Othello Social and Historical Context

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Othello Social and Historical Context

Race

  • Othello's race is debatable. "Moor" now refers to inhabitants of North Africa, who conqured Spain in the 8th century
  • The term, "Moor" was used broadly during the period 
  • Views in England regarding Moors were more complex because of a strong anti-Catholic sentiment, and they feared invasion by the Spanish
  • It is questioned that a Moorish Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth I was an inspiration for Othello
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Othello Social and Historical Context

Race

  • Appearance was supposed to indicate what lies within, good or evil. For example, a physical deformity was considered to be a mark of the devil
  • Black was traditionally the colour of evil and the devil according to Biblical and mythological sources
  • Interracial couples would have been frowned upon
  • Blck people were regarded as exoctic, but potentially savage, threatening, or dangerous 
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Othello Social and Historical Context

Women

  • Women were viewed as possessions who were financially dependent upon their fathers until they were 'handed over' to their husbands
  • A woman's valued virtues were chastity, modesty, obedience and faithfulness to their husbands
  • Women lacked and were considered subordinate 
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Othello Social and Historical Context

Society

  • In cantrast to her sister Mary, Queen Elizabeth's reign resulted in a society where Catholics were feared and distrusted. This continued into the Jacobean era
  • England was a superstitious country, and people believed believed in omens and portents 
  • Witches and witchcraft were the object of morbid and fevered fascination throughout the reign of King James
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