The Racism in Othello Essays -- Othello essays Shakespeare

The Racism in Othello Throughout the duration of Shakespeares tragedy, Othello, thither is a steady stream of racism. It is originating from not one, but rather several(prenominal) characters in the play. In the opening scene, while Iago is expressing his dislike, rather hatred, for the general Othello for his having elect Michael Cassio for the lieutenancy, he contrives a plan to partially avenge himself (I dramatise him to serve my turn upon him), with Roderigos assistance, by alerting Desdemonas father, Brabantio, to the event of his daughters elopement with Othello. Roderigo shares Iagos prejudiced attitude toward Othello What a to the full fortune does the thicklips owe / If he can carryt thus The word thicklips is a disparaging reference to a facial characteristic of many members of the erosive race. When, by loud shouting, Brabantio is awakened, Iago commences with a series of racial epithets Zounds, sir, youre robbd for shame, put on your gown Your heart is burst, y ou have lost half your soul point now, now, very now, an old black ram Is topping your white ewe. Arise, turn Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, Or else the irritate 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 ignominious skin color. The allusion to white ewe has the effect of putting Othellos darkness into abrupt contrast. A few lines later Iago erst again turns his invective richly 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 divine service ... ... the blacker devil OTHELLO. She turnd to folly, and she was a whore. EMILIA. Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil (5.2) Following Iagos murder of Emilia, he is captured Lodovico addresses Othello, who is so deject at having been deceived by his ancient O thou Othello, thou wert once so good, Falln in t he practise of a damned slave, What shall be verbalise to thee? (5.2) Needless to say, damned slave has racial overtones. Shortly thereafter, the hero, in contrition for the tragic mistake he has made, stabs himself and dies on the bed next to his wife, his melancholy being as deep as his love. WORKS CITED Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The electric automobile Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http//www.eiu.edu/multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.