Othello Compared to Jonson's VolponeOthello and Volpone are both set in Venice, well known for its wealth, power, and justice. Shakespeare called Venice the Whore of the Adriatic, for many different reasons: it is a port city, with many ships coming and going; it is also a corrupt city, with a lot of pollution, not only of the environment but also of the soul. In Volpone, the planned corruption between Volpone and Mosca is evident from the start. Both men take advantage of the weaknesses of those close to them: their gullibility and their thirst for money. It is as if Iago took advantage of Othe llo's gullibility and jealousy to win over Desdemona. In Volpone, Mosca and Volpone defraud people while making them believe that they will become the sole heir to Volpone's vast riches when he dies. The situation is the same in Othello, but Iago craves leadership abilities and a title. Iago aspires to be leader of the Mercenaries because he believes himself more qualified for this position than Othello. This is largely due to Othello's race and his love for Desdemona; he is a Moor who loves a white woman. Both plays, filled with bribery, deception, lies and hatred, are best set in Venice, which shares many of the same traits. Another common feature is the theme of female prostitution. Venice was known for its courtesan class, a group of well-dressed prostitutes. In both plays, a young woman's virtue is compromised by men seeking to increase their own fortunes. In Volpone, Corvino turns his wife Celia into a whore by offering her to the men of the town and, in the play's climactic scene, to Volpone himself. In both cases, Corvino is thinking of his own financial gain and not of the injustice he is causing his wife..