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Othello Race Analysis

1160 Words5 Pages

Shakespeare introduces race in his play Othello. Jealousy, envy, inter-racial marriage are just a few of the ways Shakespeare uses race as one of its themes in this tragic and extraordinary play. I will explore how the Venetian people view Othello’s race, how Brabanzio 's views of Othello change from trusted friend, to accusing Othello to using witchery to marry his daughter, and how Iago manipulates Othello into thinking that perhaps the color of his skin has been working against him, and how Iago uses Othello’s race against him. Othello is a general of the Venice Army, a physically powerful man, and is well respected by those around him. Othello had successfully moved up the military ranks, despite his African heritage. Upon Othello 's arrival to Venice from war, he manages to make a few enemies that include Iago, Brabranzio, Roderigo and Cassio. Iago is Othello 's ensign, who has been passed up as a lieutenant, a position that Othello gave to Cassio. Angered by Othello’s decision, Iago sets out on a master plan to ruin Othello. Iago uses Brabranzio, Roderigo and Cassio to carry out his revenge on Othello. Brabranzio, a …show more content…

Throughout the play, Othello is unaware of any racism or hatred toward him. Othello says "my parts my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly." (Act 1; Scene 2; Line 31-32). Othello believes he has good qualities, he is a good husband, and because he is innocent, he will be protected. Later in the play Lodovico, a messenger and a kinsmen to Brabanzio, comes to Othello to announce that Othello has been replaced by Cassio. "Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuates, nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak of one that loved not wisely, but too well; of one not easily jealous,….where a malignant and a turbaned Turk beat a Venetian and traduced the state, I took by th ' throat the circumcised dog and smote him – thus". (Act V, Scene 2:342-356). Lodovico wants to take Othello away because he has been acting

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