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 characters in the play. In the opening scene, while Iago is expressing his dislike, 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 Roderigos assistance, by alerting Desdemonas father, Brabantio, to the fact of his daughters elopement with Othello. Roderigo shares Iagos prejudiced attitude toward Othello What a 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 black 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, you have befuddled half your soul Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is topping your white ewe. Arise, arise Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, Or else the remonstrate leave behind 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 agency to dark skin color. The allusion to white ewe has the effect of putting Othellos darkness into sharp contrast. A few lines later Iago once again turns his invective amply 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 ... ... 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 dejected at having been deceived by his ancient O thou Othello, thou wert once so good, Falln in the practise of a damned bu ckle down, What shall be said to thee? (5.2) Needless to say, damned slave has racial overtones. Shortly thereafter, the hero, in remorse for the tragic mistake he has made, stabs himself and dies on the bed next to his wife, his sorrow being as deep as his love. WORKS CITED Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http//www.eiu.edu/multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.