Preview

Racism In Othello

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
519 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Racism In Othello
How far will society go to demolish inter-racial relationships? Today, it is very challenging to have an inter-racial relationship because of the views humanity has against it. This view has always been present, even in the 1600's, when the tragedy of Othello, by William Shakespeare, was written. Many questions occur when discussing this play like: Is the tragedy of Othello a racist play? Many people argue that indeed, Othello is a racist play, but it is not. The play does contain several racist remarks and characters, but Shakespeare's intentions are not to make it a racist play, but to prove a point against racism. The demeaning diction that occurs in the play makes the reader judge that this play is racially prejudiced. But without this diction, the play would not hold the influential message that it portrays against racism. Othello is not just a moor, but the general of the army of Venice. He holds a high rank and is respected by many, that is until the citizens of Venice find out that he is marrying the daughter of Senator Brabantio, Desdemona. Senator Brabanzio is friends with Othello, until he finds out that this "lascivious moor" and "wheeling …show more content…
The evil resentment comes out of all of these characters. They use Othello's race to tear down and destroy a pure loving relationship. In the first act, Iago tells Brabanzio that, "Even now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe." This line clearly shows that Iago is racist against Othello and Desdemona's relationship. Iago's intentions are to get everyone against Othello and to destroy his relationship with Desdemona, by plotting against him and pointing out their differences. Emilia does not say very much against Othello until she finds about that her mistress is killed by Othello. She responds by calling him the "blacker

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Better Essays

    Othello Story Racist?

    • 1774 Words
    • 8 Pages

    When reading the play Othello, a modern day reader cannot help but wonder if the play is racist. After all, there are several places found throughout the story that reference derogatory terms towards people of African descent. Comments such as, “Blacker devil”(5.2. 131), “an old black ram” (1.1.9), and, “Moor are now making the beast with two backs” (1.1.7), may leads the reader to believe that story is racist towards black people. However, this may not be true for a number of reasons, one being that these terms are only used out of spite or anger towards Othello. These types of comments aren’t seen too often during the story and are never used because the character generally has a racist view of Othello. Only when these characters are angered is when these racial slurs come about. In addition, Othello was written with the main protagonist to be a black man, and the antagonist to be white people. Therefore, this story can be interpreted in multiple ways with regards to racism.…

    • 1774 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Society’s treatment of the outsider and those with different traits and characteristics from the majority, plants the seeds which can cultivate into a mass of insecurities. Although portrayed as the hero of the play, the racism and class/wealth based discrimination towards Othello is present from the beginning, with the constant reminder of his differences through the racial slurs and references as “moor” “thick lips” and “beast”. This racial prejudice affects Othello’s view of himself as “unworthy of love,” and his confidence throughout the play deteriorates, as his minimal acceptance in the society takes a toll. This thematic concern is one which is repeated in many other contemporary literary texts as the idea of being an outsider is relatable to almost everyone. In the opening of the play, Brabantio’s loyalty as Othello’s friend is quickly altered, when finding out about his relationship with his daughter Desdemona. The use of…

    • 828 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    You may be asking, how is a play set in a world of exploration and conquest still significant to a world of flaccid morals and technological advancements? The works of Shakespeare prove ongoing relevance over time through the utilisation of key ideas, characters and language. Through characterisation and the exploration of the notions of jealousy and racism in “Othello”, the guests at the national Shakespeare convention can gain insight on how the works of Shakespeare are as significant now as they ever have been.…

