Jacobean England

Jacobean England

1. Race

   • During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, archives suggest that there were 9,000 foreigners living in England.
   • City dwelling Arab-Africans were seen as very noble but Sub-Saharan Africans were seen as the opposite (destitute of reason, wild beasts...) .
   • It wasn't uncommon for people to have black musicians and servants but in 1596, Queen Elizabeth tried to have them all expelled (in her letter she commanded that 10 of them should be transported out of the country). However, not that many were expelled as the people who had black servants in their households refused to give the up because there was no compensation on offer.
   • The English distinguised between the Tawny moors (the Mediterranean coast) and the Black moors (the Southern coast).
   • The language used in Othello makes it difficult to see if Shakespeare intended Othello to be a tawny moor or a black moor. There is evidence in the text to suggest either but does it matter? The play still shows that foreigners were treated differently (whatever colour).
   • In Othello, Shakespeare shows the different views about race. He shows the common world wide view and the thoughts of other people who didn't agree with it.

2. Religious divisions

   • By the time King James I came to the throne, the Protestants were powerful and the Catholics were a minority group.
   • The most significant religious event was the Gunpowder plot.
   • The people were very religious and God fearing. They also believed in black magic and witchcraft.
   • Moors were treated differently also due to their religion (it was new, foreign).
   • The Muslim religion wasn't really excepted in Jacobean England.
   • Othello is described as a converted moor. He was a converted Muslim ("he turned Turk")

3. Women's limited rights

   • Women had limited rights in Jacobean England. They belonged to their fathers but when they were married, they belonged to their husband. If their husband died before them, their son (if they had them) was then in charge.
   • The country was dominated by men and women didn't have much of a say in important matters.
   • It wasn't until the late 17th century when a female character was acted by a woman.
   • They had no choice in who they married.
   • Girls weren't given preference as far as education was concerend.
   • The main role for a woman was to take care of the household and look after the children. They had to obey the man of the house.

4. Customs in the theatre

   • In Jacobean England, the theatre represented other races as violent and blood thirsty. They gave a very villanous image of black men.
   • In the theatre (in Jacobean England), Othello was always played by a white man (as well as other black characters). It was common for white performers to paint themselves dark for black roles but it was often done in mockery (the black minstrel shows).
   • A play was rarely acted two nights in a row.
   • Female roles were acted by adolescent boys in women's costume.
   • Performance took place in the afternoon and when the light began to fade, candles were lit.
   • Scenery was described by actors throughout the play.