Elizabethan Times- Othello

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How do the opening scenes and closing scenes of your Shakespearean text reflect the Elizabthan values/ beliefs?

The Venetian society in which the Shakespearean play, Othello is set in is a clear representation of the writer’s context. The values, attitudes and beliefs that Shakespeare reveals in the opening and closing scenes of Othello, are the exact to the ones accepted by the Elizabethans of the sixteenth century. With the limited number of Black people being around, in Othello we can see the racist remarks that are being made upon one, as well as the resilience to accept one within a society. Even though the play itself is set in Venice and Cyprus, it reflects highly upon the values and beliefs of Shakespeare’s own society where people believed strongly in the great chain of being, danger of emotions and punishment for major sins.
The Great Chain of Being refers to the concept that every existing organism and object has its place within the universe. This hierarchical order separated people into different classes and had God as a divine sovereign leader. This was a value and belief that was very well recognised within the Elizabethan society in the sixteenth century. The opening scene of Othello introduces the dishonorable villain Iago talking to Roderigo about his scene of revenge upon a certain character that remains unknown in this point of time. With the use of language techniques, Iago exposes to the audience his true evil spirit in relation to the superior character who remains unknown, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him… when I have lined my coat I shall do myself homage”; thus revealing to the audience his villainous character and sly nature. Iago was the main character that caused the disturbance in the natural order as he had the key power to play on people’s weaknesses. This significant character displays many negative points throughout the play. He exposes his sense of pride when he conceitedly exclaims “I know my price and deserve no worse a place”. Displaying pride in any sense was always frowned upon in the Elizabethan times as it was considered to be upsetting the natural cycle of life. Being proud goes directly against the natural order of life because one shall never attempt to reach higher, yet be happy with their place in society as it was set by God. With the progression of the story, the disturbance of natural order becomes v...

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...the natural order of life. There were many factors that could upset the natural order of life; hence a punishment is imposed upon them. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello, the main characters that the play was based on all died or were punished in some form because they upset the natural way of living and questioned their status. People of that era had strong beliefs regarding the power of emotions. It has the power to eliminate ones identity and upset the society. Furthermore, major sins included suicide and taking ones life. As they were very religious taking a life that God has granted one would mean eternal punishment and inevitable and terrible future events. Ultimately, the great chain of being which was a hierarchal pyramid separating deferent beings into various classes of importance. Upsetting the great chain of being would be frowned upon and one should always remain in their place. The opening and closing scenes of Othello are very closely linked to the values and beliefs of the way the Elizabethans behaved and acted. It is evident that by upsetting the natural order of life or carrying out any act that is unchristian would reward one a tragic fate and destiny.

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