Racism In Othello Essay

Othello: Racism Essay
Othello: Racism
Just how serious is the problem of racial prejudice in William Shakespeare's tragedy Othello? Is it
pervasive or incidental? This essay intends to answer questions on this subject.
Blanche Coles in Shakespeare's Four Giants maintains that the racial discrimination in the play may
be overstated by critics:
In the first scene, Roderigo has referred to Othello as "thick lips." No other character in the play
attributes any such negroid features to Othello, and it should be remembered that Roderigo has a
half–insane prejudice against and hatred for Othello. Brabantio refers to his "sooty bosom," but may
he not have meant his hairy chest? Some rather fair men have black hair on their chests. The word
"sooty"...show more content...
Arise, arise;
Awake the snorting citizens with the bell,
Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you:
Arise, I say. (1.1)
The phrase old black ram and the word devil both make reference in an offensive manner to dark
skin color. The allusion to white ewe has the effect of putting Othello's darkness into sharp contrast.
A few lines later Iago once again turns his invective fully on Othello with three stinging racial
epithets:
'Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not
serve God, if the devil bid you. Because we come to
do you service and you think we are ruffians, you'll
have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse;
you'll have your nephews neigh to you; you'll have
coursers for cousins and gennets for germans. (1.1)
The words devil, Barbary horse, and gennet (a dark–colored Spanish horse) all use race at the
expense of the hero of the drama. And then Roderigo chimes in, stating that Desdemona has gone

"To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor" and "made a gross revolt." The repeated reference to
Othello as "the Moor" by Iago, Brabantio and Roderigo is essentially a statement of his race since
the Moors were, as a people, dark–skinned.
When in Act 1, Scene 2, Iago seeks to frighten Othello by telling him of Brabantio's influence as a
senator, the general answers confidently: "Let him do his spite: / My services which I have done the
signiory / Shall
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Racism In Othello Research Paper
Racism in the play, Othello
Is a playwright being racist if they write a black character as a tragic hero? In William
Shakespeare's play, The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, the main character Othello is
black and a powerful, respected leader. Tragically, Othello regresses to become a jealous monster
who murders own wife. Shakespeare seems to be ambiguous about if he sees Othello as virtuous or
evil. If one observes closely, Shakespeare seems to be both sympathetic and racist toward Othello
by displaying his noble and base qualities. At first, Shakespeare seems to be sympathetic toward
Othello. By describing Othello as a well respected general in Venice, an eloquent speaker and a
prominent figure, Shakespeare shows his respect and sympathy for Othello. Near the end, Othello
reminds them "I have done the state some service, and they know't" (5.2.339). He has obviously
provided assistance to...show more content...
We see this when Othello recognizes he is different: "Rude am I in my speech, / And little blessed
with the soft phrase of peace" (1.3.81–82). As an eloquent speaker, it is strange that he apologizes
for being uncouth. We see that Othello is aware and self–conscious that people have negative
preconceptions about black people. The fact he views himself as an outsider shows there was
negative prejudice against black people during that time. Othello both seems willing to submit to the
discrimination of society and self–deprecation of himself. His insecurities about his race seem to
lead him to his downfall. When accepts that he is alien to society because of his racial difference,
it seems to lead him to easily believe Desdemona would leave him. Shakespeare appears to be racist
when presenting Othello as an outsider as it insinuates black people are not part of

