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Examples Of Racism In Othello

648 Words3 Pages

The use of racial slurs and other racial remarks can greatly affect the development of any story or work. When racism is used, the work will be viewed in a new light, thus a different viewpoint could be taken. Racism will affect the overall tone and mood of the work. In Othello, William Shakespeare uses racism blatantly. It brings to light the attitude of the old European society towards those of different color, language, and race. In Europe, people of white complexion were in the mass and all the other races were made to be inferior. Therefore, Iago has a racist opinion of Othello as well as jealousy towards his successes throughout the entirety of the play.
Several characters throughout the play showcase a racist mentality. These characters include Emilia, Brabantio, and Roderigo. Iago was by far most racist for he made his intentions clear as day by stating several times his hatred of the Moor. Throughout the play, Iago proclaims a number of reasons for his hatred, …show more content…

It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect that will confess perfection so could err against all rules of nature”. It appears that Iago perfectly plays Brabantio. Iago knew that Brabantio was racist and he used Brabantio’s attitude toward the idea of a mixed marriage in order to rile the man against Othello.
Iago uses animal imagery in his racist rant against Othello, which is grounded in the idea that black men are inhuman. Here, Brabantio reples Iago’s argument by saying his house is not a “grange,” as he claims that Desdemona is having sex with a “barbary horse”(1.1.119; 123-127). Iago retorts with “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the moor are now making the beast with two backs” (1.1.119;

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