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.