consider the person before them, rather than judging him by inherited assumptions and stereotypes. Othello is a “civilized” character and therefore worthy of empathy. Shakespeare sets up stereotypes just to explode them. Teaches his audiences compassion for those whom society uses but never fully embraces. The true devil and uncivilized villain in the play is Iago, a white man.

A couple more terms to know! Soliloquy- one character speaking – no other characters on stage Aside- lines spoken away from the main action; directed either at a peripheral character or at the audience. Monologue- one character speaking to other characters on stage, the speech is part of the action of the play.