The Tragedy of Othello is a tale set in two vastly different settings, Venice
Venice
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is situated on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. The islands are located in the shallow Venetian Lagoon, an enclosed bay that lies between the mouths of the Po and the P…
Cyprus
Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean and the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, located south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and Palestine, north of Egypt, and southeast of Greece.
What is the setting of Shakespeare's play Othello?
Setting refers to the time, location, and social environment in which a story is set. Explore the setting of William Shakespeare's tragic play ''Othello'' and the symbolic meanings of Venice and Cyprus. Updated: 12/07/2021 When you see a play, do you notice where and when it takes place?
How does Shakespeare use language in Othello?
Shakespeare uses the language of the characters to achieve this multifaceted quality. Through the use of language (specifically Iago, Othello, and Desdemona), Shakespeare propels the plot, engages the audience, creates dramatic irony, and reveals the characters’ psyches.
How does Shakespeare use two settings to reveal Othello’s tragic flaw?
Ultimately, with the help of the two settings, Othello reveals his tragic flaw of insecurity. The Tragedy of Othello is a tale set in two vastly different settings, Venice, a refined and civilized city and Cyprus, a war clambered island. Shakespeare uses this harsh contrast in order to intensify the feeling behind the characters’ actions.
What is the purpose of the opening scene in Othello?
This scene serves as the beginning of the play and as well as Othello’s love tragedy. I think Shakespeare has used different technique to write the opening scene unlike the other writer, different way to catch audience’s attention and attract their attention by submerging them into the scene.
How many settings are there in the play Othello?
two placesHow many settings are in Othello? The play is set in two places.
What is the setting as Othello opens?
Othello begins on a street in Venice, in the midst of an argument between Roderigo and Iago. The rich Roderigo has been paying Iago to help him win Desdemona's hand in marriage, but he has seen no progress, and he has just learned that Desdemona has married Othello, a general whom Iago serves as ensign.
Where is Othello mostly set?
Othello (full title: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice) is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, probably in 1603, set in the contemporary Ottoman–Venetian War (1570–1573) fought for the control of the Island of Cyprus, a possession of the Venetian Republic since 1489.
Why did Shakespeare set Othello in Cyprus?
Cyprus is threatened by the Turks; Othello's peace of mind and marriage are threatened by Iago. Othello is sent to Cyprus to govern and restore peace. Instead of bringing peace, Othello destroys his wife and then himself. Cyprus is also an isolated setting, which is psychologically appropriate.
What is the setting of Othello quizlet?
Venice street, outside Brabantio's house. Venice street outside Sagittary Inn.
What is the setting of Othello Act 1?
The setting is Venice, Italy. Act I begins in medius res, or in the middle of the action. The first three lines imply that Roderigo has been giving Iago money, but we don't know for what. Their conversation goes right into how much they dislike Othello.
What does Venice symbolize in Othello?
In Othello, Venice represents civilization, while Cyprus symbolizes the wilderness. The idea is that what happened in the Cyprus never would happen in the civilized city of Venice.
Why is Othello called the Moor?
Othello is referred to as the Moor because of his dark skin color. The term was initially used to describe people from the ancient Roman province, which is now North Africa, but over time the word "Moor" became an ambiguous term used to describe anyone who had dark skin.
What are the major themes in 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 is the importance of setting in Othello?
As a setting, Venice serves Shakespeare's needs of a place where a non-European, and potentially non-Christian, man could both hold significant authority but still be distrusted. A second factor which may have informed Shakespeare's decision to set his play in Venice was the city's reputation as a hub of prostitution.
Why was Othello set in Italy?
'It contained both warring city-states and sophisticated political entities like the Venetian Republic. By setting his plays in Italy, Shakespeare could deal with issues – including political assassinations such as the one in Julius Caesar – that would have landed him in trouble if he'd set them in England.
What are three themes Othello presents?
Othello ThemesPrejudice. The most prominent form of prejudice on display in Othello is racial prejudice. ... Appearance vs. Reality. ... Jealousy. ... Manhood and Honor. ... Womanhood and Sexuality.
What is the significance of the opening scene in Othello?
The play opens as Iago is telling Roderigo that he hates Othello because Othello has promoted Cassio to be his lieutenant instead of him, even though Cassio 'never set a squadron in the field' and has much less experience. Iago tells Roderigo 'I follow him to serve my turn upon him'.
