This term paper seeks to dislocate traces of racism within the characters of Iago, Othello, and Desdemona in Shakespeare's "Othello". By scrutinizing both overt and covert forms of xenophobia, it tries to explain how and why the play came to its tragic ending.
In 1994, Nelson Mandela wrote in his autobiography that "no one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion" and that, consequently, "people must learn to hate". By itself, this is a simple statement but it is also egregious in the way it makes us understand. There is nothing it could not explain, no dispute it could not illuminate. And even though Mr. Mandela had originally formulated his statement with regard to Apartheid, it fits extraordinarily well to racism in Shakespeare’s "Othello".
Judging from Michael Neill’s investigations into the subject of notions of human difference in early modern societies, 16th century Venice had a considerably open attitude towards foreigners of any kind, with a great deal of cultural exchange taking place between people of every colour and every religion. By the beginning of the 17th century, however, this started to change: as the number of encounters with foreign cultures increased, "color emerg[ed] as the most important criterion for defining otherness" (Neill).
As Mandela would have put it, Venetians started to learn hating others in behalf of their skin colour. And precisely this kind of development is illustrated in Othello: the Moor, who is actually a prime example for successful integration, has to endure an increasing degree of enmities and discriminations as racist sentiments begin to emerge in Venetian society — sentiments even Othello himself cannot resist.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Iago: a most sinister villain?
- 3. Othello: "the beast with two backs"
- 4. Desdemona: not quite "the sweetest innocent that e'er did lift up eye"?
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper examines the presence of racism in Shakespeare's Othello, focusing on the characters of Iago, Othello, and Desdemona. It analyzes how overt and covert forms of xenophobia contribute to the play's tragic ending. The paper investigates the evolving perception of otherness in 16th and 17th century Venice, and how these societal shifts influenced the characters' actions and relationships.
- Racism and xenophobia in Shakespeare's Othello
- The evolving concept of otherness in early modern Venice
- Iago's manipulative tactics and their racial dimensions
- Othello's internal conflict and the impact of racism on his identity
- The role of Desdemona and the portrayal of interracial relationships
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by referencing Nelson Mandela's quote on learned hatred, establishing the context for exploring racism in Othello. It contrasts the relatively open attitude towards foreigners in 16th-century Venice with the emerging racial prejudice of the 17th century, highlighting the shift in societal perceptions of otherness based on skin color. The chapter establishes the paper's central argument: that the play's tragic ending is intricately linked to the rise of racial discrimination within Venetian society, impacting the characters and their relationships. The introduction positions Othello as a microcosm reflecting broader societal changes in perceptions of race.
2. Iago: a most sinister villain?: This chapter delves into the character of Iago, examining his racism within the broader context of his motivations. While Iago is undeniably racist, the chapter argues against reducing him solely to a white supremacist. His racism, it suggests, is intertwined with his personal ambition and resentment at being overlooked by Othello. The chapter traces Iago's adoption of increasingly racist language, arguing that while not initially premeditated, he strategically weaponizes racial prejudice to undermine Othello. Iago's manipulation is discussed in relation to his attempts to alienate Othello from various aspects of his life, including his marriage, faith, military standing, and social position within Venice.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Racism in Shakespeare's Othello
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This term paper examines the presence of racism in Shakespeare's Othello, focusing on the characters of Iago, Othello, and Desdemona. It analyzes how overt and covert forms of xenophobia contribute to the play's tragic ending and investigates the evolving perception of otherness in 16th and 17th century Venice.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include racism and xenophobia in Shakespeare's Othello; the evolving concept of otherness in early modern Venice; Iago's manipulative tactics and their racial dimensions; Othello's internal conflict and the impact of racism on his identity; and the role of Desdemona and the portrayal of interracial relationships.
What is the paper's central argument?
The paper argues that the tragic ending of Othello is intricately linked to the rise of racial discrimination within Venetian society, impacting the characters and their relationships. The play is presented as a microcosm reflecting broader societal changes in perceptions of race.
How does the paper analyze Iago's character?
The paper analyzes Iago's racism within the broader context of his motivations, arguing against reducing him solely to a white supremacist. His racism is presented as intertwined with his personal ambition and resentment. The analysis traces Iago's adoption of increasingly racist language, showing how he strategically weaponizes racial prejudice to undermine Othello.
What is the introduction's main purpose?
The introduction sets the stage by referencing Nelson Mandela's quote on learned hatred and establishes the context for exploring racism in Othello. It contrasts the relatively open attitude towards foreigners in 16th-century Venice with the emerging racial prejudice of the 17th century, highlighting the shift in societal perceptions of otherness.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries for each chapter: an introduction discussing the context of racism in 16th and 17th century Venice; a chapter focusing on Iago's character and his motivations; a chapter analyzing Othello's character; a chapter analyzing Desdemona's character and the portrayal of interracial relationships; and a conclusion.
What is the structure of the preview provided?
The preview is structured to provide a comprehensive overview including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and key words.
- Quote paper
- Ann-Kathrin Latter (Author), 2015, "The Beast with Two Backs". Race and Racism in Shakespeare's "Othello", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/354525
