Discuss The Ways In Which Settings Contribute To The Dramatic Foci In Othello

Discuss the ways in which the settings contribute to the dramatic foci of the play.

The settings contribute towards the three main foci of the play, that being racial prejudice of Othello being black and the view of people of colour being lesser, sexism faced by the female characters with a similar stigma to people of colour yet still favoured over them and the jealousy and manipulation shown by Othello and Iago due to their submission to love of women and power.

Sexism is first shown through the mention of female character Desdemona, in which she comes in at line 170, Act 1 Scene 3. She is introduced into the play earlier by Brabantio as his property which is blatant objectification from the start of the female interaction in the play and
“Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags!” This line from Iago shows the perception shared by both Iago and Brabantio that Desdemona is Brabantio’s property as she is placed alongside his other assets. Desdemona being linked to assets shows that once again her only use is viewed as being there to serve either her master, her worth being equalled to the likes of a pet. The line shows that women are viewed lesser in terms of value and that they they primarily exist for men’s pleasure and reproduction. A second example of objectification is shown by Brabantio when he says “the property of youth and maidenhood may be abused?” in which he is referring to the decrease in a woman’s worth after she loses her virginity. The setting of time means that this double standard would have been accepted and perfectly normal compared to modern times
“I follow him to serve my turn upon him” This comment by Iago shows his frustration at not getting the role he wanted, the comment shows his intentions on getting back at Cassio for taking what he wanted. This shows the manipulative side of him as he appears two faced by both following orders from Cassio while planning to destroy him. Roderigo falls victim to Iago’s manipulation before the play is set, as shown in the opening scene where Iago and Roderigo are in the boat together. Iago preys on the weak and as the play goes on it becomes evident that Roderigo fits the criteria. Iago justifies his choice of Roderigo as “whom I trace for his quick hunting” this explains that Roderigo is picked due to his sheer naivety making it almost too easy for Iago to manipulate him. Iago is shown in the play as narcissistic and as a result of that he is very cunning and manipulative in his attempts to get what he wants. “For i fear Cassio with my night cap too” Iago is very insecure when it comes to his trust in his wife as he is shown questioning whether she has had affairs with both Cassio and Othello. His jealousy leading to his justification for his actions done out of revenge. Act 2, Scene 3 Iago begins to manipulate Cassio as well, “i’ll tell you what you should do” Iago says as he has every intention of using Cassio in his plan to bring down Othello in the process of