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Sooty Brabantio In Othello

151 Words1 Pages
In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, Brabantio (the father of Desdemona) because of his racist ideals, is in disbelief that his daughter could have ran off with Othello. Brabantio doesn’t believe that Desdemona would willingly go with Othello, calling him a “thief” (1.2.63). This is not just insulting to Othello because Brabantio is accusing him of being a thief but also that he is so beneath Desdemona he would have to kidnap her in order to be with her. He later insinuates that one reason she’s too good for him is by describing him as a “sooty bosom” (1.2.71). His choice of diction is important here because by using the word “sooty” he’s referring to Othello’s dark skin color while calling him dirty and messing like soot. Soot is black
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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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Othello had fallen in love with Desdemona, daughter of Brabantio who is the Venetian senator. Brabantio is upset that Othello has run off with his daughter and got married in secret. He did not like that his daughter was marrying a black man. Desdemona loved him very much, and did not care that he was black.

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Thus, by contrasting demonic imagery with Othello’s true nature, Shakespeare develops the theme of how impressions can be deceptive. This is further emphasized by Brabantio’s impressions of Othello. After Othello’s noble nature is first revealed to the audience, he politely addresses Brabantio, stating “Good signior, you shall more command with years/Than with your weapons” (I.ii. ___). Brabantio responds insultingly, utilizing hellish imagery when addressing Othello, stating “Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her” (I.ii.

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While talking to Brabantio, Iago also describes Othello and Desdemona’s relationship as animalistic. This furthers the idea that Iago views Othello as non-human, causing him to take inhumane actions upon him. He describes to Brabantio that “your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs” (Shakespeare 1277). This animalistic imagery shows that not only is Othello being dehumanized by Iago, but Desdemona is as well. Since both characters are not viewed as human to Iago, it shows that he is more willing to embark on manipulative acts upon them.

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In Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’, Desdemona is spoken about as if she is Brabantio’s possession; his ‘white ewe’. Not only does the

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