A Cultural Context for Othello Notes from an

A Cultural Context for Othello Notes from an article by Kristin Johnsen-Neshati (Associate Professor of Theatre at George Mason University) 2005

• 1 st performance : 1 November 1604 • “Early 17 th century English attitudes toward non-Europeans were largely shaped by the government’s diplomatic policies and. . . exotic stories brought back by travelers overseas. “

“Moor” – referred to North Africans, West Africans, or even non-whites or Muslims of any origin. • Were often referred to as “devils” or “villains” • “Commonly stereotyped as sexually overactive, prone to jealousy and generally wicked. ” • Public associated “blackness” with moral corruption. (Whiteness was the sign of purity; blackness indicated sin. )

Moors were granted “full diplomatic recognition” by Queen Elizabeth I for their help in conquering Spain. • 1601 – she deported them (fears of irregular behavior and overpopulation) • Not associated with slavery (that came later in the 1600 s) • Elizabethans thought of a person with dark skin as a “bestial force, dangerous because of his sexuality, temper and magical powers. ”

Shakespeare uses these racial stereotypes in his dialogue – lines from Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantio are particularly noticeable early in the play. • Causes audience to form impression of Othello before he appears • Once we meet Othello, we must judge him in person, not from what others say about him • Shakespeare transforms the Moor from the original story (an exotic and passionate stereotype) into a tragic figure of flesh and blood • “Through the treachery of a surprising white devil, Shakespeare challenges his audience to spot the true color of villainy”

Setting -- Venice • Venetian law – army general was required to be a foreigner. • Would have admired Othello for his valor and leadership, but still object to his marrying into a Venetian family. • Shakespeare challenges the audience to consider the person before us rather than judge him by abstract assumptions used to dismiss Moors in general. • “Sets up familiar stereotypes to explode them and to teach his audience compassion for those whom society uses but never fully embraces as countrymen. ”