Examples Of Racism In Othello
Racism has been an influence on people's actions and language. Racism has molded and shaped
society's belief and actions over time. Iago's language and actions in the play Othello reveals his
belief that being a black leader and married to a white woman is unnatural. Iago's language reveals
his racist persona. According to William Shakespeare's play Othello, in Act 1 Scene 3 Iago stated
"hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to light". By referring to Othello and Desdemona's
relationship as "monstrous" instead of a beautiful thing illustrate Iago belief that interracial
marriages are unnatural and shouldn't occur. In Act 1 Scene 3 of Shakespeare's play Othello, Iago
stated " I hate the...show more content...
Iago hatched up a plan to ruin Othello by pretending to be loyal as well as falsely portraying
Othello's wife to be false. As stated in Shakespeare's play Othello, Iago stated in Act 1 Scene 3
that he planned to " abuse Othello's ear" that cassio is " too familiar with his wife" which would
allow him to frame Cassio and portray Desdemona to be false. This reveal that Iago has such
hatred for Othello and interracial relationships that he would frame an innocent man and woman to
ruin Othello. Cruel Iago used Desdemona's handkerchief to falsely frame Cassio which would
make it appear that Desdemona is committing adultery with Cassio. It would also appear to
Othello as if Desdemona is committing adultery with Cassio because it is more natural and
acceptable for her to be with someone of the same racial class and nature as her own. This would be
evident in ruining Othello because of how much he cares for

Racism In Othello Essay
Shakespeare's Othello depicts the downfall of a highly respected war general and explores themes
such as jealousy, gender, and deception. The exploration of these themes evinces the racial, cultural,
and social climate of Venice. The primary philosophies of the seventeenth century about race are a
substantial part of Othello's doubt and insecurity, which ultimately lead to his tragic demise. The
encounter between worlds with differing values and ideas plays a considerable role in the context of
Othello.
There were people in Europe who were not Christians, but Othello takes place during a time when
Christianity was the dominant religion of Europe. Christianity itself is not a racist religion; however,
it can be used to justify problematic...show more content...
Put simply, the Duke is saying that even though Othello is black, he is a virtuous man, so he is
basically white. The Duke must believe that black people are sinful and that Othello is an exception,
one of the "good ones." This comment is meant to reassure Brabantio, but it reveals how the Duke
truly feels about black people. Brabantio needs this reassurance from the Duke because he is not
fond of Othello marrying his daughter. He does not think that there is any way that an older black
man could woo a young white woman without defying the laws of nature. He thinks it must be
witchcraft and it takes a testimony from Desdemona to prove that it is not. Perhaps Brabantio
believes that blackness represents evil and that white symbolizes purity. Black
Jennings 3 absorbs any light, so it is possible that he thinks the evil and corrupt Othello will absorb
all of Desdemona's purity and righteousness, leaving her just as depraved as he is. Roderigo
indicates his disdain for Othello through his derogatory comments. Roderigo is madly in love with
Desdemona and distraught that she has married Othello, whom he refers to as "thick–lips" (I.I.66).
Iago catches wind of Roderigo's racism and instigates the entire situation. He and Roderigo accost
Brabantio to let him know about what has happened. Roderigo calls Othello a "lascivious Moor,"
playing into the stereotype of

Racism in William Shakespeare's Othello Essay
Racism in William Shakespeare's Othello
The play, Othello, is certainly, in part, the tragedy of racism. Examples of racism are common
throughout the dialog. This racism is directed toward Othello, a brave soldier from Africa and
currently supreme commander of the Venetian army. Nearly every character uses a racial slur to insult
Othello at one point in the play. Even Emilia sinks to the level of insulting Othello based on the
color of his skin. The character that most commonly makes racist remarks in Othello is Iago. It is
very apparent that Iago uses racism as a scapegoat to hate and blame Othello. Societal racism takes
its toll on its victims. The effect of racism on Othello is quite evident and is one of the main causes
for...show more content...
He turns against his friend, Othello, and labels him as a lesser person because of his race. Iago's
easy provocation of an important Venetian senator by using Othello's racial characteristics shows
how prevalent racism is in the play.
Roderigo also plays a part in the stereotyping of Othello. He is extremely upset that Desdemona has
eloped with Othello, because he has been attempting to court her for several months with no avail.
Roderigo, like many other characters, then bad–mouths Othello with racial slurs in order to paint a
picture of Othello being a lesser person than himself. Roderigo, with great delight, says, "what a full
fortune does the thick–lips owe," (1, 1, 72–73) in order to scapegoat him.
Emilia, when she discovers what Othello has done to Desdemona, also reverts back to racial
stereotyping. Rather than simply being enraged and distraught, and perhaps criticizing his actions,
she roars at him, "O, the more angel she, and you the blacker devil!" (5, 2, 161) This sudden cry
from Emilia who seemed previously indifferent to Othello's race perhaps betrays some of the
deep–rooted stereotypes that existed in

