Context & Writers Techniques (Edexcel A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes

Context & Writer's Techniques

Context in 'Othello'

Shakespeare's Life

• Born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
• Attended a local grammar school, where he studied Latin and classical texts.
• Moved to London in the late 1580s to pursue a career in theatre.
• Became a prominent playwright and actor by 1592.
• Wrote for the acting troupe Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men.
• Married Anne Hathaway in 1582; had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.
• Hamnet, his only son, died at age 11.
• Died in April 1616 at age 52.

History of the Play

• Written in 1603-1604.

• Likely first performed by the King's Men at Whitehall Palace on November 1, 1604.

• Initial reception was positive, praised for its intense drama and exploration of complex themes.

• Early performances captivated audiences with their exploration of jealousy, race, and betrayal.

• Historically, Othello was often played by white actors in blackface; it was not until the 20th century that black actors commonly took on the role.

• Adapted and performed in various forms over the centuries, with notable adaptations by Orson Welles (1951) and Laurence Olivier (1965). Textual History

• First Quarto (1622): The first printed version of "Othello."

• First Folio (1623): Published posthumously in Shakespeare's First Folio with some textual differences from the Quarto.

• Differences: Variations between the Quarto and Folio versions lead to modern editions that often merge elements from both.

Literary Contexts

The Genre of the Play

• Tragedy: "Othello" is a tragedy, focusing on the downfall of the protagonist due to his fatal flaw and the manipulations of others.

• Domestic Tragedy: Incorporates elements of domestic tragedy, emphasising personal and intimate conflicts within a household setting. Historical and Political Context

• Elizabethan and Jacobean Era: Written during a time of significant exploration, trade, and cultural exchanges between Europe and Africa.

• Venetian Empire: Set in Venice and Cyprus, reflecting Venice's role as a major trading hub and military power.

• Race and Colonialism: Reflects contemporary attitudes towards race and the presence of non-European individuals in Europe, highlighting issues of otherness and exoticism. Philosophical Context

• Renaissance Humanism: Influenced by Renaissance humanism, emphasising the complexity of human nature and individual agency.

• Machiavellian Influence: Iago's manipulative and cunning behaviour reflects Machiavellian principles, exploring themes of power and deceit. Cultural and Social Context

• Social Hierarchy and Class: Reflects the rigid social hierarchy and class distinctions of the time, with Othello as an outsider despite his military prowess.

• Gender Roles and Patriarchy: Explores the roles and expectations of men and women, particularly through the characters of Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca.

• Honour and Reputation: Central themes of honour and reputation, particularly in the context of military and marital relationships.

• Race and Identity: Examines the impact of Othello's racial identity on his relationships and social standing, highlighting contemporary views on race and otherness. Literary Influences

• Primary Source: Based on the Italian short story "Un Capitano Moro" by Cinthio, published in "Gli Hecatommithi" (1565).

• Classical Influences: Shakespeare drew on classical works, particularly those by Seneca, for elements of tragedy and dramatic structure.

Writer's Techniques in 'Othello'

Language and Diction

Poetic Language

• Shakespeare employs blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) for the nobility, giving their speech a rhythmic and elevated quality.

• The prose is used for more informal conversations, often among lower-status characters or during moments of heightened emotional intensity. Imagery and Metaphor

• Animal Imagery: Frequently used by Iago to dehumanise Othello and manipulate other characters.

• Examples: Iago describes Othello as a "Barbary horse" and talks about "an old black ram is tupping your white ewe," emphasising racial and sexual themes.

• Light and Dark Imagery: Symbolises good and evil, innocence and guilt.

• Examples: Desdemona is often associated with light and purity, while Othello's dark skin is used to contrast and highlight themes of otherness and exoticism. Symbolic Language

• Handkerchief: A key symbol in the play, representing Othello's love for Desdemona and later becoming a false proof of her infidelity.

• Poison and Corruption: Iago's manipulations are often described in terms of poison and corruption, symbolising the insidious nature of his deceit.

Structure and Plot Devices

Tragic Structure

• Five-Act Structure: The play follows a classic five-act structure of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.

• Climax: The turning point occurs in Act III, Scene 3, when Othello is convinced of Desdemona's infidelity, marking his tragic fall. Dramatic Irony

• The audience is aware of Iago's deceit and manipulation while Othello remains ignorant, creating tension and highlighting the tragic nature of Othello's misplaced trust.

• Examples: The audience knows about Iago's duplicity and true intentions, while characters like Othello and Cassio trust him implicitly. Foreshadowing

• Shakespeare uses foreshadowing to hint at the tragic outcomes, building suspense and inevitability.

• Examples: Iago's early declarations of his hatred for Othello and his plans to manipulate him foreshadow the play's tragic events.

Characterization Techniques

Complex Characters

• Shakespeare creates multidimensional characters with profound psychological depth.

• Othello: A noble and honourable Moor, whose jealousy and insecurity lead to his downfall.

• Lago: A master manipulator and villain, whose motivations are complex and ambiguous, making him one of Shakespeare's most intriguing antagonists. Soliloquies and Asides

• These provide insight into the characters' inner thoughts and motivations, particularly Iago's schemes and Othello's turmoil.

• Lago's Soliloquies: Reveal his plans and contempt for those around him, drawing the audience into his confidence.

• Othello's Soliloquies: Reflect his deepening despair and jealousy, highlighting his tragic flaw. Dynamic Interactions

• The interplay between characters, particularly Othello and Iago, is marked by manipulation, deceit, and intense emotion.

• Examples: Iago's manipulation of Othello through insinuations and half-truths, leading to Othello's tragic decisions.

Dramatic Techniques

Irony and Paradox

• Shakespeare employs irony and paradox to underscore the play's themes of appearance versus reality.

• Examples: The irony of Iago being called "honest" throughout the play, despite being the most deceitful character.

• Paradox: Othello's love for Desdemona leads to her death, illustrating the paradoxical nature of his jealousy. Symbolism and Motifs

• Handkerchief: Symbolises Othello's love and trust, later becoming a symbol of infidelity and betrayal.

• Poison and Corruption: Represent the destructive nature of Iago's manipulation and deceit. Catharsis and Tragic Flaw

• Catharsis: The play's tragic resolution evokes a cathartic experience for the audience, culminating in Othello's and Desdemona's deaths.

• Tragic Flaw: Othello's jealousy and his vulnerability to manipulation are central to his downfall.

Sound and Rhythm

Alliteration and Assonance

• Shakespeare uses alliteration and assonance to enhance the musicality and emotional impact of the dialogue.
• Examples: The repetition of sounds in key speeches, such as Othello's final monologue, heightens the emotional intensity.

Stagecraft and Theatricality

Visual Spectacle

• Shakespeare's stage directions and descriptions create powerful visual spectacles, such as the storm in Act II that foreshadows turmoil.

• Effect: These scenes enhance the dramatic impact and underscore the play's themes of chaos and disorder. Fluid Scene Changes

• Rapid shifts in location from Venice to Cyprus and various scenes within Cyprus create a dynamic and fast-paced narrative.

• Effect: This technique underscores the play's thematic exploration of displacement and cultural conflict. Use of Prophecy and Superstition

• Characters frequently reference omens and superstitions, reflecting the ancient world's belief in fate and the supernatural.

• Examples: The handkerchief's history and significance as a charm or talisman.