Context Flashcards

(12 cards)

1
Q

Which scholar highlighted the 4 elements of a Shakespeare play? What are the 4 elements?

A
  • Scholar: Fantasia.
  • 4 elements:
  • Chaos/ figure of authority/ dramatic action/ resolution (deaths in tragedies.)
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2
Q

What type of Shakespeare play is “Othello?”

A
  • Tragedy
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3
Q

What play was Shakespare writing alongside Othello?

A
  • Play with sexual themes; “Measure for measure”
  • May have been an influence in sexual references used in Othello ie. Iago’s speech.
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4
Q

What story is Othello based on?

A
  • 1565 Italian “Cinthio.”
  • Called “The Moorish Captain.”
  • Ensign seeks revenge on Captain, making him believe wife is unfaithful.
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5
Q

When was play first performed? Significance of time it was performed?

A
  • 1604 .
  • Jacobean Era.
  • Dark times due to political instability ie. those questioning James I reign due to being Scottish (Gunpowder Plot.)
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6
Q

How was play performed for contemporary audiences?

A
  • Both public
  • and private (for James I/ his Kingsmen.)
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7
Q

Black people in Jacobean England?

A
  • There were black people.
  • Weren’t viewed as racially inferior.
  • More viewed as exotic/ mysterious.
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8
Q

Where is Act I of play set? Significance?

A
  • Venice.
  • Civilised yet passionate.
  • Republic.
  • Women had a lot of sexual freedom in Venice (as seen through Desdemona.)
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9
Q

Where is Act 2-5 set in the play? Signifiance?

A
  • Cyprus.
  • In late 16th cent, was conquered by Turkey (part of Ottoman Empire.)
  • Perceived by Europe as a babaric threat/ end of civlised world.
  • Although Babaric, also FREE
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10
Q

When is “Othello” set?

A
  • Late 16th century.
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11
Q

Marriage in 16th cent.

A
  • Mixed marriages would’ve faced a lot of backlash.
  • Hypothetical children of Desdemona/ Othello wouldn’t be accepted.
  • Link to “Titus Andronicus” - Shakespare play -, black man has child with white woman. Described as a “sorrowful issue.”
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12
Q

Context of tragedies in literature.

A
  • Typically have 5 acts. Aristotelian model (classical form of tragedy.)
  • Involves tragic hero with harmatia.
  • Malcontent character (in this case Iago, not content with rank!)
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