Themes: Race and the Outsider
Racial politics in Elizabethan England were emergent, because world exploration and interactions between races were still fairly new to England at the time. However, by the time Othello was written, Queen Elizabeth had proclaimed that too many Africans were entering England and began to discourage their entry to the country. In this way, one can certainly see how Africans might be viewed in a negative light during the time that Othello was first performed. They were seen as infidels and non-Christians, which may explain why Shakespeare included a passage in which Othello explains his transition to Christianity. Were Othello not Christian, it would have been harder for the Elizabethan audience to identify with the protagonist of the play.
Regardless of his Christianity, Othello is still seen as an outsider. This underlying racist attitude is reflected in many of Iago’s statements that liken Othello to a lustful animal (e.g., “the beast with two backs”). While there was a racist attitude emerging in England, Africa was also considered to be an exotic, mysterious place that most English people had never witnessed firsthand. This attitude is evident early in the play when Brabantio accuses Othello of seducing his daughter through magical charms or spells. Othello himself has given Desdemona a handkerchief that was enchanted by an Egyptian witch and stained with virgin’s blood. In a play that is otherwise void of any kind of supernatural elements, these allusions to magic are seemingly related to Othello’s African heritage. Despite his recognized merit as a general, Othello is not welcome to become a part of Brabantio’s family, and as a Black man, he is to some degree considered an outsider by Venetian society. It is impossible to know Shakespeare’s artistic intent, but Othello is clearly a sympathetic and admirable character, despite his being an outsider in both the world of the play and Elizabethan England.
The tension between belonging and being an outsider can be seen in other characters as well. Desdemona, for instance, occupies a tenuous position as a woman on the frontlines of Cyprus. While the war never actually occurs, she cannot know that it will not happen when she opts to follow her husband to battle. Emilia, as Desdemona’s attendant, must follow her mistress to Cyprus, and Emilia’s presence there is also questioned. All of these outsiders are eventually killed. The question of who has a right to claim certain spaces is even present in the first few lines of dialogue in the play. Cassio has been promoted to the position of lieutenant, but whether or not he deserves that role is unclear based on his experience and the testimony of others in Venice.
Expert Q&A
What is the significance of this quote from Othello: "Ere I would say, I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon."
The quote from Othello, "Ere I would say, I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon" is significant as it reflects Iago's derogatory views towards both women and Othello. The term 'guinea hen' is a euphemism for a prostitute, indicating Iago's contempt for Desdemona, while the 'baboon' reference is a racial insult towards Othello, portraying him as hyper-sexual and subhuman.
Which quotes in Othello relate to the theme of being an outsider in a closed society?
Quotes in Othello that relate to the theme of being an outsider include Iago's derogatory remarks in Act I, Scene 1, where he calls Othello "an old black ram" and "Barbary horse," emphasizing Othello's racial difference. Additionally, in Othello's dying speech in Act V, Scene 2, he reflects on his paradoxical position as both a valued and excluded member of Venetian society.
How do the themes of religion, culture, racism, and gender inequality in Othello affect his relationship with the Venetians?
Themes of religion, culture, racism, and gender inequality significantly impact Othello's relationship with the Venetians. Religious allusions cast Othello as evil, while cultural barriers prevent his true acceptance despite his military value. Racism deeply affects his interactions, leading to self-doubt and mistrust, particularly in his marriage with Desdemona. Gender inequality influences his and Desdemona's relationship, as well as Iago and Emilia's, highlighting the era's patriarchal norms and contributing to the tragic outcomes.
Discuss post-colonial ideas in Shakespeare's Othello.
How would your reaction to Othello be influenced by your social, political, and cultural position?
Your reaction to "Othello" may be influenced by your social, political, and cultural perspective, particularly when considering Othello's emotional degradation. Factors such as his outsider status as a Moor, his insecurity, and the racial dynamics in a predominantly white power structure can resonate differently based on your own background. Analyzing these elements could provide a unique insight into how Othello's strength deteriorates, reflecting the reader's own societal and cultural positions.
In Othello, how do race, ethnicity, and culture function?
Race, ethnicity, and culture in "Othello" highlight the protagonist's insecurities and societal challenges. Othello, a Moor, marries Desdemona, a Venetian, which angers her father and underscores cultural tensions. Othello's insecurities about his race, age, and cultural differences make him vulnerable to Iago's manipulations. Desdemona's innocence and isolation in a foreign culture lead to her dependence on Othello, leaving her defenseless when his love turns violent. These elements drive the tragedy through misunderstanding and manipulation.
The significance and implications of the term "Moor" in Othello
The term "Moor" in Othello signifies Othello's North African heritage, emphasizing his racial and cultural difference within Venetian society. It highlights themes of racism and otherness, as Othello faces prejudice and discrimination. This term also reflects contemporary attitudes and Elizabethan views on race, contributing to the play's exploration of identity, power, and social dynamics.
Explaining and highlighting Othello's relevance and context for a modern audience
Othello remains relevant to modern audiences due to its exploration of timeless themes such as jealousy, racism, and the complexities of human relationships. The play's portrayal of the destructive power of jealousy and the impact of societal prejudices continues to resonate today, offering insights into contemporary issues of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of discrimination.
The debate on whether "Othello" is a racist play or a play about racism
The debate centers on whether Othello is inherently racist or primarily a commentary on racism. Some argue the play perpetuates racist stereotypes through its portrayal of Othello as a Moor. Others contend it critiques racism by highlighting the discrimination and manipulation Othello faces. Ultimately, it can be seen as both reflecting and challenging the racial attitudes of its time.
Racial Prejudice and Racism in Shakespeare's Othello
In Othello, Shakespeare presents racial prejudice through the marginalization and self-doubt experienced by Othello, who is depicted as an outsider due to his race. Racist language and stereotypes, such as "Moor" and "thick-lips," highlight societal attitudes. Iago exploits these prejudices to manipulate Othello, leading to his downfall. Although Shakespeare's portrayal reflects the racial attitudes of his time, it also critiques them, showing Othello as noble and virtuous, challenging contemporary racial stereotypes.
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