Setting in Othello

Setting in Othello

1. Venice

   • Symbol of law and civilisation
     • Everything is in order there at the start of the play
   • Most people were white so Othello stands out there
     • Earned his position
   • Renowned for it's cortesans
     • Story hinges on Othello questionning Desdomona's purity

2. Cyprus

   • 'warlike island'
     • reflective of tragic events there
   • away from 'civilisation' of Venice
     • Iago can plot evil schemes
   • Threatened by the Turks
     • Othello is threatened by Iago
   • Othello is sent to gain peace but ends up doing the opposite
   • Isolated setting
     • Othello often feels isolated
   • Sacred island to Venus- Goddess of love