Using Othello as a Comparative Text: The Cultural Context


and Venice was viewed as a sophisticated place of stylish civilisation.


It was important to the Duke and Venetian Senate that the trading routes should be kept open to facilitate the city’s lucrative trade. They had a powerful army to protect these routes against the state’s enemy, the Ottoman Turk. The Senate often employed a foreigner to lead this force because they were fearful of giving so much military power to one of their own citizens.


It was also easy to dismiss contracted foreign mercenaries, such as the Moor, ‘there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in Othello’s place’. This city’s setting is one of power, romance and culture, an appropriate background for Othello and Desdemona’s love story. Yet in Shakespeare’s time Italy is also associated with villainy, racism, decadence and corruption with many brothels and casinos. Bianca, the courtesan, and Iago embody these Italian vices.


In Act 2, the action of the play moves to the island of Cyprus. This far-flung part of the Venetian Empire was important because it was situated on a major trade route from the East to the West. At the start of the play, Cyprus is under imminent attack from the Turks. On a symbolic level, the island’s vulnerability and isolation mirror similar


In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks They dare not show their husbands


Iago Act 3 Scene 3, l.224–5


Othello


traits in the protagonist, Othello. Its distance from the civilised world of Venice makes it a credible location for the uncontrolled passions that rage there.


Military setting


The domestic love story of Othello and Desdemona is placed against a turbulent military background. Othello will struggle to combine the conflicting demands of work and love. A person’s job is often a reflection of character and reputation. The prestigious position of general has been conferred on Othello largely because of his reputation, ‘You have been hotly called for’. He is admired for his heroism and leadership. This prominent position suggests that Othello is loyal, trustworthy and courageous. Montano admires the Moor as one who ‘commands/ Like a full soldier’. Othello himself gloried in ‘Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war’.


The rank of lieutenant is second-in-command. He deputises for the general when he is not available. As second officer, the lieutenant is expected to have the same qualities as the general. However, Michael Cassio lets Othello down and loses his reputation by giving in to Iago’s temptation, ‘’Tis a night of revels: the gallants desire it’.


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