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How Does Shakespeare Present The Theme Of Race And Marriage In The 17th Century

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Shakespeare utilizes techniques such as irony to challenge societal rules regarding race and marriage in the 17th century while depicting the toll racial insecurity can have. The orchestration of the marriage between Othello and Desdemona breaches the rule of marrying outside one's race and beneath one's status. Throughout the play, the emphasis on Othello's race and Desdemona's status plays a vital role in highlighting the effect differences in a marriage can have on an individual, especially seen through the change of behavior in Othello's mannerisms later in the play. The uncommon honor given to Othello, despite his race, is used by Shakespeare to challenge the concept of white supremacy. Desdemona's father, a mayor, "loved [him] and often invited …show more content…

The love Barbantio had for Othello illustrates his integrity and trustworthiness, which are the contrasting characteristics of a stereotypical black man. However, even under the shadow of his label, the moor, Othello, holds a higher status uncommon for a black man in the 17th century. By having an audience such as a "pilot...", a "senate...", and a "mayor..." Othello held a rank higher than that of a white man, allowing him to promote or take away a white man's status. Upon his demotion, Iago declares in a pompous and violent tone, "I know my price!" Expressing his superiority, Iago undermines Othello's status as his general, highlighting the perspective of the colored in the 17th century as inferior. However, Shakespeare does not only depict the power Othello holds, but also the struggle that

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Since Othello utters that since he is with Desdemona, her reputation “is now begrimed and black,” it presents how a black man can tarnish the “fresh” identity of a white women. Since Othello is accepted and praised as a war hero, but not accepted as lover, love becomes a barrier that leads to a tragedy. Societal expectations push people to the point where they try to surpass society’s norms. Though, when they reach this tipping point, tragedy will

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666 Words | 3 Pages

In William Shakespeare's play Othello, Shakespeare portrays the complex relationship between the seemingly ideal couple of Othello, a noble, black war captain, and Desdemona, the daughter of the wealthy politician Brabantio. While the image of a strong, valiant soldier marrying a loyal and supporting wife seems to be the perfect scenario, their seemingly harmless expectations and views of each other soon impairs their judgments, thus launching the start of their demise. Their unattainable standards that they hold of each other distorts the reality of their situation and intensifies the devastation that results from their misjudgments, while their ignorance and innocence blinds them from the truth. Othello’s notable characteristics, such as his confidence and calm disposition, are what attract Desdemona, but they also cloud her view from seeing any of Othello’s flaws. As Desdemona listens intently to Othello’s heroic battle stories, she is wooed by the image of a brave and valiant soldier, so when she sees Othello respectfully and honorably defending their relationship to

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2577 Words | 11 Pages

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.

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822 Words | 4 Pages

In the literary work, Othello, William Shakespeare tells of a story of a love that ends in tragedy. The "Other", Othello, is stated as an unfortunate representative of racial prejudice. He is one of the most hardworking men and respected soldier in the army. However, when it comes to marriage, the prejudice of his race puts up a barrier in the eyes of others. Language possesses a cruel function in insulting the "other" mercilessly.

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1649 Words | 7 Pages

Michelle Lee, a critic of Shakespeare’s work, described in an article breaking down the themes and different ideas and examples of racism expressed in Othello. As stated by Lee, “Othello (1604) is generally regarded as a captivating domestic tragedy that concentrates on the psychological repercussions of racial hatred and sexual jealousy. ”(Lee, 1). In the critics analysis, Lee proves the presence of racial hatred, as well as sexual jealousy in the play. The quote goes to prove that themes of racism, hatred, and jealousy are ideas that are seen in Othello, and contribute to the development of characters and the play itself.

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1185 Words | 5 Pages

The way to determine power and authority is equivalent to the money and position he or she possess. Shakespeare utilizes the Marxist Theory, which is whoever owns the means of production of power should be the person to operate the entire business. Throughout Othello, William Shakespeare consistently demonstrates the Marxist Theory to accentuate the corruptness of following the principle as it is utilized to benefit one’s desires. This is represented through the control of power, the treatment between the different classes, and the quality of life determined by either material failure. Power is what is longed for by everyone, but once someone has this authority, he or she will do all they can to not let it be diminished.