    • 787 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Race is very important in the play. Othello was a moor. In simplest terms he was a man of color. His race is what set him apart from the other characters. Also Othello is the only character of color which automatically set him inside. Being that he is a military general (a position not offered to black men) a lot of the characters don’t like him, and a lot of characters described him negatively because to them he was just a moor. But others respect and admire him because of his accomplishments. Iago was not his biggest fan so of coarse he said things that were not meant to be nice. “Iago: Even now, now very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise; Awake the snorting citizens with the bell. Or else the devil will make a grandsire if you arise I say!” (Act 1, Scene 1) Here Iago is upset that a moor is with a white woman. So he tells Desdemona’s father about the relationship. But all throughout what he is saying he is making racial slurs. In response to this Desdemona’s father says “BRABANTIO: She, in spite of nature, Of years, of country, credit, every thing, To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on! It is a judgment maim'd and most imperfect That will confess perfection so could err Against all rules of nature.” (Act 1, Scene 3) which means he feels that Desdemona’s feelings for Othello is wrong. It is unnatural since he is black and she is white. Even Othello himself describes his color as being something bad at one point. “Othello: All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven. 'Tis gone. Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell! (Act 3, Scene 3) Throughout the play there are many comments as to Othello’s race. I personally think the whole play is based around two things his race in comparison to everyone else’s, and his race with Desdemona’s race because he is a “moor” and every one else is not. Well race and jealousy anyway but race is what stands out more.…

    • 711 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Ideas of discrimination and racism have also been reflected within the play through the characterisation of Othello. Described as having “thick lips” and a darker skin tone, the protagonist experiences a sense of isolation from society due to his evident difference in physical appearance.. By demonstrating ideas of separation in the play, the reader is poised to read it as a text that incorporates strong ideas of discrimination, both evident during Shakespeare’s time and our current society. This discriminating prejudice leads to the deterioration of Othello’s confidence, where he states ‘for I am black’and ‘unworthy of love’. Ideas of discrimination and racism becomes particularly apparent when Iago constantly addresses Othello as ‘The Moor’…

    • 137 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Othello in Shakespeare's play is a black moor from North Africa surrounded by the white society of Venice. Many critics argue against racism in Othello although they believe it has got a racist theme. I think there are quite lots of proofs in the play which show that theme of racism is dominant and the problem of race should not be ignored. First, I will have a brief look at the meaning of black in the English society and the existence of racism in the 16th century and also where the character of Othello emerges from. Then I will refer to the attitudes of other characters towards Othello to conclude racism has been emphasized in the play.…

    • 1166 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Racism In Othello

    • 503 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Othello is the general of the Venice army and also mentions that he comes from a royal family which makes him as noble as Desdemona. Additionally, he says that “I love the gentle Desdemona”; despite all this the only person that is able to see the caring, strong and valuable side of Othello is Desdemona. Therefore, the visual essay compares the true side of Othello with the Othello that characters like Iago, Roderigo and Brabanito perceives. The play Othello also addresses many real life racial problems. For example, during the Shakespearean era readers of the play found the racial relationship between Othello and Desdemona very interesting. However, many were disturbed by what they saw during the play even though the actor playing Othello was most likely a white actor wearing black face paint. The legal map also demonstrates how little progression there has been since the Shakespearean era until only few decades…

    • 503 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Before the play even starts we already have a sense of how race and place have a paramount importance in the play simple from the title ‘Othello: The Moor of Venice’. This illustrates the fact that Othello is defined by race by being ‘the Moor’ and being in the place ‘Venice’, and how this will affect the outcome of the play. This impression from Iago and Roderigo’s whom we meet at the very beginning of the play by their racist descriptions of him. Iago’s vulgar imagery of Othello the ‘black ram’ ‘tupping’ Desdemona the ‘white ewe’ is an example of this, and it plays on the well-established connotations of good and evil through colour. This is a dramatised example how ‘white society’ (in the case Roderigo and Iago) uses Othello’s skin colour to pervert a situation, and so making him feel like an outsider.…

    • 1247 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    William Shakespeare (26th April 1564 – 23rd April 1616) was an English poet, playwright and an actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the Bard of Avon. His extant works, including some collaboration, consist of 37 plays, 154 sonnets and two long narrative poems and few other verses. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.…

    • 1055 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    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…

    • 1067 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Minorities In Othello

