1500-1750) Venice is a prosperous Italian city and a symbol of law and civilization. It’s also full of white people, which makes Othello, a black Moor, stand out among the Venetians.
Why is Cyprus so important to Venice in Othello?
Ironically, Cyprus was also revered as the birthplace of Venus Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who was reputedly born in ocean foam and washed ashore near Nicosia. Inspired by this amorous deity, Cyprus provides the perfect location for Iago to convince Othello of his wife’s sexual infidelity.
Is Othello from Venice?
Othello is set in Venice, presumably sometime in the latter half of the sixteenth-century. Venice was at war with the Ottoman empire between 1570 and 1573, so the play’s reference to the threat of an attack on Cyprus could reflect a setting sometime during this period.
Who were the Venetians in Othello?
The Venetians were Italians, of course, who the Elizabethans viewed as temperamental, passionate, and romantic. In Othello, the Moors were people of dark skin from eastern Africa and were Muslim. The Venetians in Shakespeare’s “Othello” are the citizens of Venice, Italy, where the play is set.
Why did Shakespeare choose Venice and Cyprus as locations for Othello?
We know that Shakespeare liked to set his plays in exotic locations like Verona or Cyprus because he wanted to entertain and transport his audience. … So Shakespeare wanted his audience to be exposed to other places outside of England.
Which two groups are at war in Othello?
Shakespeare set Othello against the epic backdrop of an ongoing religious conflict between Christian Republic of Venice and the Muslim Ottoman Empire.
What do the Cypriots think of Othello?
1) The Cypriots perceive Othello by means of a “worthy governor” (line 32) and also provide him with great respect. 2) They make him seem like a larger man rather than a smaller one because they constantly boast about him, talking about how wonderful he is.
Did Iago die?
In a vain attempt to prevent his scheme from being revealed, Iago stabs and kills Emilia, and is then taken prisoner while Othello, lamenting the loss of his wife, kills himself next to her. Notably, Iago is left wounded but alive at the end of the play.
What race is Othello?
Although Othello is a Moor, and although we often assume he is from Africa, he never names his birthplace in the play. In Shakespeare’s time, Moors could be from Africa, but they could also be from the Middle East, or even Spain. American actor John Edward McCullough as Othello in 1878.
Why does Othello kill himself?
Iago manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona is unfaithful, stirring Othello’s jealousy. Othello allows jealousy to consume him, murders Desdemona, and then kills himself.
What were the Venetians known for?
Venice achieved territorial conquests along the Adriatic Sea. Venice became home to an extremely wealthy merchant class, who patronized renowned art and architecture along the city’s lagoons. Venetian merchants were influential financiers in Europe. … Venetian citizens generally supported the system of governance.
What rank was Othello?
The military hierarchy in William Shakespeare’s “Othello” consists of Othello as the top-ranking officer, or general, Cassio as the second in rank, or lieutenant, and Iago as the third-ranking officer, the ancient. Aside from rank, each of these major characters also has a different heritage.
Who were the Moors in Venice?
Othello is called ‘the Moor of Venice. ‘ He is the general of the Venetian army, and the play begins in Venice, Italy.
Why does Roderigo want to drown himself?
Why does Roderigo want to drown himself? … He lays out his plan to cheat Roderigo out of his money, to convince Othello that Cassio has slept with Desdemona, and to use Othello’s honest and unsuspecting nature to bring him to his demise.
What does Iago compare jealousy to?
Iago refers to jealousy as the “green-eyed monster.” As this metaphor suggests, jealousy is closely associated with the theme of appearance and reality. For instance, at one point Othello demands that Iago provide “ocular proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity—he demands to see reality.
What animal does Iago call Othello?
Iago calls Othello a “Barbary horse,” an “old black ram,” and also tells Brabanzio that his daughter and Othello are “making the beast with two backs” (I.i. 117–118 ).