Cyprus is featured in Othello because it serves as the setting for the final act of the play, where the tragic events unfold.
Detailed response question
Cyprus is featured in Othello because it serves as the setting for the final act of the play, where the tragic events unfold. William Shakespeare chose the island of Cyprus as the backdrop for Othello because it was a Venetian stronghold and a location where war and conflict were common during his time. Additionally, Cyprus was viewed as a remote and exotic location, which added to the play’s dramatic atmosphere.
In his book Shakespeare’s England: An Account of the Life and Manners of His Age, E. G. Chambers writes: “Cyprus was an important possession of the Venetians, one of the richest prizes in their Mediterranean empire…and it had special significance in that it was the bastion which guarded their trade with the Levant.”
Furthermore, the setting of the play is significant as it adds to the overall themes of the play. The contrast between Venice and Cyprus serves to emphasize the play’s themes of good versus evil, and civilization versus barbarism. It is in Cyprus that Iago’s cunning plan unfolds and Othello’s tragic downfall occurs.
Interesting facts about Cyprus:
- Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
- The earliest known human activity on the island dates back to around the 10th millennium BC.
- It was a British colony until 1960 and became an independent republic in 1964.
- The island is divided into two parts, with the northern part being occupied by Turkey.
- Cyprus is known for its beautiful beaches and archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Kourion.
Table:
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | The island of Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. |
| Capital City | Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus. |
| Climate | Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. |
| Official Languages | The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. |
| Religion | The majority of people in Cyprus are Greek Orthodox Christians. |
| Currency | The currency used in Cyprus is the Euro. |
| Famous Dish | Souvla is a traditional Cypriot dish made of skewered meat that is grilled over charcoal. |
| Historical Sites | The Tombs of the Kings and the ancient city of Kourion are two of the most popular sites. |
| Famous Cypriots | Archbishop Makarios III, Nicos Anastasiades, Georgios Grivas, and Demetris Christofias. |
| Traditional Clothing | Cyprus has a rich history of embroidery, and traditional clothing often features intricate lace. |
Some more answers to your question
Cyprus is a setting in Othello that is threatened by the Turks. Othello is sent to Cyprus to govern and restore peace, but instead of bringing peace, he destroys his wife and then himself. Cyprus is also an isolated setting, which is psychologically appropriate. Cyprus is also significant because it is 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.
Cyprus is threatened by the Turks; Othello’s peace of mind and marriage are threatened by Iago. Othello is sent to Cyprus to govern and restore peace. Instead of bringing peace, Othello destroys his wife and then himself. Cyprus is also an isolated setting, which is psychologically appropriate.
What is the significance of Cyprus in Othello? 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.
Watch a video on the subject
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.