Is Othello set in Venice or Cyprus?
Shakespeare's Othello is subtitled “The Moor of Venice”, and as such the play has a few scenes at the beginning set in Renaissance Venice. However, most of the play is set in Cyprus, in a selection of public places, and various places in and around a castle.
Where in Cyprus is Othello set?
Othello Castle (Greek: Πύργος του Oθέλλου, Turkish: Othello Kalesi), also known as Othello's Tower, is a castle in Famagusta, Cyprus. It was built by the Lusignans in the 14th century, and was later modified by the Venetians.
What is Othello's position in Venice?
Role. Othello is a Moorish prince living in Venice as an ambassador of the Moors. After time in Venice, Othello is appointed general in the Venetian Army. His officer Iago tricks him into believing that his wife Desdemona is having an affair with his Lieutenant, Michael Cassio.
Where does Othello take place?
Othello takes place in Venice, the famous Italian city, and Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea colonized by the Venetians at the time. The play is set during the early modern period, roughly Shakespeare's time in history.
What is setting in Shakespearean theatre?
Setting is the time and place of a work of drama. It can be useful in determining stage conventions and the kinds of cultural or technological possibilities available. Shakespearean theatre often included anachronisms, or untimely features, that were able to draw attention to important social issues.
What is the plot of Iago and Desdemona?
When all arrive at Cyprus, Iago engineers a plot to completely destroy a happy marriage by tricking Othello into believing that Desdemona lives up to her Venetian reputation by sinfully desiring the suave Lieutenant Cassio.
What are anachronisms in Shakespeare's plays?
Anachronisms include props, speech elements, or references that demonstrably do not belong to the play's time period or place.
What is the setting of a play?
The setting of a play is the location in place and time of its events. The setting influences many important elements in a play. The location affects our expectations about things such as the kind of language used, clothing worn, and cultural conventions. Time period creates expectations about those same things and more, including available technology and the background of real historical events.
Where did Othello come from?
Othello is a seasoned general who has spent years fighting the Turkish forces for Venice. He comes most likely from northern Africa, since he is referred to as a moor, an ethnic and cultural term that the English used to describe a variety of predominantly Muslim peoples from the southern Mediterranean region, especially southern Spain and northern Africa.
When you see a play, do you notice where and when it takes place?
When you see a play, do you notice where and when it takes place? Would it matter if it were different? Famous Greek Philosopher Aristotle recommended that good drama maintain a unity of time and place, meaning that a play should take place in one spot and over a realistic span of time. Some plays do this, but many do not, scattering their events across diverse locations and time periods.
What is the focus of Othello?
There are two principal locations, Venice and Cyprus, but gradually our attention becomes fixed on a single bedroom, creating a feeling of claustrophobia that is unique in Shakespeare’s tragedies. The outer world becomes insignificant as Othello becomes obsessed and jealous. The use of Venice as a location is significant. At the end of the sixteenth century, dramatists began to use Italy as a suitable location for revenge tragedies . The Italians were thought to be worldly and Venice in particular was associated with everything that was culturally sophisticated. It was a location that suggested power, order and wealth.
Why was Venice used as a location?
The use of Venice as a location is significant. At the end of the sixteenth century, dramatists began to use Italy as a suitable location for revenge tragedies . The Italians were thought to be worldly and Venice in particular was associated with everything that was culturally sophisticated.
Why is the setting of Othello important?
The setting of Othello is ideal to show the cultural and visual isolation of its main protagonist. In the play, even when we notice the faith invested in the character of Othello, due to the setting, one can still see the possible distrust in the heart of characters like Roderigo, Iago and Brabantio who are possibly more native to ...
Where is Othello set?
Shakespeare’s works are always informed by real historic events on which he does the rework to reveal the human sides in it. The play Othello is set in Venice and the time shown in the play must have been the second half of the 16 th century because that’s when this country was going through a war with ...
Why did they choose Venice to set the play in?
The conscious fact for choosing Venice to set the play in is due to the character of Othello who is a moor of Venice. Venice is known for its multicultural composition.
How does Othello change?
