Introduction to Shakespare's Othello

Page 1

William Shakespeare

Born April 1564

Stratford-Avon

Began as an actor

Wrote 38 plays

Wrote 4 lengthy poems

Page 2

Othello Terminology: Moor

Moors invaded Spain and established civilization in Andalusia

Term Moor comes from Greek word mauros meaning dark or very black

Moors symbolized something other than human, more often devilish

Page 3

Othello Terminology: Cuckold

Wife is unfaithful to him

horns growing out of his forhead

Othello: A Tragedy

Written in 1604

Fascinated by evil

Studies devastating events of deadly sins of the spirit.

Othello: Setting

Journey from Venice(Order rule of reason), Italy to Cyprus (disorder rule of passion)