Essay on Social Origins of Othello - 643 Words

Shakespeare adapted Othello from Giraldi Cinthios Hecatommithi, but he altered the original story. The central point of Cinthios story is that one should look for marriage partners from the same ethnic and cultural background, whereas Shakespeares play explores the relationship of the lovers, as well as the villains plans to destroy that relationship. The opening act of Othello takes place in Venice, but the primary setting is Cyprus. Venice is a city-state of enormous wealth and the center of Christian resistance to the Turks, Venice was an important port, like London, and there was commercial competition between the two. Its trade was being blocked by the growing power of the Turkish Empire in the 16th Century, which extended†¦show more content†¦Othello, a Moor, is a soldier, a military leader, who, after much battlefield experience, is currently employed by Venice as the Governor-General of Cyprus. He is both a captain and a general. He holds a high position and is greatly respected. In Act I, he is sent by the Venetian government to defend Cyprus against and impending attack by the Turks. The play is vague about Othellos exact origin. He displays heroic qualities of courage and strength. He is physically impressive and passionate. What set him apart is that he is dark-skinned, a foreigner, a stranger and outside r. He doesnt belong in the society in which he lives. He stands apart from everyone else as a man of another race, from another country and much of the conflict that he faces is because he doesnt belong and fit in with Venetian society. Desdemonna, of fair complexion, is a Venetian of privileged background, has good breeding and is virtuous. Cassio is a gentleman of noble birth. He comes from Florence, a city known for its high culture. He is educated and trained in the warfare and has fine manners with ladies. Roderigo and Iago are Spanish in origin. Roderigo is also a gentleman, of noble birth and from Venice. Iago does not appear to be of noble birth and is not affluent. He is Othellos ensign. Iago, althoughShow MoreRelatedDifferences Between Film And Othello1503 Words   |  7 PagesThroughout the years the play Othello by William Shakespeare has been adapted both on the screen and on stage many times. The questions or race and racism that have quite often been a point of discussion with William Shakespeare’s play Othello can be seen through the bard, however some may argue that Othello’s skin colour was purely a plot device. This paper will look at two film that have been re-made since the 1960’s, which provides an analysis of the concept of race and how political ideas andRead MoreAnalyzing Humanity in Othello: The Reason Why it is Still Worth Studying1675 Words   |  7 PagesHumanity in Othello: The Reason It is Still Worth Studying Dr. David Allen White of the US Naval Academy asserts that we are all Iago now (White 2000). 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