Key Concepts

Feudalism was a hierarchical system prevalent in medieval Europe, characterized by the division of society into distinct classes with specific roles and responsibilities.

• Social Structure: The hierarchy included the King, Nobles, Knights, and Peasants, with each class having defined duties and privileges.
• Land Ownership: Land was the primary source of power, with lords granting land to vassals in exchange for loyalty and service.
• Military Service: Knights provided military service to their lords in return for land and protection.

Providentialism is the belief that God is the ultimate authority and that all events on Earth unfold according to His divine will. This concept is reflected in the moral and ethical decisions of characters within the play.

• Divine Order: The belief that the social and political hierarchy was ordained by God, justifying the status quo.
• Moral Judgments: Characters’ actions were often viewed as morally right or wrong based on their alignment with perceived divine will.
• Fate vs. Free Will: The tension between characters’ autonomy and the belief in a predetermined divine plan is a recurring theme.

Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. In "Othello," humanism is reflected in the focus on personal honor, integrity, and the revival of classical ideas.

• Individualism: Emphasis on the individual’s capacity for reason and self-determination.
• Classical Influences: The revival of Greco-Roman ideals, focusing on human potential and achievements.
• Secularism: A shift away from purely religious explanations of the world towards a more human-centered understanding.

Machiavellianism is characterized by cunning, manipulation, and a pragmatic approach to power. It is named after Niccolò Machiavelli, whose writings advocate for the use of any means necessary to achieve and maintain power.

• Manipulation: Using deceit and manipulation to achieve one’s goals, often at the expense of others.
• Pragmatism: A focus on practical outcomes rather than moral or ethical considerations.
• Power Dynamics: The pursuit of power as the ultimate objective, with little regard for conventional morality.

Renaissance Humanism was an intellectual movement that focused on the study of classical texts and the belief in the potential of human achievement. It marked a shift from the medieval focus on divine authority to a greater emphasis on human potential and achievement.

• Classical Revival: A renewed interest in the literature, art, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome.
• Human Dignity: The belief in the inherent worth and potential of each individual.
• Secular Knowledge: An emphasis on education and the pursuit of knowledge outside of religious contexts.