Historical Context

Shakespeare’s Othello, written in the early 1600s, is influenced by various historical and cultural elements of the time, including the status of the Moors, the significance of Venice and Cyprus, the theater scene in England, and the roles of women in Elizabethan society. Understanding these contexts helps to explain the play’s themes, characters, and conflicts.

The Moors

The Moors were people from North Africa, likely of Berber and Arab descent. In the 8th century, they conquered the Iberian Peninsula, which includes modern-day Spain and Portugal, introducing the Islamic religion to the region, which had been mostly Christian. The Moors ruled parts of the peninsula for about 700 years before being pushed out in 1492, the same year Christopher Columbus set sail for the Americas.

The word “Moor” comes from Greek and Latin terms meaning “black” or “dark.” While some sources describe the Moors as light-skinned Berbers, others use the term to refer to people of the Muslim faith, regardless of appearance. The names of modern countries like Morocco and Mauritania are derived from the word “Moor.”

Venice

Venice, a powerful city-state during the Renaissance, was a major center of trade, wealth, and military power. By the 12th century, Venice had a strong navy and became the richest city in Europe, controlling trade routes between Europe and the East. It was ruled by powerful Venetian families and was known for its religious tolerance, despite being a Christian republic.

Venice’s role in Othello reflects its significance as a political and military force. Othello, a respected general in the Venetian army, is valued for his skills, but his position is complicated by his outsider status. Venice’s multicultural environment and military focus are key to the setting of the play, especially as it transitions to the island of Cyprus, where much of the action occurs.

Cyprus

Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, has long been contested by various empires due to its strategic location. By the time Shakespeare wrote Othello, Cyprus had been under Venetian control since 1489, after the queen of Cyprus gave up her throne to Venice. However, in 1571, the island was captured by the Ottoman Turks after a series of battles.

In Othello, Cyprus serves as the backdrop for much of the play’s tension and conflict. Othello is sent to defend the island from the Turkish threat, which mirrors the real historical battles between Venice and the Ottoman Empire. The isolated setting of Cyprus heightens the personal drama, as Othello’s jealousy and Iago’s schemes unfold away from the political center of Venice.

Elizabethan Theatre

During Shakespeare’s time, theater was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in England. Acting troupes, often sponsored by noblemen, performed plays for both common people and the upper class. However, theaters were often seen as rowdy places, and there were concerns about public gatherings spreading disease and encouraging immoral behavior.

Shakespeare’s plays were performed at famous theaters like The Globe, an open-air theater where audiences from different social classes could watch performances. The Globe had a standing area called the “pit” where the poorest people watched, while wealthier viewers sat in covered sections.

The Elizabethan theater had no actresses, so young boys played female roles like Desdemona. Costumes were elaborate, but there was little focus on scenery, as the language and acting carried the performance. Shakespeare’s language in Othello reflects this style, using vivid imagery, symbolism, and complex characters to engage the audience.

Elizabethan Women

In Elizabethan England, women had limited rights and were expected to be obedient to their husbands and fathers. They could not vote, attend school, or work in most professions. Women’s primary roles were to marry, have children, and manage the household. The idea that men were superior to women was widely accepted, and women were seen as needing male guidance and protection.

This societal view of women is evident in Othello. Desdemona, for example, is expected to be loyal and submissive to her husband, Othello, even when he accuses her unjustly. Emilia, Iago’s wife, also reflects the limited power of women, as she follows her husband’s orders despite her suspicions. The play explores the consequences of these strict gender roles, particularly the vulnerability of women like Desdemona, who become victims of the jealousy and control of the men around them.