Context

• What does context mean for your exam?

  Context refers to the background information and circumstances surrounding literary texts.
• How much does context count towards your assessment objectives in the exam?

  Context counts for approximately 24% of the marks across the two papers.
• What are examiners looking for when assessing context in literary texts?

  Examiners look for an understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.
• What factors can context include?

  • Author's background and life
  • Historical context of the author and the text
  • Reception of the text at the time of publication
  • Literary contexts, such as genre
  • Engagement with the text by different audiences over time
  • Performance history of plays
• Why is it important to have a thorough knowledge of a text's context?

  A thorough knowledge of a text's context is important to fully understand it, especially for Shakespeare's plays.
• What should you remember about including context in your exam essay?

  Context needs to be directly relevant and integrated throughout the essay, not just added at the end.
• When was Shakespeare born?

  Shakespeare was born in April 1564.
• What was Shakespeare's father's occupation?


  Shakespeare's father was a glove-maker.
• What type of education did Shakespeare likely receive?

  Shakespeare likely attended grammar school, where he learned Latin and studied classical writers.
• Who did Shakespeare marry?

  Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway.
• When did Shakespeare die?

  Shakespeare died in 1616.
• What was Shakespeare's reputation by 1592?

  By 1592, Shakespeare had garnered a reputation as an established playwright.
• What were the three genres of Shakespeare's plays?


  Shakespeare's plays are generally divided into Histories, Tragedies, and Comedies.
• When was the first recorded performance of Othello?

  The first recorded performance of Othello was in 1604.
• What cultural movement was Shakespeare a part of?

  Shakespeare was part of the English Renaissance period.
• What did the Renaissance period see a flourishing of?

  The Renaissance period saw the flourishing of Latin and Ancient Greek philosophies and knowledge in Western Europe.
• How does Shakespeare draw on Renaissance ideas in his work?

  Shakespeare draws on Renaissance ideas by referencing Greek and Roman classical writing and exploring character psychology.
• What is the main source for the story of Othello?

  The main story of Othello comes from Gli Hecatommithi by Cinthio.
• How does Cinthio's version of Othello differ from Shakespeare's?

  In Cinthio's version, the Moor kills Disdemona by beating her with a sand-filled stocking.
• What aspects of the story does Shakespeare alter or add in Othello?

  Shakespeare adds characters like Brabantio and Roderigo, and develops Iago's character more deeply.
• What is the significance of the First Folio?

  The First Folio is a collection of 36 of Shakespeare's works published in 1623, preserving many plays that would have been lost.
• How do the Folio and Quarto editions of Othello differ?

  The Folio edition is about 160 lines longer than the Quarto edition.
• Who were the groundlings?

  The groundlings were audience members who paid one penny to stand in the pit of the Globe Theatre.
• What type of humor is often included in Shakespeare's plays?

  Shakespeare's plays often include a comedic subplot with bawdy and crude jokes.
• What was the first recorded performance of Othello's significance?

  The first recorded performance of Othello at the Banqueting House in 1604 indicates its popularity and success.
• Who likely played the role of Othello in the first performance?


  The role of Othello was almost undoubtedly first played by Richard Burbage.
• How did the portrayal of Othello change over time?

  Initially, Othello was portrayed by white actors in black make-up, but later black actors began to take on the role.
• What does the casting of Othello reveal about perceptions of race?

  The casting of Othello reveals complexities in racial representation and stereotypes in the play.
• What is one modern adaptation of Othello?

  One modern adaptation of Othello is the Bollywood version titled Omkara, produced by Vishal Bhardwaj in 2006.
• What themes does Bhardwaj's Omkara explore?


  Omkara explores themes of colourism, the caste system, and cultural and religious differences in India.
• What is the setting of Othello?

  Othello begins in Venice and later moves to a Venetian war outpost in Cyprus.
• How was Venice perceived by Shakespeare's audience?

  Venice was perceived as a cosmopolitan and diverse city, associated with both exotic excitement and dangerous otherworldliness.
• Why was there fascination with the Republic of Venice during Shakespeare's time?

  There was fascination with the Republic of Venice due to the uncertainty of succession after Elizabeth I and interest in alternative forms of rule.
• What was significant about Venice's population during Shakespeare's time?

  Venice was known for its diverse population, including immigrants like Othello who adopted Venetian values.
• What does the exoticism of Venice imply for Shakespeare's audience?

  The exoticism of Venice implied allure and mystique, but also fear of the unknown and 'otherness'.
• What was Venice known for in terms of its population?

  Venice was known for the diversity of its population, including various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• How did the Ottoman-Venetian Wars affect trade in Venice?

  Despite the wars, there was still trade and cultural exchange between the Venetians and the Turks.
• Why was Venice fascinating to Western Europeans?

  Venice was geographically familiar yet exotic due to its trading ties with North Africa and the Middle East.
• What dual perception did Shakespeare's English audience have of Venice?

  Venice was seen as both alluring and mystical, yet also a place to be feared due to its association with 'otherworldliness'.
• How does Iago describe Othello in the play?

  Iago uses anti-black derogatory language to describe Othello.