A-Level Literature - Othello Lesson 1: Understanding the Historical and Cultural Context of Othello

This lesson introduces the historical and cultural landscape that shaped Shakespeare’s Othello, helping students appreciate how the play reflects, and challenges, the beliefs of its time. By examining issues such as race, gender, power, and social hierarchy, the lesson explores how Othello’s identity as a Moor positions him as both respected and marginalised within Venetian society. It also considers the expectations placed upon women in the Elizabethan era, highlighting how characters like Desdemona and Emilia navigate restrictive gender roles. The contrasting settings of Venice and Cyprus are used to reveal shifting states of order, isolation, and conflict, mirroring Othello’s psychological journey. Students will also connect these ideas to broader literary contexts, drawing parallels with The Great Gatsby and Wuthering Heights. Through these insights, the lesson encourages deeper understanding of Othello’s enduring relevance and the ways its themes continue to resonate today.