Othello Web Quest: Faces, Races and Places
Othello: A Moor from Mauritania
In Shakespeare's "Othello," the term "Moor" is used to describe the protagonist, Othello, who is a military commander in the Venetian army. Historically, the term "Moor" was broadly applied in early modern Europe to refer to Muslims of North African or Middle Eastern descent, particularly those from Northern Africa. In the context of the play, Othello's identity as a Moor is significant because it sets him apart socially and culturally from the predominantly white Venetian society in which he lives and serves. This distinction is central to the plot and themes of the play. Othello's racial and cultural background is both a source of fascination and discrimination, influencing his relationships and how other characters perceive and interact with him.
Mauritania is mentioned in the play as Othello’s land of origin. Historically, Mauritania refers to an ancient area of North Africa that was inhabited by the Mauri people and later became part of the Roman Empire. In the context of the play, Mauritania is used to refer to the region generally associated with where the historical Moors came from. By Shakespeare's time, the name "Mauritania" had become somewhat anachronistic, and its modern-day namesake, the country of Mauritania, was not known by that name until much later.
Otherness, Stereotyping, and Irony
The depiction of Othello as a Moor carries several connotations:
Otherness: Othello is often seen as an outsider despite his high rank and professional success. His race makes him a subject of scrutiny and exoticization, contributing to his complex identity within the play. Othello's identity as a Moor influences his treatment by other characters in the play by making him a subject of racial scrutiny and exoticization, which complicates his social integration and acceptance despite his high rank and professional success.
Stereotyping and Prejudice: Throughout the play, Othello faces various racial stereotypes and prejudiced remarks from other characters. These reflect the racial attitudes of the time and fuel the tragic events of the story. Racial stereotypes play a critical role in the development of the plot in "Othello" as they fuel misunderstandings and conflicts among characters, ultimately contributing to the tragic events, including Othello's own actions driven by jealousy and manipulation.
Contrasts and Irony: Shakespeare uses Othello’s Moorish identity to explore themes of civilization versus barbarism, insiders versus outsiders, and the complexity of human emotions like jealousy and love. Shakespeare uses the contrast between civilization and barbarism to explore deeper themes in "Othello" by juxtaposing Othello's cultured, articulate demeanor and his violent actions, thus examining the complexities of identity, belonging, and emotional responses such as jealousy and love within a societal framework that views him as an outsider.
Venice/Venetians
In Shakespeare's "Othello," Venice, a seaport in Italy, serves as the backdrop for the early scenes of the play and represents a crucial setting that shapes the narrative's development. Venice, during the time Shakespeare wrote, was perceived as a powerful and influential maritime republic, known for its commercial success and political stability.
Center of Authority and Power: Venice is depicted as the heart of political and military power. It is from Venice that orders are issued, including the decision to appoint Othello as the governor of Cyprus to defend against the Turkish invasion. The city is portrayed as a place of rationality, law, and order.
Cultural and Racial Dynamics: Although Venice in "Othello" is a cosmopolitan hub attracting people from various backgrounds, it is also a place where racial and cultural differences are pronounced. Othello, as a Moor, holds a high military position yet faces racism and is seen as an outsider. This contrast highlights the complexities and contradictions of Venetian society.
Reflection of Conflicts: The setting in Venice also serves to reflect internal conflicts within the characters. The juxtaposition of Othello's distinguished service to Venice and his personal insecurities tied to his racial identity illustrates the tension between public acceptance and private turmoil.
Cyprus/Cypriots
Cyprus plays a pivotal role as the primary setting for much of the action in the play. The island of Cyprus, strategically located in the Mediterranean Sea, was historically significant for its geopolitical value, particularly to maritime powers like Venice, which controlled it during the time of the play.
The isolation of Cyprus amplifies the themes of jealousy and manipulation. The physical separation from Venice allows for the intensification of Othello’s internal conflicts and insecurities, which are exploited by Iago.
Strategic Military Outpost: Cyprus is depicted as a crucial Venetian stronghold against the Ottoman Turks. The threat of Turkish invasion underscores much of the play’s early tension, as Venice seeks to defend its territory against potential conquest.
Isolated Setting: Unlike the cosmopolitan and politically stable environment of Venice, Cyprus is portrayed as a remote and somewhat frontier-like setting. This isolation from the main centers of power contributes to the unfolding of the dramatic events, as characters are removed from the checks and balances of Venetian society.
Catalyst for Drama: The transfer of the action from Venice to Cyprus marks a shift in the play from a political to a personal focus. In the isolated military environment, personal relationships come to the forefront, and Iago’s manipulations find fertile ground to take root, leading to jealousy, betrayal, and tragedy.
Turks/ Turkey/Ottomon Empire
Turkey and the Turks: In the play, "the Turks" generally refer to the Ottoman Turks, subjects of the Ottoman Empire, which was an expansive empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Turks wanted to control Cyprus, but it belonged to Venice in the early 1600's The Ottoman Empire at its peak controlled vast territories across Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It was one of the most powerful states in the world and was often in conflict with the various European powers, including Venice.
The Ottoman Empire's threat to Venice is a key element of the dramatic tension in "Othello." The play begins with news that the Turkish fleet is sailing towards Cyprus, a Venetian colony at the time, posing an imminent threat of invasion. This threat sets the stage for Othello's appointment as the governor of Cyprus and moves the primary action of the play from Venice to this strategically important island.