In the play, "Othello", Shakespeare explains that Othello was a victim of racism. Shakespeare
supports his focus by narrating Othello state,"I am black and have not these soft parts of
conversation that chamberers have, or for I am declined into the vale of years– yet thats not much–
She's gone","Had it pleased Heaven to try me with affliction, had they rained all kinds of sores and
shames on my bare head, stepped me in poverty to the very lips, given to captivity and me and my
utmost hopes","Yet I'll not shed her blood, nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow, and smooth
monumental alabaster". The authors purpose is to argue about Othello in order to know he was a
victim of racism. The author writes in a formal style for his audience and others interested in the
topic of prejudice and its effects on relationships. Shakespeare acknowledges that Othello is a
victim of racism. In the book, Othello states,"I am black and have not these soft parts of
conversation that chamberers have, or for I am declined into the vale of years–yet thats not much–
She's gone". In other words, he is doubting himself of being a good enough husband. Othello also
reminds us if hes not careful she'll find another man and leave him. Therefore this quote is
describing why Othello thinks hes not good enough for Desdemona....show more content...
For instance, when Othello states this,"Had it placed in Heaven to try me with affliction, had they
rained all kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, stepped me in poverty to the very lips, given
to captivity and me and my utmost hopes."Othello thinks he will be punished by Heaven because of
his race and him wanting to have revenge on Desdemona. He insists that Heaven will strike him
down with affliction and captivity. This matters because Othello is realizing that other people and
things have more power than him and he will have to answer for his

Theme Of Racism In Othello
Throughout history, those who experienced racism were often not given proper representation of
their struggles in literature. However, during the Elizabethan period, racism began to be
acknowledged in society more frequently. Shakespeare's play, Othello, shows the struggles of an
African general, Othello, as he faces prejudice by an envious soldier, Iago. Shakespeare often
focused on the stereotypes in Elizabethan society to depict the character Othello, while giving him a
personality that did not illustrate people's stereotypical views on Africans at the time; providing the
audience with sympathy towards a character as the play progressed. Although Othello begins the
play as a model general, the racism provided by Iago further enhances his insecurity of his race,
leading Othello to succumb to the racial slurs in the closing scenes. Shakespeare's understanding
of racism in the Elizabethan period is evident by the tragedy of Othello as racism becomes more
prevalent. The racism that Othello is receives date before the Elizabethan period and were used
countless times in history. For example, religions such as Christianity viewed black often as "the
colour of sin and death," the use of religion to justify racism made no break in attempting to stop
the prejudice. Also, Rome and Greece viewed the color black as "the colour of ill luck,
death...malevolence" (Hunter 250). Associations between the color black remained as stereotypes
were then used to define 'black–faced men' as

