Historical Background Flashcards Preview

Tragedy Othello- English Lit- A Level > Historical Background > Flashcards

Flashcards in Historical Background Deck (7)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What were black people regarded as in an Elizabethan society?

A

They stereotyped black people as lustful, savage and associated with sin.
Black characters in Elizabethan literature were usually villains.

2
Q

How did Shakespeare challenge stereotypes?

A

He portrayed a black man as the noble protagonist and made Iago a white man the villain in the play.

3
Q

What was the plot of Othello inspired by?

A

Un Capitano Moro story by Italian writer Cinthio.
Story was about how it was unwise for European women to marry men from other races - Shakespeare makes moral more ambiguous.

4
Q

What would have an early audience have thought about white women marrying black man?

A

Shocked.

Shakespeare explores the exception that interracial marriages are unnatural in his play.

5
Q

Where is Othello set?

A

Initially in Venice but then action moves to Cyprus which is under threat of invasion from the Turks.

6
Q

At the time Shakespeare was writing what was Venice like?

A

Good for trading.
Sophisticated.
Cultured.
Wealthy.

7
Q

What was Venice known for?

A

Sexual tolerance.

Venetian women seem as promiscuous.