Examples Of Prejudice In Othello
Racism and Prejudice is a prevailing theme in this act. The most prominent form of prejudice in Othello is racial prejudice. Othello's race sets him apart. Although he is respected in the Venetian society, in many ways his race changes how people perceive him. He has to work extra hard in order to maintain his good reputation; Othello’s race even makes him conscious. The theme of racism was shown through the way Iago and Roderigo talked about Othello. In the very first scene, Roderigo and Iago mock Othello in explicitly racial terms referring to him as “Barbary horse” and “thick-lips.” In nearly every case, the prejudiced characters use terms that describe Othello as an animal or beast. Othello said “an old balck ram is tupping your white ewe”
(1.1.91-92). In other words, they use racist language to try to define Othello not only as an outsider to white Venetian society, but as being less human and therefore less deserving of respect and love. As Iago stated Love is merely "a lust of the blood and a permission of the will;" The noble passion of Othello and Desdemona is no more than a black old man’s lust for a young white girl.
(1.1.91-92). In other words, they use racist language to try to define Othello not only as an outsider to white Venetian society, but as being less human and therefore less deserving of respect and love. As Iago stated Love is merely "a lust of the blood and a permission of the will;" The noble passion of Othello and Desdemona is no more than a black old man’s lust for a young white girl.