That is, the social class and the context in which they were born, reflect their views and outlooks on life. From this, Marx expands this to the theory of the "base and superstructure". This is where the base is the economic system in which the society runs, and the superstructure the cultural activities including philosophy, arts and literature. This is the relationship between determining the base and the superstructure, which is central to Marxist theory; that is, the societies economic base is what determines the interest and styles of literature. .
Marxist criticism also includes Ideology, the shared beliefs and values that shape what deems valuable and normal for a given culture at that time. Also associated with Hegemony, the web of ideologies that shape meaning and perspective of the majority. Another term is Reification, the transformation of human beings into commodities, for capitalists. Capitalism is created through the separation of the workers and the upper elite classes. This class system is reflected in Othello where Iago, is a middle class man who will never become any higher than he is, even though he knows this, he still envies the position that Othello gave Cassio. The constant oppression of Iago by the upper class causes Iago to act savagely and plots to destroy Othello. In Othello the middle and lower class is largely ignored and devalued. The story is sometimes seen as presenting Iago's plot to destroy Othello rather than a story about Othello himself. Shakespeare still presents the story in the view of Othello which reflects the author's context of classes and limitations of the lower classes. The audience was normally middle to upper class due to the context, where only the rich could afford to go to watch these plays. If the play disrespects the ideology of the audience, much upheaval will be created. Therefore the audience and context shaped a very class dominated society.
