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Composed during a time where a great shift of ideology occurred, the focus of oppressors shifted from England as a secular state towards race with Othello representing a vessel for this change, revealing clear societal awareness on behalf of the Bard himself. The target of difference became far more focused on race and the concept of 'the other' became increasingly prevalent during this time. European colonialism triggered this increased recognition of race as international conquests began to symbolise inferiority for many 'settled' countries.
Class Notes:
- Certain stereotypes enshrouded African ethnicities and characterise 'the other'
- Highly sexualised (particularly males and in a way which was uncontrollable)
- The 🤬 - the other being completely different and encompassing evil.
- Far more emotional than rational - Shakespeare plays off this stereotype
- Animalistic and uncivilised.

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During Shakespearean times, it was the expectation that women handle the domestic aspects of livelihood while men handled income and occupations. This had been the traditional layout of gender norms in society for a long time and it was still many years before the first female reforms came about in England. The infringing upon this construct of gender expectations could result in public humiliation and degradation, sometimes to the extremity that parents would disassociate themselves to avoid the tainting of the family name. One, more universal aspect of gender in Shakespearean England was that manners were viewed as key and anyone who was lacking in niceties and courtesy was regarded as disrespectful and inferior. The idea that women had to be 'ladies' and men 'gentlemen' was a common practice and disregarding of this value assumed low education or intelligence. It was expected that women would raise children passing on skills of communication and literacy. Because divorce was not officially legalised in England until 1857, bad and abusive marriages were extremely common with many husbands having affairs which in an era lacking birth control, resulted in an extraordinary amount of illegitimate children.
- Gender Constructs
- Binary oppositions
Men are strong, women are weak
Men are outspoken whereas women are quiet
Men are in the private sphere, women are in the domestic sphere
Men have bravado where women are demure
Men have representation, women do not
Men are educated,  women are not.
Men as rational and women as emotional

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I discussed a few aspects of the patriarchy as a part of gender roles with men assuming social superiority and the expectations upon both men and women. Any inheritance was passed through the patriarchal line giving men an economic advantage. Education was only completed by men who were also permitted to go to university whereas women were expected raise a family and support decisions of the male. All prominent figures in society (besides the queen) had been male including all artists, aristocrats, politicians, even the actors Shakespeare employed were all male. Women were limited to few career paths and were openly deemed as socially inferior. It was well after the Elizabethan era until women were granted the right to own property, to divorce a husband due to infidelity, to vote or to openly speak out against the patriarchy.
- Core idea of male dominance leading to female subjugation.

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Though England was no longer governed by the church, much of the population was Christian with Catholicism and Protestants retaining great power within society. Many of the followers were so passionate and deep-set in their faith, that violent riots and public executions on the basis of religion were not rare. It is important to note that Othello was written in 1603, towards the end of Martin Luther's led Reformation. Once again, this signifies a great shift in society as indoctrinated faiths were disputed and freehold over religion rose to prevalence in Elizabethan England. Othello is symbolised by Shakespeare as a vessel for this great social revolution portraying 'the other' as one who stands out in society yet is capable of fitting the mould for progressive England. Religion was not only instilled at churches and other religious venues across the country, having quite the foothold in schools were children were brought up within the teachings of the countries 'favoured' religion at that moment (dictated by the monarchs). Because religion was such an important aspect of childhood, anyone who is new to the country or different in their education would face potential humiliation throughout numerous aspects of society. In Othello, Desdimona is always strongly aligned with

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This diagram presents a comprehensive scaling of the various occupations of citizens in Elizabethan England, also sketching a rough plan of finance and who holds money within society. The English church was long regarded as one of the most powerful enterprises ever, with immense control over the entire population and also possessing the ability to direct much of England's economy. Though it is important to note that the ongoing Reformation significantly decreased the power of the church. During this era, it was extremely difficult to traverse the parameters of the class to which you were born. Intelligence, athleticism and innovation were relatively unimportant with birthright dictating one's position within society. It was viewed as near-criminal to marry someone from a lower class with intermingling only occurring between people within one specific class. This fractured nature of society prevented the progression of society through diversity and the collective mindset. Part of why Shakespeare is heralded as a ground-breaking personality in human history is not only because of the longevity of his works but also the way in which he unified citizens in a divided society through the projection of universal ideas that connected to everyone.