Othello: Context

Othello: Context

1. Social

   • Jacobean woman - considered subordiante to men. No rights. Supposed to obey husband
   • Emilia & Desdemona somewhat challenge social order
   • Generals supposed to be logical, loyal, brave, trustworthy and courageous
   • Marriage supposed to be organised by father to benefit socially - Desedemona breaks this code
   • Considered foolish to marry for love

2. Cultural

   • New culture after trade routes opened - 'Moors' - seen as savage
   • Venetians - passionate, traditional, fit in to society unlike Othello
   • Shakespeare subverts these stereotypes

3. Philosophical

   • Most people believed in the devil and the fact that evil was hard to detect - made Iago's deception more plausible
   • Venice - Christian country

4. Historical

   • War between Turks and Venetians - symbolic backdrop to tragedy. Cyprus is vulnerable/isolated like Othello
   • 17th century Venice