Racism Drives Tragedy in Othello

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
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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 insultOthello
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

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

Examples Of Racism In Othello
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

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

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
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 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 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!"

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.

Racism And Racism In Othello
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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

Racism Drives Tragedy in Othello

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Racism Drives Tragedy in Othello