Racism By William Shakespeare s Othello - 1197 Words

In the 19th century, many scientists supported the belief that the human race could be categorized into different ethnic groups. Racism is generally defined as discrimination, prejudice, or antagonism directed against an individual(s) of a different race or ethnicity based on a certain belief. Every society that once lived on this Earth has essentially been affected by this global issue. Racism has been one of the most malicious aspects of the human race since the very beginning of history, and is still a topic of great debate in modern society. As all the major events of the human race are imperative, the issue of the race is one of the most significant themes that play a huge role in worldwide literature. In Othello, a tragedy written by†¦show more content†¦A well respected black man in a white society, Othello, rises and acquires a position of a military general of the armies of Venice. He is a humble, gracious, and self-confident man. However, Othello is still perceived and treated as an outsider because of his skin color. In the beginning, Othello surpasses traditional stereotypes of a (Christian) Moor; referring generally to dark-skinned people. Instead of being referred to by his true name, he is only mentioned as â€Å"the Moor† or other more directly racial nicknames. In the opening scene of the play, Iago and Roderigo are discussing their common enemy, Othello. Surprisingly, there is no mention of Othello’s name, as a result, the audience can only interpret him by the remarks the characters used to describe him. The two characters often mention Othello as â€Å"the Moor† or â€Å"thick-lips† (I.i.68), but also indicate that by his race he is not human or undeserving of a name. Before the audience is given information about the true identity of Othello, there are only the descriptions of animals. This illustrates a similarity between the blacks and animals - that they are not entirely human beings, therefore unwort hy of the use of a name instead of such representation. Consequently, the reader is manipulated into the same racist attitude of the characters in the play solely because of the descriptions Shakespeare provided. Act I displayed the majority ofShow MoreRelatedRacism And Manipulation Of William Shakespeare s Othello2226 Words   |  9 Pages Racism and Manipulation In William Shakespeare’s Othello Racism has been an inevitable aspect of human society throughout the centuries, from Elizabethan England to â€Å" Separate but equal, here in The United States not too long ago. Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello, portrays a young, and recently married Moor named Othello. His own demise is initiated by various deceits, such as his lofty new position as the Venetian Republic’s army general. During the time Shakespeare lived there was an overallRead MoreRacism By William Shakespeare s Othello1277 Words   |  6 PagesRacism in Othello William Shakespeare wrote Othello during the wars between Venice and Turkey dating back to the sixteenth century. On November 1, 1604, Othello was performed for the first time by King’s men at the court of King James I. Race is one aspect that affects people’s lives. â€Å"Racism rejects mankind and a means of legalizing diversity† (Mutlu 135). With traces of racism, Shakespeare portrays the story of a general and his wife. From the beginning of Othello, there is a coordination ofRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1140 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Othello† is a play written by William Shakespeare in 1603. In this play, Shakespeare features three major characters: Othello, Iago, and Desdemona. Othello, a black man, and Desdemona, a white venetian secretly eloped in the play. 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I am using this article to agree with Berry s view on how Iago separates two lovers just so he can take retaliation on Othello by manipulating everyone to unmasking their trueRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare894 Words   |  4 Pagesthose that which occurred in Othello written by William Shakespeare. Throughout the play Othello, we see the struggles of a marriage that is not accepted by their society. Othello is a extremely cherished black general living in a primarily white community. The play begins with Othello secretly becoming married to a white woman named Desdemona. This reasons others who are white to become angry and excuse to dislike this black man further more than they already do. Othello is a downward spiral from love