Racism And Racism In Othello
Race plays an important role in William Shakespeare's Othello: an intense tragedy of an admired
military general, who is driven to kill his wife and himself out of jealously. Othello is of Black
African descent, which separates him from many in his Venetian world. Throughout the play,
Othello's race is seen as a negative aspect of his character, which is used by the antagonist, Iago, as
a weak point to initiate chaos. The play depicts racism and uses the influence of radicalized
perspective to create a tragedy. Shakespeare created Othello to be a great leader, a powerful and
noble man, to defy Venetian societal views. He did so effectively through the development of varied
interpersonal relationships, and how racism effects each of them.
When Othello is first introduced into the play, the audience knows that he is a well–respected leader.
As the play continues, racist and non–racist views become quite evident, which eventually effect the
actions and ways Othello sees himself. Othello's wife, Desdemona, is a young Caucasian woman,
who recognizes Othello for his true self, not his race. She admires the "dangers that [he] had passed"
(1.3.193. Shakespeare, William. Othello), and his abilities as a valiant leader. Desdemona knows that
her inter–racial marriage is not common, or widely approved of, yet she continues to "trumpet to
the world" (1.3.285. Shakespeare, Othello) her love for him. Her unwavering devotion to Othello is
a critical detail because she stays true to her feelings in a world where she is surrounded by
discrimination towards Othello. Before Iago approaches Desdemona's father, Brabantio, about their
marriage, Othello expresses that "[Desdemona's] father loved [him]" (1.3.149. Shakespeare, Othello),
and often invited him into their home (1.3.149. Shakespeare, Othello). These examples of characters
from the play and their non–racist views of Othello prove that Othello is a play that illustrates
racism, not a play meant to offend and segregate against people of colour.
Many critics of Othello have suggested that Shakespeare wrote a racist play, and that Shakespeare
himself wanted to convince others that even a black man in Venetian society will eventually revert
to his violent and animal–like ways

Since the mid–sixteenth century there has been a presence of Native West Africans in England,
Eldred Jones argues that by 1601 there were enough in England for queen Elizabeth to express her
dissatisfaction with the great number of 'blackmoors'. Eldred Jones later puts forward the argument
that Elizabethan Englishmen saw the African Natives as being barbarous and treacherous. These
views are present in Shakespeare's Othello through the characters of Iago, Rodrigo and Brabantio.
However, these opinions were not shared by most of the characters until tragedy strikes and darkness
of jealousy consumes Othello.
Shakespeare expresses the racial prejudice that is evident in his period through the characters of
Iago, Roderigo and Brabantio. The...show more content...
It is at this point that Othello's race is used against him. Moreover, Brabantio's dislike for Othello is
the fact that the marriage to his daughter flatus the loyalty she Is meant to have to him. The
language Brabantio uses at the end of act 1 scene 3 had connotations of grief and anger towards
Desdemona's dishonesty ("she has deceived her father, and may thee") (I.iii.289–290)
Although those three characters are openly prejudice towards Othello not everybody in the play does
share the same bigoted ideas. Such as the court, the courts men ignore the blatant racism by
Brabantio; they have appointed Othello general of the venetian army and they refer to him many
times as the "noble Moor" whom is "sufficient" (IV.i.265). The fact that Othello a black man and non
–venetian has been put in a position with so much power just amplifies the respect they have for
him as a worrier, and that the colour of his skin is not considered when it comes down to his
integrity. It is noted that some critics argue that this respect for Othello is only there because of the
threat of the
Turks and they need Othello on their side if they have any chance of beating them. However, the
situation at hand does have indicate that may the council me do have a hidden agenda. The language
used by does not hint to them having shared racist ideas as Brabantio. When the truth of how Othello
won Desdemona's heart the Duke acknowledges the fact that "this tale would win my daughter too"

One of the most notable features of Shakespeare's play "Othello" is the numerous references to
Othello's race, not only by Iago, but by other characters as well. Othello is one of the first black
heroes in English literature. He is a general, he advanced to a position of power and influence
regardless of his race and his status as a foreigner in Venice. DespiteOthello's role in the army as a
distinguished soldier and leader, he is nonetheless a victim of racism from the very beginning of the
play. The racism focuses on his marriage with a white woman. Othello is a play that portrays
racism, but does not in itself take a racial viewpoint. The Venetians of the play world see Othello as
a violent, jealous, and faithless man, but the actions of the play prove them to be wrong.
Brabantio shows his racist attitude toward Othello in his horror over his daughter's marriage to him.
Brabantio believed that Othello had used witchcraft on Desdemona, for being able to lure his
daughter into marriage. Brabantio is stating that it impossible for his daughter to fall in love with a
"thick–lips" Moor, unless he employed some sort of incantation, a black man cannot fulfill white
woman, like a white man can . Brabantio would rather have his daughter unmarried than be with a
black man. Further into act one, Brabantio warns the Venetian Senate, "Bond–slaves and pagans
shall our statesmen be", Brabantio perceives at once that there's much more at stake in his daughter's
interracial union than the violation of his honour as Desdemona's father. Brabantio justifies himself
in effect, he feels threatened by the union of Othello and Desdemona. He believes that if one were
to treat inferiors as equals, there is nothing to stop the barbarian outcasts of society from taking one's
place and having power over one.
The character that most commonly makes racist remarks towards Othello is Iago.
He uses racism as a scapegoat to hate and ruin Othello. He claims to be angry at Othello for having
passed him over for the position of lieutenant. "An old black ram/Is tupping your white ewe", Iago
associates carnality and animality with Othello, believing that black men are ruled by lust and
passion not by reason. In calling Othello degrading terms

