The Tragedy and the moor

1
Introduction to Shakespeare's Othello

• The Tragedy and the moor

2
Background for Shakespeare's Othello

• Scholars disagree on the exact date it was
  actually written, but the first performance of
  the play was on November 1, 1604 at the Court of
  King James I
• Shakespeares Othello was inspired by a short
  story written in Venice in 1566 by Cinthio
  Giambattista Giraldi , an Italian writer. Yes,
  Shakespeare borrowed the plot from another
  writer!
• Othello was written in the early 17th century,
  during the Elizabethan era Europes view of
  outsiders was largely shaped by exotic stories
  brought back by travelers overseas. There was
  very little everyday contact with these
  outsiders. Views were prejudiced.

3
A Tragic Hero

• Shakespeares Othello is considered one of four
  of his great tragedies along with King Lear,
  Macbeth, and Hamlet.
• A tragic hero is the main character who errors in
  his actions, which leads to his eventual downfall
• Tragic heroes are neither fully good nor evil
  they usually have outstanding qualities, but it
  is the tragic heros decisions and mistakes that
  lead to his undoing

4
Traits of A Tragic Hero

• The hero sees and understands his doom, and that
  his fate was revealed by his own actions.
• The hero is faced with a serious decision.
• The hero is physically or spiritually wounded by
  his experiences, often resulting in his death.
• A tragic hero is often of noble birth, or rises
  to noble standing. He is usually admired by
  others.

5
Othello, The Moor

• Othello is the tale of jealousy, forbidden love,
  and prejudice. Desdemona, a senators daughters,
  secretly marries Othello, a general in the
  Venetian army, and also a Moor.
• But what is a Moor?
• A Moor was a member of a Muslim people of mixed
  Arab and African descent, now living chiefly in
  northwest Africa
• The term is derived from Mauritania, an Islamic
  country in Northwest Africa.

6
Exit Slip Questions

• Why is the historical context of Othello
  important?
• What parallels can you see emerging between our
  society and Othellos?
• Would this be considered scandalous today?
  Explain.

7
Portrayals of Othello, The Moor