Racism and Manipulation in Othello

Have you ever read a play and wondered how it’s remotely possible for one character to get away with so much until it eventually catches up to them? I have; Othello, the tragic story of the fall of someone highly placed, who seems to be under the utilization of the mastermind or better-said puppeteer Iago. Throughout the play Iago manipulates those around him in order to achieve what he wants to further benefit himself, we also see a continuous reinforcement of racial stereotypes targeted towards Othello. In many of Shakespeare’s plays he explores the ideas of racial tensions, Othello is an example of one of these plays. Othello’s racial background, although not entirely clear provides a platform for exploring ideas of racial conflict. He’s clearly an outsider to the Venetian society and of African descent, thus he’s is often subjected to racial stereotypes. When Iago first explains to Barbantio that his daughter is married to a Moor he says “…you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse…” (I.I.125), referring to Othello as an animal, “Barbary” is a region of Africa therefore implying Othello’s homeland. He also tells Brabantio “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” (I.I.129-131), Othello is once again compared to an animal, indicating that since he is of African descent he is not considered to be on the same level of respect as someone who born into the Venetian culture. He’s viewed as uncivilized because he cannot control his passions, these associations serve to perpetuate stereotypes of Africans and others of different ethnic identity. This also portrays Iago’s clever chose of words to alter Barbantio’s emotions, particularly knowing that Barbantio holds a racist viewpoint. A predominant fear during that time period was colored men sexually corrupting the white women of the Venetian society, which would explain why Othello’s relationship with Desdemona is described in carnal, bestial terms.
Othello is also accused of using magic and casting spells in order to get Desdemona to marry him, Barbantio openly says “ O, thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my daughter? Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her! For I’ll refer me to all things of sense, Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, so opposite to marriage that she shunned the wealthy curled of our nation, would ever have, t’ incur a general mock, run from her guardage to the sooty bosom of such a thing as thou- to fear, not to delight! Judge me the world, if ‘tis not gross in sense that thou hast practiced on her with foul charms, abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals that weakens motion. I’ll have ‘t deputed on.” (I.II.80-94). Othello is frequently associated with performing magic, this can be due to a common portrayal of people typically labeled as “Moors”. Barbantio’s comparison of Othello to wealthy men of the nation proves that he does not view him to be on the same social status as a Venetian. Othello himself does not deny doing magic but plays with his use of language to charm his audience including the Duke himself.
Shakespeare’s overall portray of Othello within his community is thought-provoking, ironically towards the beginning of the play if Othello would was not an “outsider” he would be the considered the ideal man, he possessed a high military ranking, was charming and respected by the majority of the characters that surrounded him, the only “flaw” Shakespeare created him with is the fact that he is a Moor. Due to this mere characteristic he is condemned of practicing magic, having an unusually large sexual appetite, and being constantly compared to or referred as nothing more than an animal. However, his demeanor drastically changes as the play proceeds especially when he believes that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him. In act IV so much of his jealousy had consumed him that his violent temper led him to strike Desdemona and even publicly humiliate her, “Ay you did wish that I would make her turn. Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on, and turn again. And she can weep, sir, weep. And she’s obedient, as you say, obedient. Very obedient. – Proceed you in your tears. - Concerning this, sir-O, well-painted passion! - I am commanded home-Get you away.” (IV.I.284-290), Othello openly embarrasses Desdemona in an aggressive manner to make a mockery of how obedient she is. Whereas prior to assuming she was unfaithful he would have praised her for her passive behavior and viewed her as being the ultimate wife because of it. Othello’s conduct is completely opposite from his manner within the beginning of the play, particularly towards Desdemona. The couple seems happily and madly in love with one another to immensely having an unhealthy abusive relationship towards the end of the play.
Although Othello is seen as violent in some scenes, he is a victim to Iago’s evil schemes. Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and jealousy, he has very few redeeming qualities yet surprisingly he has the ability to charm and convince people of his loyalty and honesty. He’s often referred to as “Honest Iago” multiple times throughout the play, especially by Othello. Although Iago’s presence is unsettling he must have a considerable intellect, seeing his ability to devise and arrange such a plan to persuade the other characters of various deceptions along the way. Iago may be perceived as the most powerful protagonist within the play, he was able to affect the overall opinion of Othello from being someone who was admired, viewed as courageous and honorable to someone who was jealous and violent.
Iago used many techniques to get what he wanted, he somehow seemed to achieve that in one way or another. His best technique was gaining the trust of those around him, from gaining their trust he was able to branch off and manipulate them into thinking he was helping them when in fact he was not; and even eventually get those whom he manipulated to turn on one another. Iago was also very secretive about his plots and careful to cover his tracks, he knew how to take care of things in a precarious situation.