Theme Of Racism In Othello
In the mid 1600s, England went through a time called "Elizabethan Era." During this time, racism
was common. People of color were called "savage." However, in Othello by William Shakespeare,
had issues about race. Throughout the play, we see a difficult relation between Othello, a black
man, Desdemona, a white woman and the everyone. They weren't happy that Desdemona and
Othello were together. The crime that was committed by Othello was called a pressure group
because he was pressured by Iago words. However, in order to understand the racial issues, we
should know about the Elizabethan attitude to the black people. Othello is a Moor. He moved from a
white Venetian group to a terrible breakdown. One of the main cause of hatred in England, shows
how people of color were treated like back then. Other main cause was what the white people treated
other race like. All members of each race have characteristics, talents, or assets. It is described as
discrimination or prejudice that is led against someone who fits in a different race. If someone
discriminates someone that is because of their ethnicity and race. As we know racism is presented
throughout the play in William Shakespeare's Othello. According to Rudolph Shaw, "about mid
sixteenth century, the English met with Africans. The Native West Africans appeared first in
London. Blacks were a very noticeable in Shakespeare's London. Europeans considered that African
men are barbaric, illiterate, and promiscuous and they are good

At the end of the 16th century people burned cats for sport, hunted witches, and the leach was the
pinnacle of medical technology. However, they did get one thing right. 16th century englishmen had
views on interracial marriage that were arguably more sophisticated than those of the American
South until as recently as 2009. Shakespeare's Othello illustrates this with how the Venetians treat
the protagonist, Othello. He is treated as not only equal but in many cases superior and senior.
Racism in Othello is remarkable, because of its absence, yet we find it challenging to hear
shakespeare's words without projecting our experience of racism onto them. Shakespeare's Othello
is remarkably tolerant of racial differences that would soon come to shame the western world.
Othello, "the moor" is held in high esteem. His marriage to Desdemona is almost immediately
accepted by Venetian society. Othello is a play about a virtuous marriage that meets a tragic end
brought about by jealousy and deceit.
There is great opposition to the announcement of Othello's marriage to Desdemona. At the heart of
racist thinking is opposition to such interracial marriages. An interracial marriage in 17 of the
United States could result in a prison sentence until Loving vs Virginia in 1967 which set love free
of racism by statute. The first suggestion that Desdemona has been compromised and stolen from
Brabantio by a clandestine marriage to Othello is met with similar thoughts of crime and
punishment. However, Shakespeare confuses the crime by explicitly characterizing it as witchcraft.
Brabantio says, "That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood, / Or with some dram conjured to
this effect, / He wrought upon her"(1.3.123–24). Witchcraft to us is not a credible accusation, but at
the end of the 16th century, it most assuredly was life–threatening. The audience must interpret if
Brabantio's fury stems from the loss of his daughter to an unacceptable marriage with a black man
or from the betrayal of his position by the fact that his loving daughter kept the knowledge of the
courtship from him. Shakespeare is clear that opposition to the marriage falls away once the process
Othello used to win her heart is made clear. Othello himself