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1029 Words | 5 Pages

Power is often the root at which conflicts begin. As those on the bottom attempt to gain power and those at the top of the power dynamic attempt to consistently degrade those below them to prevent them from gaining influence. In William Shakespeare’s Othello, the surprise, seemingly societally transcendent, ability for Othello to gain power and Othello to be able to marry Desdemona, is immediately followed by those in power trying to relieve Othello of his role in society, leading Othello to even attempt to exert his own power. The powerful men of Othello attempt to destroy and subjugate the lives of others to prevent them from advancing and maintaining power.

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853 Words | 4 Pages

One would think that Shakespeare had something against Othello. Interracial marriages at this time were unheard of, in the year 1664, the state of Maryland passed the first the first British colonial law that prohibited the marriage between whites and slaves (Thoughtco). If a white woman married a negro slave during this time then she would be subjected to slavery as well and so would her children (Thoughtco). It is safe to say that there were a lot of accomplishments that a black man uncommonly gained during this story. Through Othello’s insecurity, he was made to believe that he was not good enough to be with Desdemona because he was black, a creature, and ugly.

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1097 Words | 5 Pages

When people of one race believe themselves to be superior to those of another, only catastrophe can result. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, racism was extremely prevalent, and white supremacy was much more pronounced. In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, both covert and overt racism, assimilation, and jealous dispositions all foreshadow the untimely death of Desdemona and Othello. Most characters in Othello display both covert racism and overt racism towards Othello.

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1452 Words | 6 Pages

Desdemona is a white, Venetian debutante that chooses to marry a black man, a Moor, over the wishes of her father. At the beginning of the play, merely six hours after being married, Desdemona’s father attempts to stop her from accompanying Othello on military duty. He relents when Desdemona pledges her allegiance to Othello by telling her father, “But here’s my husband, And so much duty as my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my Lord”

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664 Words | 3 Pages

Being a Moor is a strong contribution of Iago’s scheme to ruin Othello. One way Iago tries to get Othello in trouble is by snitching on his marriage with Brabantio’s daughter. Iago comments “... An old black ram is tupping your white ewe,” and “... the devil will make a grandsire of you,” when informing Brabantio of the marriage situation between Othello and Desdemona. The negative stereotype of Othello being sexually permissive comes from the society in Venice which sees Black males to have a strong need to be sexually

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700 Words | 3 Pages

“Othello” written by William Shakespeare revolves around this protagonist who is depicted as strong and powerful. To everyone he is known as Othello or the Moor. Throughout the play, Shakespeare portrays numerous counts of jealousy and manipulation around many of the characters. It is mainly illustrated through Iago, the antagonist of the play, who manipulates other to their downfall. Iago who is known for always being true and honest towards others has easily earned the trust of everyone around him, thus giving himself an advantage on his schemes.

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1553 Words | 7 Pages

Brabantio,who sees his daughter’s lust for Othello as odd, was amazed that she would “fall in love with what she fear’d to look on” (Shakespeare 1.1.98). He said that Othello must have used some type of magic to get Desdemona to fall in love with him (Shakespeare 1.2.62-81). If the color of Othello had not been a person of color, then his marriage with Desdemona would not have been a problem. Similar to Othello, many people of color today are feared and children of other races are taught by their parents or family members to stay away from them. If marriage had occurred, like what happened in Othello, it would be frowned upon by members of the family and most of the time, if not all the time, labeled as a disgrace to the family.

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868 Words | 4 Pages

The Power of Words is important in the play Othello. Words are used to show power in Othello, words are also used to show what the personality of the characters are and that is used to show the reader what the characters are like and lastly, words are used to have a conversation with the audience. Through the words in the play the audience can understand the play and also the audience knows most of the time what is going to happen before the characters know what is happening. Language that is spoken can be seen as power. The words in the play, Othello, are very powerful; the words in the play are used to express the lies and the truths in the play.

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1501 Words | 7 Pages

Throughout the play, Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantio display covert or overt racism towards Othello. At the beginning of the play, Iago, Othello’s ensign, and Roderigo, a wealthy man in love with Desdemona, discuss Othello’s marriage and their hatred for Othello. During their dialogue, the first references made of Othello are “his Moorship” and “the Moor,” which is how most of the characters refer to Othello (Shakespeare 687). Rather than referring to Othello nominally, they refer to him by his ethnicity, showing their inherent racism.

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