Explore the presentation of Venice
In Othello, Shakespeare’s presentation of Venice plays with 17th Century preconceptions of
its reputation by both fitting the expectation of an ordered and politically enlightened city-
state but also subverting this. Whilst elements of civility and political enlightenment are
evident such as the Duke’s awareness of public opinion, Shakespeare also suggests that
corruption and disorder is not uncommon in Venetian society. Furthermore, Shakespeare
reinforces his presentation of Venice by contrasting it with the military setting of Cyprus.
Shakespeare’s presentation of Venice draws upon 17th Century English expectations of its
nature and structure. It is likely that Shakespeare would have been familiar with Contarini’s
Commonwealth and Government of Venice, which as Ania Loomba argued, helped
propagate a ‘myth of Venice’’ in England as a city-state which was open but ordered,
politically enlightened and a place of liberty. Whilst undermining this expectation,
Shakespeare does suggest elements of a stable and enlightened political entity. This is
evident in the Duke’s skillful management in the Senate scene in which he adheres to the
rule of Law arguing that Brabantio needs a ‘more overt test’ before asserting that Othello
worked a spell on Desdemona to make her fall in love with him. The fact that the Duke…
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In Othello, Shakespeare’s presentation of Venice plays with 17th Century preconceptions of
its reputation by both fitting the expectation of an ordered and politically enlightened city-
state but also subverting this. Whilst elements of civility and political enlightenment are
evident such as the Duke’s awareness of public opinion, Shakespeare also suggests that
corruption and disorder is not uncommon in Venetian society. Furthermore, Shakespeare
reinforces his presentation of Venice by contrasting it with the military setting of Cyprus.
Shakespeare’s presentation of Venice draws upon 17th Century English expectations of its
nature and structure. It is likely that Shakespeare would have been familiar with Contarini’s
Commonwealth and Government of Venice, which as Ania Loomba argued, helped
propagate a ‘myth of Venice’’ in England as a city-state which was open but ordered,
politically enlightened and a place of liberty. Whilst undermining this expectation,
Shakespeare does suggest elements of a stable and enlightened political entity. This is
evident in the Duke’s skillful management in the Senate scene in which he adheres to the
rule of Law arguing that Brabantio needs a ‘more overt test’ before asserting that Othello
worked a spell on Desdemona to make her fall in love with him. The fact that the Duke…
Preview ends…buy to see the whole essay (which includes 6 paragraphs and a conclusion)
