You asked for – why did Shakespeare move from Venice to Cyprus?
Shakespeare moved from Venice to Cyprus in his play “Othello” because the Venetians sent Othello, a powerful general, to defend the island against an impending Turkish invasion.
And now, in greater depth
Shakespeare moved from Venice to Cyprus in his play “Othello” because the Venetians sent Othello, a powerful general, to defend the island against an impending Turkish invasion. The play takes place in Cyprus, where Othello, newly married to Desdemona, must confront his ensign Iago’s jealousy and deceit, which ultimately lead to tragedy.
According to literary critic Stephen Greenblatt, “The opening scenes of the play stress Venice’s commercial, seafaring, and imperial power. Cyprus, by contrast, is a frontier outpost that must resist an imminent Turkish invasion and whose way of life is dominated by the presence of a military garrison.” The move to Cyprus therefore creates a contrast between the bustling city of Venice and the isolated, militarized island of Cyprus.
One interesting fact about the play is that it was one of the first works of literature to feature a black protagonist. Othello is a Moorish general, and his race is often used as a weapon against him by his enemies. Another interesting fact is that “Othello” has been adapted into numerous opera, film, and theater productions over the years, cementing its place as one of Shakespeare’s most enduring works.
Table:
Location
Significance
Venice
Commercial, seafaring, and imperial power.
Cyprus
A frontier outpost that must resist an imminent Turkish invasion and whose way of life is dominated by the presence of a military garrison.
Video response
The video explores the significance of the settings, Venice and Cyprus, in Shakespeare’s play, Othello. Venice, a powerful and threatened city, is explored through its symbolic fairness. Meanwhile, Cyprus is described as a meeting point between the east and west, society and liberation, order, and chaos. The video delves into various scenes in the play, including the opening in a dark street and the personal scene between Emilia and Desdemona. The change in setting from Venice to Cyprus is also discussed, with the evil and darkness in Cyprus symbolizing blindness to reality. Finally, the video prompts viewers to engage in independent learning and compare the similarities and differences between Venice and Cyprus before exploring the sources Shakespeare drew from in the next video.
Why does Shakespeare move the action of his play from Venice to Cyprus? So all the characters are released from the influence & authority Venice had over them, giving them independence.
More intriguing questions on the topic
Why did Shakespeare choose Venice and Cyprus as locations for this play?
Response will be: As a setting, Venice serves Shakespeare’s needs of a place where a non-European, and potentially non-Christian, man could both hold significant authority but still be distrusted. A second factor which may have informed Shakespeare’s decision to set his play in Venice was the city’s reputation as a hub of prostitution.
What is the difference between Venice and Cyprus in Othello?
As an answer to this: Venice represents law and order; whereas, Cyprus represents chaos driven by emotion. Venice represents the upper class; whereas, Cyprus represents the lower ranks of the military. Venice is Desdemona’s birthplace; whereas, Cyprus is the birthplace of Othello’s mother.
What is the significance of the setting of Cyprus in Othello?
As a response to this: Ironically, Cyprus was also revered as the birthplace of Venus Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who was reputedly born in ocean foam and washed ashore near Nicosia. Inspired by this amorous deity, Cyprus provides the perfect location for Iago to convince Othello of his wife’s sexual infidelity.
Why is Othello sent by the Duke and Senators of Venice to Cyprus?
The Duke orders Othello to go to Cyprus immediately to deal with the Turkish threat. Othello tells ‘honest’ Iago to escort Desdemona, who pleads to be allowed to accompany her husband.
Why did Shakespeare move the story from Venice to Cyprus?
The reply will be: This allows Shakespeare some licence to vary his plot a little and move the story from the safety of Venice to the unknown realm of Cyprus. Shakespeare has been known for moving the action of his plays- such as in Antony and Cleopatra it moves from civilized Rome to unrestrained Egypt.
Why did Shakespeare move Othello to Cyprus?
The reply will be: We see that ships of Othello and Desdemona are parted from each other, hence giving the audience a foresight into the separation between Othello and Desdemona that is eventually going to take place. Shakespeare may have also moved the play from Venice to Cyprus to demonstrate the course of their love. Venice is a place of love and affection.
What does the transition from Venice to Cyprus mean for Othello?
The transition of setting from Venice to Cyprus puts Othello outside the immediate control of Venician authority and Desdemona beyond the disapprobation of prating Brabantio. It is the ‘fleshing out’ of sorts of their free will. An isolated military outpost symbolises both deliberate alienation from the norm and independance from control.
Why did the Venetians want Cyprus?
The Venetian desire for Cyprus was inspired mainly by profit. The Venetians saw Cyprus primarily as a military base. Anticipating conflict, they undertook an ambitious plan of fortification. Famagusta and Nicosia were ringed with massive earthworks, cased with stone.
Why did Shakespeare move Othello from Venice to Cyprus?
The answer is: The Turks were the ultimate enemy of Venice and Cyprus at the time of Othello . This allows Shakespeare some licence to vary his plot a little and move the story from the safety of Venice to the unknown realm of Cyprus. Shakespeare has been known for moving the action… Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more.
Why did Shakespeare put the setting in Venice?
Answer to this: Venice was at war with the Ottoman empire between 1570 and 1573, so the play’s reference to the threat of an attack on Cyprus could reflect a setting sometime during this period. Why did Shakespeare place the setting in Venice? Venice is an exciting, cosmopolitan setting for the play because it’s a hotspot for trade.
What is the significance of Cyprus in the tragedy of Othello?
The answer is: The island of Cyprus has important mythological significance as it has long been associated with Venus, the goddess of love. The action of The Tragedy of Othello moves to Cyprus when the Turks invade Venice, leading Othello and Desdemona to flee to the military encampment in Cyprus where they mistakenly believe their safety can be assured.
Why is the move to Cyprus significant?
Symbolically, this move to Cyprus is significant because the safety of Cyprus is a false one; Othello and Desdemona ironically lose their lives in a place where they were originally hoping to be safe.
