The Role of Race in Othello - 1773 Words

Topic paper : The role of race in Othello. â€Å"Although the plots of Shakespeares plays are specific, the motivations of the characters -- as well as of Shakespeare himself -- have been the source of much debate. Arguments continue over interpretations of Shakespeares intentions in part because his plays remain so profoundly relevant.† (www.pbs.org, Teachers’ Guide, Othello : Essay on race, web.) Othello is the story of a Berber who in the fourteenth century, has reached the top of the pyramid in the Republic of Venice thanks to his value as a valiant general of the army. However, his life ended prematurely and tragically in the darkness of jealousy and crime. Othello is the only one able to defeat the Turks on the Cyprus†¦show more content†¦In the first scene of Act I, Iago, Othello’s faithful servant, who could not bear not to have been appointed by him as lieutenant, is trying to oppose the Senator Brabantio, Desdemonas father , to the love affair between his master and Desdemona. Iago’s terms would today lead to court prosecution for racism : 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. A little further the remarks are no less moderate: I am one sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the moor are making the beast with two backs â€Å". We also learn in this first act, when Othello is obliged to explain the circumstances of his love with Desdemona (â€Å"strange and against nature†), that Brabantio that was linked to him in some friendship but we understand that it was true as he remained in the place which was his own, without going to compete with the Venetian nobles and hope to enter, for example, in the family. In this situation, the witch trials is already wielded by Brabantio accusing Othello of magic. Othello: Her father loved me, he often invited me, he asked me the story of my life ...†. This is in sharp contrast to the despair and violence of the father when he learns that his daughter left withShow MoreRelatedThe Role Of Race In Othello And Huckleberry Finn941 Words   |  4 Pagespredominantly white neighborhood. These are examples of how race affects our daily life. In the play Othello written by William Shakespeare and in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn written by Mark Twain, race is challenged through conflicts in the plot, social class, and character relationships. The idea of race is challenged by conflicts on the plot of Othello and Huck Finn. Race is challenged by the conflicts of Othello. Brabantio accuses Othello of putting a spell on Desdemona to make her fall in loveRead MoreComparison between Othello and Skin1414 Words   |  6 Pagestexts Othello and Skin. To what extent are the differences between the two texts treatment of this theme due to their different historical and cultural contexts? 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William Shakespeare in one of his most famous plays Othello lies outRead More William Shakespeares Othello as a Victim Essay1370 Words   |  6 Page sWilliam Shakespeares Othello as a Victim Not All Works Cited Included In Othello Shakespeare shows that Othello is victimised in many ways, for instance; his race, his culture, his social position and naÃÆ' ¯ve. Othellos victimisation could also show Shakespeares meaning of the term tragedy. In other Shakespearean tragedies the lead character is shown as cunning, ruthless and manipulative, more similar to Iago than Othello. This could represent a change in Shakespeares Read MoreRacism In Othello Essay1414 Words   |  6 PagesShakespeare’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. 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HoweverRead MoreOthello Research Paper1226 Words   |  5 PagesCarly Niedert Dr. Helen Davis English 120 1 December 2011 Othello In the play Othello written by Shakespeare, the issue of racism is addressed. Othello, the protagonist of the play, is African American or black. â€Å"According to Lois Whitney, many of Othello’s specific attributes probably derive from Shakespeare’s reading of Leo Africanus, whose Geographical Historie of Africa which was translated and published in London in 1600†(Berry, 1990). Many critics have different views on this. â€Å"If ShakespeareRead MoreOthello – Race and Stereotypes Essay637 Words   |  3 PagesOthello’s race does not prominently impact his demise, although Shakespeare touches upon the issue of race, the reason for Othello’s demise lies somewhere else. However, the allegations of race directly lead to its tragic ending. Feelings of inadequacy and distrust without question aid in the tragedy. The fact that Othello’s skin color is important alters the interpretation of the tragedy within the play. The racism represente d in Othello is not just about an instance of prejudices and prejudgmentsRead MoreOthello Reflects the Context and Values of its Time Essay1342 Words   |  6 PagesTexts and their appropriations reflect the context and values of their times. Within Shakespeare’s Othello and Geoffrey Sax’s appropriation of Othello, the evolution of the attitudes held by Elizabethan audiences and those held by contemporary audiences can be seen through the context of the female coupled with the context of racism. The role of the female has developed from being submissive and â€Å"obedient† in the Elizabethan era to being independent and liberated within the contemporary setting.Read MoreSymbol In Injullo Desdemona And Lago Characters In Othello1071 Words   |  5 Pagessymbol in the play. It is the root influences of Othello, Desdemona and Lago characters in the play. The handkerchief is the tool for Lago revenge against Othello. Also, the handkerchief plays a pivotal role tha t lead to Othello demise. Lastly, the handkerchief is Desdemona love for Othello. The handkerchief represents different meaning to all different characters in the play. The handkerchief is Desdemona love for Othello but also the cause Othello suspension of his wife disloyalty. According to