9.1 Othello's character and the theme of otherness
4 min read•august 1, 2024
Othello's character embodies the theme of otherness in Shakespeare's play. As a Moor in Venetian society, he faces prejudice and isolation despite his high military rank. His status makes him vulnerable to manipulation and .
The play explores how racism and prejudice impact Othello's relationships and self-image. His initial confidence erodes as he grapples with insecurities about his age, appearance, and cultural background. This internal conflict drives the tragic events of the story.
Othello's Moorish Identity
Cultural and Social Implications
Top images from around the web for Cultural and Social Implications
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Cultural and Social Implications
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
'Othello' by William Shakespeare - Othello's race and outsider status View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Othello's status as a Moor sets him apart as an outsider in Venetian society despite his high military rank
- Term "Moor" in Shakespeare's time carried complex connotations (exoticism, mystery, potential danger)
- transgresses social norms heightening tensions around his
- Duality of Othello's position creates a precarious social balance easily disrupted by Iago's machinations
- Interactions with other characters reveal underlying racial prejudices impacting his relationships
- Brabantio initially accuses Othello of using witchcraft to seduce Desdemona
- Roderigo refers to Othello using derogatory terms like "thick-lips"
Professional Standing and Contrast
- Military prowess and leadership skills earn Othello respect from the Venetian state
- Creates contrast between his professional standing and personal treatment
- Venetian reliance on Othello's military expertise (Cyprus conflict) juxtaposed with social prejudice
- Senate's trust in Othello's abilities conflicts with societal views on interracial marriage
- Othello's eloquent speech and noble bearing challenge stereotypes but don't fully overcome prejudice
Racism and Prejudice in Othello
Language and Imagery
- Racial stereotypes evident in language used to describe Othello often employing animalistic or demonic imagery
- Iago refers to Othello as an "old black ram"
- Roderigo calls him "the thick-lips"
- Concept of "blackness" used both literally and metaphorically associated with moral corruption and sexual impropriety
- Iago suggests Desdemona will tire of Othello's "sooty bosom"
- Othello himself equates his blackening name with his dark skin
- Contrast between Othello's initial eloquence and later descent into jealousy reinforces racial stereotypes
Manipulation and Exploitation of Prejudice
- Iago exploits existing racial prejudices to manipulate other characters' perceptions of Othello
- Plays on Brabantio's fears of miscegenation
- Suggests Desdemona's attraction to Othello is unnatural
- Othello's internalization of racial stereotypes contributes to his susceptibility to Iago's manipulations
- Doubts his own worthiness of Desdemona's love
- Quickly believes in possibility of her infidelity
- Venetian society's reactions to Othello's marriage reveal deeply ingrained racial prejudices
- Brabantio's shock and disbelief at his daughter's choice
- Gossip and scandal surrounding the union
Othello's Internal Conflicts
Erosion of Confidence and Self-Image
- Initial confidence and self-assurance gradually erode as Othello grapples with his position as an outsider
- Contrast between public persona as respected leader and private insecurities creates internal tension
- Insecurities about age, appearance, and cultural background contribute to vulnerability to Iago's manipulations
- Othello mentions his "declined" years and rough personality
- Compares himself unfavorably to younger, white Venetian men
- Gradual erosion of self-image as a noble Moor illustrates psychological impact of persistent othering
Language and Expression
- Struggle with language and expression particularly as Othello becomes more emotionally distraught
- His eloquent speeches give way to fragmented, repetitive language
- Increased use of crude or violent imagery as his jealousy grows
- Reflects internal conflict and sense of alienation
- Desire to prove himself worthy of Desdemona's love and Venetian society's acceptance drives many actions
- Attempts to justify himself to Brabantio and the Senate
- Strives to be the perfect husband to Desdemona
Othello's Background and Tragedy
Exotic Appeal and Vulnerability
- Exotic background and military experiences initially make Othello attractive to Venetian society
- Desdemona is drawn to his tales of adventure
- Senate values his martial skills and knowledge
- Unfamiliarity with Venetian customs and social norms leaves Othello susceptible to misinterpretation
- Misunderstands subtleties of Venetian courtship and marriage
- Fails to recognize Iago's deception due to different cultural expectations of honesty
Complex Relationship with Authority
- History as a slave and rise to military prominence create a complex relationship with authority and power
- Othello both embodies and challenges existing power structures
- Tension between his role as an authority figure and his status as an outsider
- Influences his actions as the play progresses
- Assertion of authority over Desdemona becomes increasingly desperate and violent
- Struggle to maintain control in both his professional and personal life
Tragic Irony of Othello's Downfall
- Qualities that made Othello admired and respected ultimately lead to his destruction
- Otherness that made him intriguing becomes a source of insecurity
- Military prowess that earned him respect is turned to violence against Desdemona
- Passionate nature that won Desdemona's love becomes all-consuming jealousy
- Swift belief in Desdemona's infidelity stems from doubts about his own worthiness of her love
- Internalized racism makes him susceptible to Iago's insinuations
- Belief that Desdemona's love for him was unnatural or temporary
- Tragic end reinforces societal prejudices while also critiquing them
- Othello's actions seem to confirm stereotypes about his violent nature
- Yet his final speech reasserts his and reveals the true tragedy of racism's impact
Key Terms to Review (18)
Animal imagery: Animal imagery refers to the use of animal-related symbols and descriptions to convey deeper meanings, emotions, and themes within a work. This type of imagery can enhance character development, highlight themes such as otherness, and contribute to the overall atmosphere of a play by evoking specific feelings or reactions associated with the animals referenced.
