What is the context of Othello?

What is the context of Othello?

Othello is a racial ‘outsider’ in Venice but Shakespeare stresses his noble origins and his power and status as a mercenary general. During the Renaissance many believed black people were fit only to be slaves. Shakespeare subverts this view in his depiction of his noble Moor.

Why is Othello called a moor?

The character’s origin is traced to the tale “Un Capitano Moro” in Gli Hecatommithi by Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinthio. There, he is simply referred to as the Moor. Othello is a brave and competent soldier of advanced years and Moorish background in the service of the Venetian Republic.

What was Shakespeare’s purpose for writing Othello?

Shakespeare wrote “Othello” to chronicle the political and racial tensions between Europeans and non-Europeans during the 17th century. Furthermore, it is widely believed that the play was written particularly to suit the interests of King James I, who had an interest in Turkish history and customs.

What is the theme of Othello?

Some of the major themes in this play include racial prejudice, manipulation, and jealousy. Specifically, Othello is regarded as a beast by other characters because he is black. Iago is jealous of Cassio because Othello promotes him to a higher military position….

What was Othello inspired by?

The story of Shakespeare’s Othello comes from the Hecatommithi, a collection of tales published in 1565 by Giraldi Cinthio. Cinthio in turn had been influenced by the Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio. Although Shakespeare replicates Cinthio’s story very closely, he makes a couple of key changes.

What makes a Shakespearean tragedy?

Characteristics of Shakespearean Tragedy… A tragedy is a drama in which a series of actions leads to the downfall of the main character, called the tragic hero. The plot builds to a catastrophe, or a disastrous final outcome, that usually involves the death of the hero and many others.