Providentialism

Divine order refers to the belief that the social and political hierarchy is ordained by God. This belief was used to justify the established order and the actions of those in power.

• Hierarchy: The idea that kings, nobles, and clergy were placed in their positions by divine will, and challenging them was akin to challenging God.
• Moral Authority: Leaders were seen as moral exemplars, whose decisions were guided by divine wisdom.
• Justice: The belief that divine justice would ultimately prevail, with wrongdoers punished and the virtuous rewarded.

The tension between fate and free will is a recurring theme in "Othello," with characters grappling with their own autonomy and the belief that their actions are predetermined by a divine plan.

• Predestination: The belief that all events, including human actions, are predetermined by God.
• Agency: Characters struggle with the extent of their control over their own lives and destinies.
• Tragic Flaws: Characters’ tragic flaws are often viewed as part of their divine fate, leading to their downfall.