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Prejudice And Racism In Geoffrey Sax's Othello '

780 Words4 Pages

In William Shakespeare's play "Othello," racism and ignorance emerge as prevailing themes, delving into the complexities of societal prejudice and the devastating consequences they impose on individuals. This essay examines the role of race in the play, contextualizes racial prejudice in the Elizabethan Era, and analyzes how specific characters and their interactions highlight racial belittlement. Through the effective use of textual evidence, vivid description techniques, and the exploration of Geoffrey Sax's cinematic adaptation, the essay explores institutionalized racism, film techniques intensifying racial injustice, and the presence of racist ideologies through the character of Iago. By comparing and contrasting the film adaptation with …show more content…

Brabantio, Desdemona's father, exemplifies overt racism as he openly refers to Othello as a "moor" and employs derogatory terms such as "sooty bosom" to demean him (Shakespeare 1.2.88-89). These racially charged comments shed light on the deeply ingrained prejudice within society, where skin color dictates social hierarchy and denies equal opportunities. In Geoffrey Sax's cinematic adaptation, the film techniques of lighting and costume design can further accentuate the racial prejudice depicted in the play, similar to how Shakespeare's text emphasizes the racial discrimination experienced by …show more content…

He skillfully exploits society's racial biases, planting seeds of doubt and jealousy in Othello's mind, leading to his ultimate downfall. Iago's manipulative actions and the use of editing techniques and pacing in Sax's adaptation can intensify the portrayal of racial injustice and the destructive consequences of ignorance. This amplification of Iago's manipulations through film techniques enhances the themes of racism and the dangers of prejudice, similar to how Shakespeare's text emphasizes the impact of Iago's racist manipulations on

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