In the play Othello, William Shakespeare discusses some conversations that can be rather racist.
For example, in Act III Scene III, Othello adds, "Farewell, farewell! If more thou dost perceive, let
me know more. Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago." Another example is used in Act IV
Scene III, Desdemona says, "My mother had a maid called Barbary. She was in love; and he she
loved proved mad and did forsake her. She has a song of "Willow";."Last example used is in Act V
Scene II. "And say besides that in Aleppo once, where a malignant and a turbaned Turk, beat a
Venetian and traduced the state, I took by th' throat the circumcised dog, and smot him– thus" As
explained above, the play, Othello, uses many forms of racism. Shakespeare

In Shakespeare's play Othello a reoccurring theme is racism. Othello being a solider was well
known; he became the supreme commander of the army. Othello is a black man who many call a
moor by many in this play. A moor refers to dark skinned male usually from the Muslim culture that
descends from Africa. In this play Othello falls in love with Desdemona and then get elopes with her
without her fathers permission. Many did not approve of this marriage especially Iago, Roderigo, and
Brabandio.
Iago is the antagonist of Othello; he is the person who started all the conflict and leds Othello to
his demise. Iago is to me one of the most racist character of them all. He has never said any of his
racist remarks to Othello because his main plan is to befriend him enough that he could get inside
his head and cloud his judgment. Iago hatred stems from two things; one being that when Othello
picked his lieutenant, it was Cassio who was chosen instead of Iago. What made Iago irritated
was the fact that Cassio had no experience in war when he did and Cassio was chosen instead of
him. The second is that Othello was a moor and during that time racism was an accepted part of
society; people of color were thought of as savage. An example of Iago prejudice is when he says
"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is...show more content...
Do not believe That, from the sense of all civility, I thus would play and trifle with your reverence:
Your daughter, if you have not given her leave, I say again, hath made a gross revolt; Tying her
duty, beauty, wit and fortunes In an extravagant and wheeling stranger Of here and every where.
Straight satisfy yourself: If she be in her chamber or your house, Let loose on me the justice of the
state For thus deluding you.

How Does Iago Use Racism In Othello
Shakespeare's Othello, analyses the idea of racism in relationships. Racism is explored through the
characters of Iago and Brabantio, where we see racial dialog throughout the play. This racism is
aimed directly at Othello; a brave moor general and supreme commander of the Venetian army. Iago
uses racism to target Othello with racial insults and uses it to manipulate others. White people
during the Elizabethan Era believed that they are the superior race but in reality, they are not; all
races are equal and everyone is equal to one another. Humans are not born racist, racism is a thing
that a person develops and is absorbed under the influence of society. Shakespeare expresses racism
as a negative thing and demonstrates this by showing how...show more content...
Brabantio rejects Desdemona's love towards Othello because during the Elizabethan Era, Venice
was largely occupied by white people and therefore black people were unaccepted throughout the
society. Iago knew that Brabantio was racist towards the "Moor" and used Brabantio's attitude
towards the idea of an interracial marriage to manipulate Brabantio and rile his men against
Othello. "Awake! Brabantio! Thieves, thieves! Look to your house, your daughter and your bags!
Thieves, thieves!" (Act 1, Scene 1). Iago refers Othello as a thief and accuses him of stealing
Brabantio's daughter. Brabantio would not accept that his daughter; Desdemona have fallen in love
with Othello. Brabantio then falsely accuses Othello of using magic to possess his daughter
Desdemona. "Damned as you are, you've put a spell on her!" (Act 1, Scene 1) William Shakespeare
uses the setting in Venice to emphasize the inequality towards the Moors. Everyone is different but
no one deserves to be treated

The role of racism is evident throughout Othello, however, in this drama it is clear that other issues
collide with the aspect of racism. The position of love, lust, and hate plays an enormous component
in Othello. Right off the bat the reader's discover that Othello and Desdemona are secretly married.
Iago characterizes this love as "unnatural" because no white woman could ever love a black man
unless witchcraft was involved. Also, Brabantio praises Othello for being a heroic general, but
despises the idea of his daughter, Desdemona, marrying a black man. In this drama, the contrast of
appearance and reality is an evident intersection with racism. Within the drama's entirety, Iago is the
most racist against Othello. Behind his back Iago labeled

