The use of the word 'black' to signify both the Moor and an inherent evil informs readers of racial perceptions of not only the audience which consists of the characters around Othello, but also the greater audience of Elizabethan England. The portrayal of the Moor in Othello, oftentimes contradictory, reveals the dominant racial attitudes of the time period, and has continued to provide insight into shifting social conflicts throughout the centuries during which it has been performed. The question of Othello's true race has never been decided- evidence exists to suggest that the Venetian general was both an African and an Arab- but it is ultimately his status as a foreigner or outsider which truly instigates the racial repercussions of the play. This absolute otherness is implicit in the subtitle of the play itself (The Moor of Venice), which defines the character not in terms of his social role but solely in terms of race. Interestingly, despite his background Othello is initially considered honorable; it is only when race is connected with interracial sexual and marital unions that it becomes a heated emotional issue for the Venetians, and for
These simple orders portrays his enthusiasm for war, yet shows Raleigh being nervous like you would expect a young boy to be that has just arrived in the front line. ‘You’ll find the other officers call me “uncle”’ also demonstrates his fatherly figure in war and how Osborne
Walker was a free black man living in Boston who had a unique view of slavery. He felt so deeply about this subject that he seemed to almost promote violence. He thought that slaves should do anything in their power, even kill, to stop the establishment of slavery. Walker accused the nation of not living up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. He was particularly not very fond of Thomas Jefferson, who he thought to be a racist.
During the first act of Othello, the reader is introduced to antagonist of the play; Iago who goes out to seek revenge on Othello, of who he believes is a close friend. Iago, who by occupation must serve his superior, Othello, states “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”, ironically instead of keeping his loyalty as Othello’s friend, implies that his real “loyalty” as such is to use it against him in a state of revenge. Iago’s intention to bring adversity upon Othello is further developed in the negative statement “… not I for love and duty” openly announcing his intentions, ironically being honest to them. His first act of trickery begins as Iago sets up to inform Desdemona’s father, Brabantio about his daughter’s marriage to Othello. ”Zounds sir, you’re robbed.” (Ii87) this overstatement implies to Brabantio that his daughter is with Othello against her own accord.
Outline the Nature of the Tragic Hero in Act One of Othello In the play 'Othello', the writer – William Shakespeare – uses many techniques in order to outline the nature of the tragic hero to the audience. As a result of the hero's absence in the first scene, the initial presentation of the tragic hero is one based around the villain's bitter discontent and disdain. Othello's negative portrayal to the audience leads them to believe that he is an evil, cunning, immoral thief. Shakespeare achieves this effect through Iago's use of racist, dehumanising language: “an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”. Throughout the first scene, Iago and Roderigo also never refer to Othello by name, however, the audience quickly learn that both characters hate 'the moor', as this – amongst other derogatory terms, including 'thick-lips' – is the only title given to him.
Othello is a ‘moor’, of North African ancestry, in a society of white men, but holds considerable power as the best general. As a result of this, his relationship with the rest of Venice is a careful balance between racism and usefulness. In times of peace, the inbred racism in their society emerges strongly and Othello sinks to the bottom of the social hierarchy. This is conveyed by the words they choose to describe Othello, such as ‘old black ram’ and ‘sooty bosom / of such a thing as thou’. This animal imagery conforms to the stereotypical image of a bestial and violent black man that existed in that era.
Tybalt completely forgets about Mercutio and says to him “Well, peace be with you, sir. Here comes my man.” This quote suggests that Tybalt was looking for Romeo and he saw his enemy. While Romeo and Tybalt are still arguing about their hatreds towards each other, Romeo gets insulted by Tybalt by calling him a “villain”. This was insult towards Romeo because in the reign of the Elizabethan time that word was very insulting especially for someone like Romeo as he comes from a noble family. Mercutio joins in the conversation and says “O calm, dishonorable, vile submission!
Shakespeare’s Othello is a character who is thrown around throughout the play by the cruel-minded Iago. One would make a judgement about whether Othello did get what he deserved by analysing the relationship between Othello and Iago. But firstly, we must see all the things going against Othello. Othello is an African black man living in Venice. Unfortunately for Othello, this means he is faced with a lot of racial slurs and judgements.
Mark Twain, the author of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, made a good choice to include controversial words in the book to show racial injustice and should be taught in schools. The fight on racism is one of the most important parts about the book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain uses satire to poke fun at people and show them they are wrong; twisting their beliefs. Satire is used on anything from religion to racism to stereotypes. A great example from the book is when Pap goes on and on about how government lets blacks be free, “It was ‘lection day, and I was Just about to go and vote, myself, if I warn’t too drunk to get there; but when they told me there was state in this country where they’d let that nigger vote, I drawed out” (Twain 20).
Shakespeare presents these through the complexity of the characters and the language and plot antitheses. Black and white is a binary opposition that Shakespeare develops throughout the play. The most obvious evidence of this is in the characters. Othello is characterized as a black man and it is this aspect of his persona that evokes the sense that Othello is an outsider. Desdemona is a privileged, white lady and it is this colouring that symbolises her innocence and angelic nature.