OTHELLO
William Shakespeare
An English playwright and poet
Wrote "Othello" around 1603
Anne Hathaway
Shakespeare wife, they married in 1588
Queen Elizabeth I
Known for her patronage of arts
Ruled England during 1558-1603
King James I of England
Shakespeare's company, the King's Men, performed before him.
Commissioned the King James Version of the Bible.
Succeeded Queen Elizabeth I in 1603
The Divine Right of Kings
Belief that kings derive their authority from God
Influential concept during the time of King James I.
Social Hierarchy
Stratified society with nobility, gentry, and commoners
Social status played a significant role in "Othello."
Marriage
Central theme in "Othello", exploring jealousy and betrayal.
Racial Discrimination
Othello, a Moor, faces racial prejudice and discrimination.
His marriage to Desdemona challenges societal norms
The Moors
Moors were Muslim inhabitants of North Africa.
Othello's Moorish heritage is central to the play.
Relationship Between Christian Venice and Islamic Turkey
Reflects the historical tension between Christian Europe and the Ottoman Empire
Venice and Turkey were major powers during this period.
The Battle of Lepanto, 1571
Naval battle between the Holy League and the Ottoman Empire.
Relevant to "Othello" due to the ongoing conflict between Venice and the Ottoman Turks.