Othello begins changing from a confident and secure man to a self-doubting individual. He shows this by doubting the faithfulness in his marriage. Even though Iago plants the seed of unfaithfulness in Othello’s brain, Othello is the one who allows it to spiral out of control.
What are the effects of the environment in Othello?
Effects of the Environment in Othello In The Tragedy of Othello, an epic tale of love and revenge, Shakespeare introduces major themes of jealousy and self-preservation. Shakespeare uses sharp contrast of settings to convey and amplify feelings brought on by the characters’ actions. The civilized city of Venice and the cut off island of Cyprus bring out the differences in personalities among the main characters, leading them to act as different as the two settings. Venice keeps these characters more dignified in their actions with the overwhelming feeling of the council/public watching.
Why did Iago use Roderigo to tell Barbantio about his daughter's marriage?
He was forced to rely on others to enact his plans. Due to his lack of power within the city of Venice , Iago had to use Roderigo to tell Barbantio about his daughter’s marriage. Iago instructs Roderigo to, “Call up her father, rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight.
What does Emilia say to Iago?
Emilia states, “I’ll have the work ta’en out And give’t Iago. What he will do with it, Heaven knowns, not I; I nothing but to please his fantasy. (Shakespeare, 1091)” Iago also uses his new found power to manipulate Cassio into looking guilty in Othello’s eyes. Iago plants Desdemona’s handkerchief in Cassio’s room to make it appear they are having an affair. Iago also tricks Cassio into appearing as though he is confessing to relations with Desdemona but in fact he is bragging about his relations with a prostitute names Bianca.
Why does Othello feel there is no choice but to kill himself?
After the truth unveils itself, Othello feels there is no choice but to kill himself as well. This ordeal would never happen in Venice because Othello understand his rank and customs. Because the setting has changed to where Othello is in complete control, Othello abuses his power.
Why is Othello the most powerful man in the world?
(Shakespeare, 1018)” But while in Cyprus, Othello is the most powerful man because he is the commanding officer. However, this power has made him loose trust in almost everyone around him and led to his insanity. Othello begins changing from a confident and secure man to a self-doubting individual. He shows this by doubting the faithfulness in his marriage.
Who is Desdemona's father?
This is shown by Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, when he is angered by news of a robbery occurring in Venice. Brabantio states, “What tell’st thou me of robbing? This is Venice, My house is not a grange (Shakespeare, 1015). ” This type of lifestyle is not equivalent to the lifestyle Desdemona has while in Cyprus. Desdemona changes while in Cyprus from an adventurous women of Venice to a loyal general’s wife. Desdemona’s loyalty is so powerful she overks the physical and mental abuse of her husband. Othello publicly slaps Desdemona and calls her a whore. Othello states, “Are you not a strumpet? “What, not a whore? (Shakespeare, 1077)” Just from the change in setting Desdemona’s lifestyle went from happily newlywed to wrongfully abused wife. Iago is portrayed as the antagonist in Othello; even though, throughout the play Iago is commonly referred to as ‘honest Iago’. Similar to Desdemona, the two different settings of Venice and Cyprus, also affected Iago. While in Venice, Iago did not have control of much power. He was forced to rely on others to enact his plans. Due to his lack of power within the city of Venice, Iago had to use Roderigo to tell Barbantio about his daughter’s marriage.
Why does Shakespeare use Othello's language?
His speech manages to deteriorate from grandiose orations to monosyllabic utterances. Shakespeare uses Othello’s language to directly reflect his psyche. As Iago’s accusations of Desdemona’s infidelity start to eat away at Othello’s trust, there is a change in his speech pattern.
What is Shakespeare's Othello?
Shakespeare’s Othello (Shakespeare, 1604) is a tragedy that unfolds based on the actions and language of one character: Iago. As a result, the plot is linear, yet the play manages to maintain a multidimensional effect. Shakespeare uses the language of the characters to achieve this multifaceted quality. Through the use of language (specifically ...
What does Desdemona say before she dies?