    • 492 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Ethnic minorities in high positions of leadership are becoming the highest growing and highest earning individuals in business. Their growth is attributed to their success in running and operating their businesses with solid leadership. These ethnic minorities often rank higher in many leadership measures over non-minorities. In the play Othello, Othello succeeds as a general thanks to his contacts and performance in his position. He makes himself a great example when he leads his crew through a rough storm and persevering against the Turkish fleet. However, racism is prominent in the workplace and in the play. In the workplace, blatant discrimination and racial remarks are well known by those minorities especially in a majority-driven business. In Othello, Iago’s psychopathy and stigma against Othello are more reactive than spoken attempting to get his reputation ruined and his job lost. Although Shakespeare misrepresents minorities in high positions in that those minorities are successful and well-liked by subordinates, he accurately depicts minorities in high positions today in the play Othello because racism continues to exist in the workplace and Othello is found to be an overall effective leader.…

    • 492 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Stereotypes In Othello

    • 355 Words
    • 2 Pages

    In Shakespeare’s Othello, the protagonist adopts an identity that conforms to Venetian society and defies racial expectations brought forth by his Venetian peers. His simplistic perception of himself as a Venetian man, unconcerned with racial stereotypes, conveys his noble virtues to be greater than that of his white Venetian counterparts’. However, Othello’s internalization of the racial prejudice, as instigated by Iago, is his ultimate demise. In the beginning of the play, Othello demonstrates an effective resistance against the racial stereotypes expressed by Brabantio. His use of poetic language and honorable military status greatly contrasts the black stereotypes that Brabantio thrusts at him. For instance, when Brabantio accuses Othello of stealing…

    • 355 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Othello Character Arc

    • 1450 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Shakespeare quickly establishes Othello as a member of an inferior race and an outsider in society within the very first few lines of the play, but Othello's calm, authoritative demeanor contrasts sharply with the all of the negative, animalistic stereotypes surrounding his race. He appears to be very confident and poised despite all of the racial oppression he undoubtedly endures, and he even believes that he can get away with a deed as scandalous as marrying Desdemona, a young white Venetian woman. All of this confidence, however, seems dependent upon two things alone: his extraordinary military capabilities and Desdemona's love for him. Othello, an automatic outcast because of the color of his skin, has gained social acceptance only through his services to the state; therefore, society strongly disapproves of his marriage to Desdemona and only tolerates it because they need his skills as a military general. Without his remarkable skills, Othello would have been considered useless and would have been put to death for even considering to marry Desdemona, but he knows that the “services which [he has] done the signiory shall out-tongue [anyone’s]…

    • 1450 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    When Brabantio learns of Othello and Desdemona's relationship, he suggests that Othello must have “enchanted” her with “foul charms” and magic. Brabantio believes that if it wasn’t for those factors Desdemona would’ve never fall in love “to the sooty bosom” of Othello. In addition to this, Othello’s marriage to Desdemona leads to Othello being referred to as the “devil”, “thick-lips, and the “old black ram” that taints white women, such as Desdemona. Despite being an outsider, Othello is praised for his skills as a soldier is valuable to the state. He is in great demand by the Duke and the senate, as Cassio once stated that the senate “sent about three several quests” in search for Othello. In addition to this, the Duke sent for Othello because he wanted to “straight employ [him] against the general enemy Ottoman” despite already having someone in Cyprus. In addition to this, when Iago warns Othello of Brabantio impending wrath, Othello tells him he’s not worried about Brabantio’s insults because he knows that “[his] services...shall out-tongue his complaints.” Othello pushes all of the hate aside as he confidently knows that “[his] title and...perfect soul shall manifest [him] rightly.” However, Othello isn’t the only one who sees his worth: when Barbatio rushes Othello to the court the Duke address the “ valiant Othello” to “employ [him]... against the general enemy Ottoman” and ignores the fact that…

    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The story of Othello is a Shakespearean play in which a person of color more specifically a black person (Moor) is first displayed in a positive light rather than a negative one . Othello’s race is constantly pinned against him and cause for much trouble throughout the story. Many of the characters face challenges alongside the Moor Othello , these characters of either grow alongside him or stay the same . The mindsets and grittiness of the characters play a large part in the Moor’s story in particular Iago’s and Brabantio’s stiffness which equates to much the drama found within the story. His wife Desdemona is in contribution to some of the fluidity…

    • 1372 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays

Related Topics