Race Exposed In Shakespeare's Othello

Early Venice is an enchanting and breathtaking city in Italy. Othello is an African American man that stands out in a city full of white individuals in Venice. Othello falls in love with Desdemona, but when Iago does not receive a lieutenant title, he is furious and starts planting lies in Othello’s mind. Shakespeare illustrates the transformation of Othello, a noble general who turns into a jealous killer. Since this story revolves around the earlier times in history, interracial marriage was frowned upon more often than not, especially when it came down to Desdemona’s father disliking her love, Othello, because he is African American. The theme of race is relevant in this play, in English literature, Othello is one of the earliest African
Although everyone respects and likes Othello, he has trouble accepting his own skin color and that he is African American. The protagonist views himself as undesirable, and with the lack of confidence Othello possesses, this particular theme is the key factor that allows Iago to get inside of Othello’s head in proving that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Othello’s negative thoughts about himself, specifically about not being good enough for Desdemona, are provoked by Iago’s lies. Iago’s manipulation prevented Othello from being truthful with his wife about his concerns. Othello puts his fears and concerns into action. Othello would have to excel in strength and knowledge, which in a psychological perspective, would mean he would have to under his own thoughts and feelings, if he wants to endure the attack of Iago’s manipulation and internalized oppression. Desdemona deals with oppression by not allowing it into her life. Othello is not fully conscious of the effect oppression had on his character. Rodrigo is the first character in the play to make a racist comment regarding Othello as “the thick-
Iago’s hatred for Othello goes above and beyond, the hatred consumes him the peculiar part of this play are Iago’s motives are not as significant as the results of his manipulation. In once scene of the play, Iago exposes his true self to Rodrigo and the readers as a dangerous and evil individual who will do everything he can do to achieve his “peculiar end”(I.i.62). Iago is more than determined and willing to destroy Othello. It requires motivation that is more captivating than just being denied a military advancement. Racial attitudes in conversation and references lie in the deeper and more captivating