Shakespeare’s Use of Foreign Lands Research Question: What purpose do foreign settings serve in Shakespeare’s narratives?
Shakespeare’s Use of Foreign Lands
Research Question: What purpose do foreign settings serve in Shakespeare’s narratives?
Shakespeare often set his plays in foreign lands, a choice that serves both dramatic and thematic purposes. The use of foreign settings in plays like Othello and The Merchant of Venice is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a deliberate decision that enhances the storylines, deepens character development, and reflects the cultural and social tensions of the time. The depiction of foreign places in these works allows Shakespeare to explore themes of race, identity, and the complexities of cultural interactions, all while highlighting the universality of human nature.
In Othello, the titular character is a Moor who has risen to prominence in Venetian society. The play is set in Venice, a city that was viewed as a hub of wealth, power, and cultural sophistication. However, Othello’s foreign origins make him an outsider in this society, despite his military success. By setting the play in Venice, Shakespeare emphasizes the contrast between Othello’s status as a respected general and his perceived “otherness” due to his race and background. Venice, as a cosmopolitan city, is a place where cultural diversity exists, but it also reveals the tensions that arise from such diversity. Othello’s foreignness is central to the play’s tragic arc, as his insecurity about his place in Venetian society, compounded by the manipulation of Iago, leads to his downfall.
Similarly, The Merchant of Venice is set in Venice, a city known for its economic power and mercantile success. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the play’s themes, particularly in the context of moneylending and trade. Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is portrayed as an outsider in Venetian society, where his wealth and business dealings are juxtaposed with his marginal status. The foreign setting underscores the tension between the Christian majority and the Jewish minority, with Shylock representing the cultural and religious differences that exist in a society built on economic exchange. By setting the play in Venice, Shakespeare explores themes of justice, mercy, and revenge in a context where social and cultural differences are starkly highlighted.
The use of foreign settings also allows Shakespeare to experiment with different cultural norms and values. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the forest setting is a magical realm that exists outside the constraints of Athenian society, offering characters a space where the usual rules of love and social order are suspended. Similarly, in Twelfth Night, the island of Illyria represents a space where gender roles, identity, and social class are fluid and open to interpretation. These foreign settings provide a backdrop for the exploration of themes such as identity, transformation, and the complexities of human relationships.
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s use of foreign settings serves multiple purposes in his plays. These settings create a space where cultural, racial, and social tensions can be explored, and they allow for the examination of broader themes such as identity, power, and justice. By setting his plays in foreign lands, Shakespeare was able to highlight the universality of human experiences while also addressing the specific cultural and social issues of his time. The foreign setting in Othello and The Merchant of Venice, for example, serves to illuminate the complexities of race and identity, making them not only compelling narratives but also vehicles for deeper social commentary
