Shakespeare’s Othello

Setting• Shakespeare’s tragic

play Othello begins in Venice

• During Shakespeare’s time, Venice was a cosmopolitan center of international trade

• Venice was more relaxed in its rules, similar to how Las Vegas is seen today

Setting, continued . . .

• The play later changes its setting to Cyprus, a Republic between Greece and Turkey

• In Othello, Cyprus is a stronghold in the war against the Turks.

• As a setting, Cyprus also provides isolation for the characters

Major Themes

• Appearance versus Reality–Shakespeare often asks his

audience whether or not they should accept things based on face value–Throughout the play, certain

characters portray themselves as something they are not for their own gain

Racial Prejudice/Otherness

• Othello is a black man in a white man’s world

• His ‘otherness’ is often exploited by those around him

• Before we even meet Othello, he is negatively stereotyped based on his color

Interpersonal Relationships• Unlike Macbeth, which

focuses on relationships of power, such as who will be the next king, Othello focuses on the complexity of interpersonal relationships

• Jealousy, lust and deception prove to be detrimental emotions that can destroy personal relationships

Motifs

• Animal imagery– This motif underscores the theme of

Racial Prejudice– Othello is often referred to in animalistic

terms

• Other motifs to watch for are:– Dark versus Light– Demon and Monster imagery

Dramatis Personae• Othello

The play’s protagonist and tragic hero

A noble moor in service of the Venetian state

In Shakespeare’s time, a Moor was the name for anyone of North African descent, usually from the Moroccan region

• Iago• Othello’s ancient ( a military rank below lieutenant )• The antagonist and villain of the play• Iago professes his distaste in being passed up for the lieutenant position in the beginning of Act 1

• Cassio• Othello’s lieutenant• Although younger

and more inexperienced than Iago, he is above his command in Othello’s army

• Bianca• Cassio’s

mistress in Cyprus

Desdemona– Othello’s wife– Daughter of the

Venetian senator Brabantio

Emilia– Iago ’s wife, she is

distrustful of her husband

– Desdemona’s attendant

• Roderigo– A jealous suitor of Desdemona– Gives Iago money to help him woo her

from Othello

Other Characters . . . • Duke of Venice• Gratiano (Brabantio’s

brother)• Lodovico (Brabantio’s

relative)• Mantano (Othello’s

predecessor - Cyprus)

• Clown ( Othello’s servant )