Othello by William Shakespeare

Othello by William Shakespeare

1. William Shakespeare

   • Born in 1564
   • He attended Grammar School, but his formal education proceeded no further
   • 1582, he married an older women- Anne Hathaway- they had three children
   • Around 1590 he travelled to London to find work as an actor and playwright
   • Part owner of the Globe Theatre
   • Died in 1616

2. First performed by the King's Men at the court of King James I on November 1, 1604

3. Othello is set at the backdrop of the wars between Venice and Turkey that raged in the later part of the 16th Century

4. Race

   • Othello himself is judged because of his race and his appearances
   • The protagonist's different ethnic backgrounds provides a platform for probing ideas for racial conflict
     • Stereo-type and prejudgement

5. Gender

   • The presence of well-developed yet opposing female characters adds a dimension of gender conflict and feminist views
     • Stereo-type and prejudgement
   • Women are an integral part of Othello
     • The chastity of a women is highly valued
       • Desdemona's perceived infidelity helps drive action of the play
         • Ultimately leading to the death of many characters
   • Hatred
     • Lago's hatred to women is evident throughout
       • Leads to Othello's jealousy