context Flashcards
(15 cards)
women and honour
women were responsible for maintaining the ‘honour’ of their families (particularly amongst the upper classes), there was a great deal of anxiety about how they behaved in public and in private.
who were ‘head of households’
men ran all of the institutions and were considered the heads of households.
womens voices
they should not speak very often, and certainly not about matters of state or important issues that only men would be able to discuss
womens sexuality
they should remain chaste, keeping their virginity intact until marriage; and they should obey their husbands and fathers in all things
consequences of womens sexuality
accused of being unchaste and labelled a ‘whore’, it could mean the downfall of her family in society, and the ruin of her future. It was a serious and dangerous accusation and, in this period, women were guilty until proven innocent.
womens sexuality two extremes
The language in the play paints women as either virtuous and pure or as adulterous and sexually corrupt. There seems to be little compromise between these two statuses
how does desdemonas betrayal of brabantio cause her tragedy
Desdemona remains faithful to Othello, but her history of defying male authority makes him anxious.
womens vote
Women were also barred from voting
womens property handling
though they could inherit property from their father or their husband, they could not themselves purchase property
brabantio versus original play
Shakespeare adds the character of brabantio (not in original story) to add a reason for othellos insecurity and vulnerability to iagos manipulation
iago in original play versus shakespeares version (relationship with desdemona)
in the original play, iago was in love with her
why does shakespeare change this?
humanism
a cultural and intellectual movement during the Renaissance (roughly 14th-17th centuries) that emphasized the study of classical antiquity, human potential, and a focus on human affairs rather than the divine. It marked a shift from the theological dominance of the Middle Ages towards a renewed interest in classical literature, philosophy, and art.
amiticia perfecta
highest form of relationship - friendship between virtuous men
people were expected to keep their passions under control. They were advised not to give in to their bodily urges, or gluttony, or rage. But pure friendship, amicitia perfecta, was different.
why was amiticia perfecta only for men
could only exist in its perfect form between men of intellect, moral courage and ethical firmness — only the male frame was believed to be capable of withstanding the rigours of powerful emotions.
the moors islam + othellos conversion
Moors were often linked to Islam, which was seen as a rival religion to Christianity, particularly in the context of the Crusades and the on-going conflicts between Christian Europe and the Ottoman Empire.
Othello’s conversion to Christianity is significant, as it suggests that he has tried to assimilate into Venetian society, yet he remains an outsider due to his race.
