Venice

The use of Venice as a locale within Othello is significant because of its historical implications. During the 17th century, Venice was known as an important multicultural center (with its population of Jews and blacks, as well as permissive attitudes towards homosexuality and prostitution). It was considered to be a western location with the most Eastern influences. During its period of significance, England would have wanted to emulate Venice’s power without its multiculturalism. Venice also provides a point of contrast to England at the time and helped to define (for the English) what it meant to be white and English. The city was also viewed as the final stronghold for the West before the Ottoman Empire. As of 1571, Cyprus had been taken over by the Ottoman Empire, and there was a real fear that if Venice should fall to the Turks, the remainder of the West would soon follow.

Stephanie Bates
TA- Aaron Gorelik
Dis 1F