Black And White Motifs In Shakespeare's Othello

Colors are infused with meanings in our world. Black is a metaphor for negative, improper and undesirable things: black list, black magic, black sheep, blackmail, and black thoughts. White or “fair” is positive and pure: white list, white lies, white knight and white witch. And in movies today, African American characters are far too often a weak character who is the first to be killed in an action movie or minor character that is given a few moments of screen time solely in the name of inclusiveness, like in the Harry Potter films. Shakespeare's play Othello, reveals the detrimental consequences of racial prejudices and societal discrimination on self-perception and identity through the use of the black and white motif in ways that both

Whiteness traditionally symbolizes purity while blackness evil, Shakespeare complicates these associations. The once noble Othello is increasingly blackened morally, while Desdemona's white purity is called into question, demonstrating that the dichotomy between good and evil are not as apparent as they first appear. In Othello, Shakespeare uses the motif of black and white to represent the dynamics of and the relationship between good and evil, this is seen when Othello says, "Haply for I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have" (3.3.304-6), In this moment, Othello recognizes that his blackness could pose obstacles, however, he remains resilient in the face of prejudice, staying true to his character and judgment. His black identity is a source of hardship, yet not one that compromises his integrity or intelligence. Othello believes that as a black man, he lacks the cunning charm and polished eloquence of white chamberers. But he is principled, discerning, and knows right from wrong, even if others fail to see that beneath his dark skin. His race shapes how he is perceived and treated, but not who he is within. He accepts this part of him without shame, even as it works against him. Accordingly, Othello's lament underscores how prejudice denies him equitable access to power and respect. Not due to any

As seen in the climactic final scene of Shakespeare's Othello, the play's central themes of identity and corruption come to a powerful and tragic conclusion. This scene poignantly demonstrates how the corruption of Othello's identity, primarily driven by Iago's deception, leads to a devastating and heart-wrenching tragedy. As Othello utters the words, "Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars. / It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood, / Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow," he juxtaposes Desdemona's white skin, a symbol of her purity and innocence with the dark and heinous act he is about to commit. The "cause" he alludes to is Iago's masterful manipulation, which has led to the corruption of Othello's once-noble identity. At first, Othello sees himself as a dignified man, as seen in his eloquent self-defense in Act 1, Scene 3. However, Iago's deceitful ploys cause Othello to lose sight of his true self and descend into a pit of darkness, jealousy, and malice. Othello's metaphor of extinguishing the light serves as an emblem of his inability to return to the noble man he once was. Emilia's anguished cry, "O, the more angel she, / And you the blacker devil!" sharply emphasizes the stark contrast between Desdemona's untarnished purity and Othello's perceived corruption. Her words poignantly