This lyric confusion is deliberate and further foreshadows the events of Desdemona’s death. Before Desdemona dies Emilia asks her, “O who has done this deed?” and Desdemonda answers, “Nobody, I myself farewell:/ Commend me to my kind lord, O, farewell!” (V:ii:124-126). Rather than place the blame on Othello, Desdemona falsely claims that she has killed herself. Another technique that Shakespeare uses is repetition. Often in the play there are words or phrases repeated two, three, even four times. This technique has several different purposes. On one hand, use of repetition fuses one idea between two characters, as shown in the following example: Iago Lie. Othello With her? Iago With her, on her, what you will. Othello Lie with her, lie on her? – We say lie on her, when they belie her, – lie with her, zounds, that’s fulsome! (IV:I:31-36)
What is the first impression of Othello?
Preconceived notions of the play being about a black man notwithstanding, the first impression of Othello is associated with the unnamed man that Iago and Roderigo are in the middle of slandering when the play begins.
What does Shakespeare mean by "like mindedness"?
Shakespeare indicates Iago and Othello’s agreement and like-mindedness through the use of the repeating words; like a musical duet the two characters bounce ideas off one another and arrive in harmony. In this instance they agree upon Desdemona’s infidelity.
What pentameter does Othello use?
Both Othello and short-spoken Iago articulate in fluid iambic pent ameter when addressing the audience in their monologues. In both instances this allows the audience a full glimpse of the private thoughts of each character. This is especially important with the character of Iago, because he propels the plot of the play.
What is the song in Othello?
The song is a harbinger of what is to happen in the immediate future; it indicates that Desdemona is about to die at the hands of her husband.
How does Shakespeare keep the audience from falling asleep?
By bringing the audience into the scene, to the street of Venice immediately and hear the whole conversation between Iago and Roderigo, the audience learn what is about the story.
How does Iago want to make trouble for Othello?
Iago wants to make trouble for Othello by giving trouble and provoking Brabantio. This scene serves as the beginning of the play and as well as Othello’s love tragedy. I think Shakespeare has used different technique to write the opening scene unlike the other writer, different way to catch audience’s attention and attract their attention by submerging them into the scene. This makes the audience be a part of the act and also clearly understand the story setting. The scene also indicates the beginning of the doom of Othello.
What does Roderigo want to do with Desdemona?
Roderigo wants to take Desdemona be his girlfriend. It’s kind of jealous of Othello. What will happen if hatred and jealous are combined? It will turn out as revenge. We can know Iago plans to make trouble for Othello. “Call up her father: Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight, Proclaim him in the street, incense her kinsmen, And though he in a fertile climate dwell, Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy, Yet throw such chances of vexation on’t As it may lose some colour. ”
What does Shakespeare make the audience feel like?
He makes the audience feel like being a passer- by in the street of Venice. They hear the argument between Iago and Roderigo. Then follow them to Brabantio like paparazzi. Shakespeare keeps the audience stick to the story.
Did Shakespeare use the submerging technique in Othello?
Have you ever watched a drama that immediately submerges the audience in the opening scene? Yes? No? Shakespeare used this technique in Othello, but why? What effect does he want this opening scene to have on the audience? Keep them interested in his story. Of course, all composers and writers want their readers to read on, want to attract their attention, even Shakespeare. Shakespeare wants to put audience in the scene, in the play. Let the audience be a part of the play by submerging the audience in the deception via Iago’s speech from the opening scene.
Does Shakespeare use reverse chronology?
Unlike the other plays and dramas, Shakespeare does not use reverse chronology, but let the audience know what is happening in the story at the beginning. From the opening scene, the audience can know that Roderigo has paid Iago to spy on Othello because Roderigo wishes to take Desdemona, who is Othello’s girlfriend as his own, and also Othello has married Desdemona. Shakespeare makes everything clear in the opening scene, then the audience would not feel puzzled about the story’s theme and what it is about.
Where is Othello set?
However, most of the play is set in Cyprus, in a selection of public places, and various places in and around a castle.
Why was Cyprus important to Shakespeare?
In Shakespeare’s time, Cyprus was an island right on the edge of European territory – a military post to keep an eye on the Turks, who were always ready to disrupt European trade and to fight them if necessary. Shake speare has made the characters in Othello soldiers, and the setting in a military base is important as Shakespeare wants to make ...
Why is the setting in a military base important?
Shakespeare has made the characters in Othello soldiers, and the setting in a military base is important as Shakespeare wants to make the army the play’s context. The map below shows all the locations Shakespeare used for Othello. You can zoom in on the map for a more detailed view of an area, and click the icons on the map for more information.