Racism in William ShakespeareвЂ™s Othello Essay
Racism in William Shakespeare's Othello
In William Shakespeare's tragic play Othello racism is featured throughout, not only by Iago in his
despicable animalistic remarks about Othello's marriage, but also by other characters. Let us in this
essay analyze the racial references and their degrees of implicit racism.
Racism persists from the opening scene till the closing scene in this play. In "Historical Differences:
Misogyny and Othello" Valerie Wayne comments on the racism inherent in the final act of the drama:
When Othello finally kills himself and says he is killing the 'turbaned Turk' who 'beat a Venetian
and traduced the state' (V, ii, 349–50), he is killing the monster he became through Iago's mental
poison, but he is...show more content...
The alleged supersexuality of Africans also figures in the play: Iago calls Othello the "lusty Moor,"
describing him with images of animal sexuality. Other characters reflect similar prejudice. (128)
Perhaps the charges of racism in the play are exaggerated. Louis B. Wright and Virginia A. LaMar in
"The Engaging Qualities of Othello" comment on the Elizabethan point of view:
Much ink has been spilled in the debate over the color of Othello and what physical characteristics
Shakespeare attributed to a "Moor." Actors who have portrayed the part have also shown much
concern over their make–up. There is little to indicate that Shakespeare of his contemporaries would
have interpreted the union of Othello and Desdemona as a problem in mixed marriage or would
have regarded the racial differences as of vital interest. To the Elizabethans, Othello was an exotic,
and such interest as always attaches to exotics attached to him. (129)
In the opening scene, while Iago is expressing his dislike, or rather hatred, for the general Othello
for his having chosen Michael Cassio for the lieutenancy, he contrives a plan to partially avenge
himself ("I follow him to serve my turn upon him"), with Roderigo's assistance, by alerting
Desdemona's father, Brabantio, to the fact of his daughter's elopement with Othello. Roderigo shares
Iago's prejudiced attitude toward Othello: "What a full fortune does the thicklips owe / If he can
carry't thus!"

Racism in Othello by William Shakespeare Essay
Have you ever thought about how much Othello's race and the racism around him affected his
life? Othello struggled a lot during the play because of his dark skin color. He was called several
racist names like "the Moor," "old black ram," "Barbary horse," and "thick lips" (Shakespeare
1.1.40; 1.1.88; 1.1.111; 1.1.66).The term "racism" has been around for several years; it started in the
twentieth century (Bartels 433). By the way the Elizabethan era viewed black people was similar to
how racism is today with all of the racial comments, and stereotypes. Being a black person in a
mostly white ethnicity area at that time had to be challenging based on Othello's experience. Othello
was the black sheep crowded around a herd of white sheep, he...show more content...
He could not believe that she would want to be with someone like Othello. Othello was a victim
of racist comments in Act 1 of Othello. Brabantio, specifically, sees his daughter's lust for Othello
as odd and was amazed that she would "fall in love with what she fear'd to look on" (Shakespeare
1.1.98). He said that Othello must have used some type of magic to get Desdemona to fall in love
with him (Shakespeare 1.2.62–81). At that time it had to be a miracle for a black person to be with a
white person; it was unheard of. When he found Othello, he started calling him a "Moor" to his
face and ordered his guards to get him. "The Moor" is a reference to his black skin color, features,
and represents the people from North Africa (Bartels 434). Most of the characters, including
Desdemona called Othello a "Moor". It is obvious that mostly every character in Othello was racist.
If the color of Othello's skin was white, Othello and Desdemona would have lived happily ever after.
Othello's race, his marriage with Desdemona, and the murder of Desdemona are all important
structural elements of Othello and are all interrelated (Little 306). These three elements are
interrelated because if Othello's race was white, their marriage would have lasted, and Desdemona
would not have been murdered. "The meaning of Othello's murdering Desdemona depends on their
marriage and their marriage's meaning is

