1. Shakespeare’s “Othello”

2. Setting Act 1 – Venice Cyprus for the rest of the play
Late 1500s – during the wars between Venice and Turkey

3. Setting

4. Setting

5. Setting At that time, Venice was its own city-state Ruled by a Duke
Laws were made by senators
Venice was at war with Turkey
Both wanted to control the island of Cyprus

6. Setting

7. What is a Moor?
Moor – a word to refer members of several group that are native of north Africa
Most converted to Islam in the 8th century.

8. Othello: the Moor of Venice
Othello is known as the Moor of Venice, a native of north Africa living in Venice.
He has converted from Islam to Christianity.

9. Othello: the Moor of Venice
He is a talented leader of the Venetian military and has a good reputation.
Yet, he is discriminated against because he is African.
He has married a Venetian woman.
Othello is a tragic hero.

10. What is a Tragic Hero? Starts in a high position
Possesses qualities that the audience admires (such as bravery, intelligence, loyalty)
A “tragic flaw” leads to his downfall
The audience feels sympathy and fear for the tragic even (even if we don’t like what they do)