1. A Cultural Context for Othello
Notes from an article by
Kristin Johnsen-Neshati
(Associate Professor of Theatre at
George Mason University)
2005

2. Background 1st performance : 1 November 1604
“Early 17th century English attitudes toward non-Europeans were largely shaped by the government's diplomatic policies and ... exotic stories brought back by travelers overseas.”

3. “Moor” – referred to North Africans, West Africans, or even non-whites or Muslims of any origin.
Were often referred to as “devils” or “villains”
“Commonly stereotyped as sexually overactive, prone to jealousy and generally wicked.”
Public associated “blackness” with moral corruption. (Whiteness was the sign of purity; blackness indicated sin.)

4. Moors were granted “full diplomatic recognition” by Queen Elizabeth I for their help in conquering Spain.
1601 – she deported them (fears of irregular behavior and overpopulation)
Not associated with slavery (that came later in the 1600s)
Elizabethans thought of a person with dark skin as a “bestial force, dangerous because of his sexuality, temper and magical powers.”

5. Shakespeare uses these racial stereotypes in his dialogue – lines from Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantio are particularly noticeable early in the play.
Causes audience to form impression of Othello before he appears
Once we meet Othello, we must judge him in person, not from what others say about him
Shakespeare transforms the Moor from the original story (an exotic and passionate stereotype) into a tragic figure of flesh and blood
“Through the treachery of a surprising white devil, Shakespeare challenges his audience to spot the true color of villainy”

6. Setting -- Venice
Venetian law – army general was required to be a foreigner.
Would have admired Othello for his valor and leadership, but still object to his marrying into a Venetian family.
Shakespeare challenges the audience to consider the person before us rather than judge him by abstract assumptions used to dismiss Moors in general.
“Sets up familiar stereotypes to explode them and to teach his audience compassion for those whom society uses but never fully embraces as countrymen.”