Setting in Othello
The play begins in the prosperous city of Venice, Italy in approximately 1570. In Shakespeare’s time, Venice would have been a very popular and well-known city, with various attitudes surrounding it. The second half of the play takes place on the island of Cyprus. This island also had special significance to the people of Shakespeare’s time.
1. Historically, what was going on in the latter half of the 1500s in Venice? What was the culture like?
–History of Venice
–The Venetian Republic
2. Describe the Venetians’ relationship with Cyprus during the 1570s.
–The Ottomans in Europe
1. Historically, what was going on in the latter half of the 1500s in Venice? What was the culture like?
–History of Venice
–The Venetian Republic
2. Describe the Venetians’ relationship with Cyprus during the 1570s.
–The Ottomans in Europe