Essay on Racism and Interracial Marriage in Othello

Racism and Interracial Marriage in Othello Othello: The Moor of Venice is probably Shakespeares most controversial play. Throughout this work, there is a clear theme of racism, a racism that has become commonplace in Venetian society which rejects the marriage of Othello and Desdemona as anathema. The text expresses racism throughout the play within the language transaction of the dialogue to question the societal ethos established by Othello, thereby making him nothing less than a cultural other. Furthermore, the character of Desdemona is displayed as mad, or out of her wits, for marrying such an other, and the audience sees her slip from an angelic state of purity to that of a tainted character. Also, the menacing Iago, a†¦show more content†¦Why else would he address the senator Brabantio with something that was really none of his business? If one believes that miscegenation is a taboo currently manifested within the play then he/she will see how Iago was acting as a representative of society -- a synecdoche respo nsible for pointing out that something has gone wrong -- with a hidden purpose or motive that was the locus for his actions. Iago is the antithetical character of Shakespeares creation. He is the catalyst of all the destructive happenings within the play starting from the very beginning of the play when he and Roderigo approach the residence of Brabantio, Desdemonas father, in Act 1 scene 1. He uses racist language to appeal to the senators traditional beliefs, including such phrases as Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe (1.1.85-86). Iago even goes so far as to hypothesize that Brabantios grandchildren will be animals because of his daughters base marriage with an other. youll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse, youll have your nephews neigh to you youll have coursers for cousins, and gennets for germans. (1.1.108-111) Iago plays out the importance of his role when he further states that he is the one, almost as if he were appointed to such a position, who must inform Brabantio that his daughter and the Moor were making the beast with two backs (1.1.112-113). ButShow MoreRelatedOthello, By William Shakespeare894 Words   |  4 Pagesthose that which occurred in Othello written by William Shakespeare. Throughout the play Othello, we see the struggles of a marriage that is not accepted by their society. Othello is a extremely cherished black general living in a primarily white community. The play begins with Othello secretly becoming married to a white woman named Desdemona. 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To begin with, Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is troubled due to Iago’s manipulation. Firstly, Iago wants to get retribution against Othello because Othello does not give him the title of being lieutenant. Iago says, â€Å"But for my sport and profit. I hate theRead MoreKahron Fyffe. . World Literature . . Dr. Fiore. . 28 April1036 Words   |  5 PagesLiterature Dr. Fiore 28 April 2017 Othello: Hero or Stranger Othello is a hero due to being a hardened and vicious warrior on the battlefield but he is also a tragic hero in this play. A tragic hero by definition is a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction. For example Othello is the husband of Desdemona whom he murders because he has been misled by the villainous Iago