Othello

How is race viewed by the character in ShakespeareЎЇs ÐŽoOthelloÐŽ±? Compare and contrast these different views. Consider the time period as opposed to the viewpoints of today. Use examples from the text.

In the play ÐŽ®OthelloЎЇ by William Shakespeare rare is a major issue. The issue of race is integral to the conflict between characters that develops throughout the play. The issue of race refers to the ways in which racial differences are exploited by the characters throughout the play. Throughout the play there are many conflicts that are created due to the difference in race. This includes the conflict between Desdemona and Othello, Iago and Othello and Roderigo and Othello.

OthelloЎЇs conflict with Desdemona comes about as consequences of their racial and cultural differences. This racial distrust on behalf of Othello is instigated by IagoЎЇs cunning machinations. Iago takes advantage of OthelloЎЇs naivety by suggesting that Venetian women are not loyal: ÐŽoIn Venice they do let heaven see the pranks/ They dare not show their husbandÐŽ± (Act II scene 3 lines 202-203) The word ÐŽoprankЎЇ means sexual infidelity. By stereotyping Venetian women as being unfaithful, Iago is manipulating Othello in turning against Desdemona. This could only be possible as Othello is not from Venice and naively him. This illustrates how Othello and DesdemonaЎЇs conflict arises from racial and cultural differences. Throughout the play Othello was named as a ÐŽomoorÐŽ± for numerous of time. This shows that Othello is not being treated equally as others because he is a black man living in a white society. OthelloЎЇs wife Desdemona also calls Othello a ÐŽomoorÐŽ±: ÐŽoDue to the Moor my lordÐŽ­. That I did love the Moor to live with himÐŽ± (I iii 187, I iii 244) In this quote Othello is being called a moor by his closet person he can find in Venice clearly shows to us that a black man living in white society will not get equally treated as the white people do. Later on the play Othello and IagoЎЇs conflict also arises out of racial disharmony.

Iago conflicts with Othello because Iago does not believe that a ÐŽ®moorЎЇ should be given a position of responsibility over him. This is evident when Roderigo questions if Iago hates Othello. Iago suggests that when he is with Othello he will play a different character:ÐŽ± But I wear my heart upon my sleeve/ For days to peek ay; I am not what I am.ÐŽ± The word ÐŽ®dawsЎЇ means fool and naming IagoЎЇs own boss a fool clearly shows that Iago is not loyal to Othello. This quote also suggests that Iago has plans for Othello because Iago will not appear to be what Othello sees (ÐŽoI am not what I am.ÐŽ±) IagoЎЇs negative attitude towards Othello shows that Iago is not willing to be command by someone who is not the same race as Iago. This can be evident in the opening scene when Iago has already name Othello as a ÐŽ®moorЎЇ twice who was just promoted: ÐŽoWere I moorÐŽ­ Against the moorÐŽ­ÐŽ± (I i 54, I i 144) This reveals what sort of position is Othello in IagoЎЇs mind. Throughout the play not only Iago hates Othello, but Brabantio as well.

Brabantio conflicts with Othello due to the face that Othello has a different skin color and Othello is marrying BrabantioЎЇs daughter, Desdemona. This is evident when Iago and Roderigo brings the news that Othello and Desdemona are going to marry, Brabantio claims that Othello must have use black magic towards Desdemona:ÐŽ± That thou hast practiced on her with foul charms,/ Abused her delicated youth with drugs and minerals,ÐŽ± (I ii 72-73). This quote shows that Brabantio cannot believe that his daughter has fallen in love with a ÐŽ®moorЎЇ. In Shakespearean times people find it unnatural when two different color person

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