1. Othello The Moor of Venice

2. Overview Historical perspective Geographic context An intro to the play itself

3. Historical Context The Crusades -Christians and Muslims The Moors The Ottoman Empire Venice, Italy

4. The Crusades An attempt by European Christians to retake holy land occupied by Muslims

5. The Crusades Religious war begun in the 11th century and ended at the end of the 12th century still has a lasting impact

6. Ottoman Empire ended - 1918 “The Turks” Muslim Conflicts w/ Holy Roman Empire (962-1806)

7. The Moors North Western Africans, modern Morocco Conquered and ruled Spain for 700 years

8. Moorish Spain Muslim Spain influenced the European Renaissance

9. Moorish Spain Uniquely tolerant, artistic, peaceful, and advanced era No central govt. established

10. Moorish Spain Brought Spain, and in some ways Europe, out of the dark ages

11. Moorish Spain One of the truly successful multicultural eras in history

12. Venetian- Turkish War Battle between Venice and the Ottoman Empire 1416-1573

13. Venetian Turkish Wars Battle of trade routes and land Venice defended Cyprus against invading Turks

14. Main Characters Iago - Othello’s trusted friend and “ancient” (commissioned officer)

15. Main Characters Along with Titus Andronicus’ Aaron, Iago is widely considered Shakespeare’s most purely evil character

16. Dramatic Irony Used extensively in Othello Iago is the central character who is alone in his thoughts

17. Why Hate? Anti-christ figure whose only real motivation is only to watch his “medicine work”

18. The Moor (Othello) Hired by Venetian authority to lead an army to battle invading Turks Tragic Hero

19. The Moor Falls in love with local girl, Desdemona, while directing Venetian defenses

20. Desdemona Young, innocent daughter of Venetian Senator Chooses Othello’s love over family

21. Cassio Innocent pawn in Iago’s plan Promoted to lieutenant over Iago by Othello Florentine (Florence Italy) known for flirtatious nature

22. Senator Brabantio Venetian Senator who initiated tragic events Father of Desdemona - symbolizes intolerance. Forces Desdemona to choose between family and husband.

23. The Play First performed Nov. 1 1604 Written during W.S.’ Tragic Period

24. Tragic Period Other tragic period plays: Hamlet (1600), King Lear (1604), MacBeth (1606)

25. Contrast of Venice/Cyprus Venice is home to civility and control Cyprus is battle- scarred, ominous, and a place where passions rule

26. Historical Source The play is Based on Richard Knolles, the History of the Turks

27. Green Eyed Monster “...beware my lord of jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” - Iago

28. The End Thanks to Richard Wagner for the music!