Racism In Othello
Why Would You Think That? Without a doubt, Othello is one of Shakespeare's most
confrontational pieces of literature. The play has had a tremendous impact on literature for many
years. It was written in a time where there was racial segregation, which many people can't believe
that there was a successful black leader. Othello, is a very high ranking official in the Army (a
powerful general) and is married to a young, white girl named Desdemona. Knowing when this play
was written it's not hard to figure that there were major conflicts throughout the play. For some
reason, there are many people that find this racist. Evan...show more content...
He lived in the late 1800's to the 1900's century. He translated many other of Shakespeare's plays,
for example, "Show that Noble and Valor like depravity and cowardice and not the Monopoly of
any color". He responded to the play more reliably than the white ruling of South Africa. In the
play he suggests that everyone will understand it differently, depending on your race. He also adds
some background information on the history that the English have with the Africans, as well as
discussing the Elizabethan culture. He stressed about the culture specifically to show it's concern
for needing to have external self disciplines of all people. The first proof he shows about the play
being racist is in Act 1 scene II when Othello enters and he is not mentioned by his name. He was
referred to as "the Moor", " the thick–lips", and "a Barbary horse" which all represent his skin color.
He talks about how Iago and Brabantio were talking, and Iago says " an old black ram / is tupping
your white calf". This is one hundred percent about Othello and Desdemona. It describes Othello
being the black man and Desdemona being the younger white female. Roderigo uses the " racial
insult" to Othello calling him "Thick Lips". Those are his first two solid pieces of evidence that
make the play seem Racist. His next key point is when he starts talking about how South African
critics avoid Othello. If they do talk about it they definitely talk about color. They see the

Racial Racism In Othello
The protagonist of the play, Othello, becomes the monster driven by racial prejudice that Venetians
depict him to be. The word "moor' is an indicator of the divide between Othello, a Morrocan with
darker skin, and the Venetians of Italy, with fair skin. Even those who respect Othello use the word
"moor" to replace his name. By the end of the play, he becomes the cruel character Iago wanted him
to be.
Thesis: The sole character with dark skin, Othello, is isolated by casual discrimination that indicates
underlying racism in not only Othello's society, but also Shakespeare's.
Body 1: The word "moor"
Topic sentence: Throughout the book, white characters use the word "moor" in replacement for
"Othello," and it's racist.
The word originates from the word "blackamoor," a name used to describe the servants and slaves
of the Europeans. It could be argued that "moor" is not being used racistly in the play, but the
tradition and history of the word refute this. The unfortunate origin created a racist meaning for
the name the white Venetians of the play refer to Othello by. The most clear examples of the
racist connotation come from Iago. From the first scene, Iago has a hatred for Othello fueled by
the fact he chose Cassio to be lieutenant and that Othello is black. Iago says, "and I, (God) bless
the mark, his moorship's ancient," (1.1.35). Iago refers to Othello's position in power as his
"moorship," a crude play on words of the phrase "his worship." By saying this, he is disrespecting
Othello's leadership and his race. Consistently, Iago expresses his hatred towards Othello. With this
consistency, it becomes increasingly clear that at least some of Iago's hatred towards Othello is
driven by race. He doesn't stand alone in his hatred either. When Desdemona elopes with Othello,
Iago insights anger in Brabantio by producing images of Othello and Desdemona having sex. Iago
says,"your daughter and the Moor are (now) making the beast with two backs," (1.1.129–131). He
uses the word "moor" and implies Othello has the characteristics of an animal, specifically a beast.
This casts Othello in an evil light, just because the color of his skin. In Act 1, scene 3 Iago repeats
the phrase "I hate the Moor" twice. His choice of the

Racism In Othello Essay

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Racism In Othello Essay