Cultural alienation: Cultural alienation refers to the disconnection and estrangement individuals feel from their own culture or society, often due to factors like race, ethnicity, or social status. This feeling of being an outsider can lead to internal conflict, identity issues, and a sense of isolation. In literature, this theme highlights how characters navigate their identities within societies that marginalize or exclude them, allowing for deep explorations of belonging and the human experience.
Darkness and light: The themes of darkness and light in literature often symbolize the struggle between good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, or clarity and confusion. In this context, these motifs not only help to define characters and their moral standings but also deepen the exploration of themes such as otherness, identity, and societal norms.
Elizabethan views on race: Elizabethan views on race refer to the perspectives and attitudes held during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, particularly regarding different ethnicities and cultures. These views were heavily influenced by colonial expansion, emerging trade routes, and the burgeoning interest in non-European societies, which often resulted in a mixture of curiosity, prejudice, and exoticism. This context is crucial for understanding how racial dynamics are portrayed in works like 'Othello,' where characters are often seen through the lens of their race and otherness.
Feminist critiques: Feminist critiques involve the examination of literature, culture, and social norms through a lens that highlights gender inequalities, power dynamics, and the representation of women. This critical approach seeks to analyze how texts portray female characters and the roles they play in reinforcing or challenging societal norms about gender, often revealing underlying themes of misogyny, patriarchy, and oppression.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. This technique builds anticipation in the audience, creating suspense and preparing them for future events, often leading to a deeper understanding of characters and themes.
Iago's manipulation: Iago's manipulation refers to the cunning and deceitful tactics employed by Iago, the antagonist in Shakespeare's 'Othello', to control and influence other characters for his own malicious purposes. Through a series of calculated lies and psychological tricks, Iago exploits the insecurities and vulnerabilities of those around him, particularly Othello, leading to tragic consequences. His ability to manipulate perceptions and orchestrate events illustrates themes of betrayal, jealousy, and the destructive power of deceit.
Jealousy: Jealousy is an emotional response characterized by feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over the potential loss of something of great personal value, often in the context of love or relationships. In various narratives, it serves as a driving force for characters' actions and can lead to destructive consequences, reflecting deeper themes of trust, betrayal, and human vulnerability.
Moors in Renaissance England: The term 'Moors' refers to the Muslim inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In Renaissance England, Moors were often depicted as exotic and otherworldly figures, which contributed to their association with themes of otherness and cultural difference, especially in literary works such as Shakespeare's 'Othello'. Their presence in English culture served to reflect societal attitudes towards race, identity, and belonging during a time of exploration and colonialism.
Nobility: Nobility refers to a social class that is often associated with privilege, hereditary titles, and a higher status in society. Members of the nobility typically hold significant power, land, and wealth, distinguishing them from common people. In literature, nobility often embodies ideals of honor, duty, and moral responsibility, which can be contrasted with themes of otherness, especially when characters from lower social standings challenge or critique these ideals.
Othello and Desdemona: Othello and Desdemona are central characters in Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello', representing themes of love, jealousy, and societal perception. Othello, a Moor and a general in the Venetian army, faces challenges related to his race and outsider status, while Desdemona, his devoted wife, embodies loyalty and innocence. Their relationship highlights issues of otherness, as Othello's identity as an outsider complicates their love amidst a backdrop of societal prejudice.
Othello and Iago: Othello is a Moorish general in the Venetian army, celebrated for his military prowess but marked by his outsider status in a predominantly white society. Iago, Othello's ensign, embodies manipulation and treachery, driven by jealousy and ambition. The dynamic between Othello and Iago highlights themes of otherness, as Othello's race and background make him vulnerable to Iago's deceit and the societal prejudices surrounding him.
Othello's marriage to Desdemona: Othello's marriage to Desdemona is a central event in Shakespeare's play, symbolizing both love and the complexities of racial and cultural identity. Their union challenges societal norms, as Othello is a Moor and Desdemona is a white Venetian, highlighting themes of otherness and the struggle for acceptance. This relationship sets the stage for exploring issues of jealousy, betrayal, and the tragic consequences of societal prejudice.
Outsider: An outsider is an individual who exists outside of a particular group or community, often experiencing alienation or exclusion due to differences in background, beliefs, or identity. In literature, this term often highlights themes of otherness and the struggle for acceptance, emphasizing how societal norms can marginalize individuals who do not fit within established boundaries.
Postcolonial readings: Postcolonial readings are analytical approaches that explore literature and culture in the context of colonial history and its aftermath. They examine issues of power, identity, and representation, often focusing on the experiences and perspectives of colonized peoples and the complexities of cultural interactions. This approach is essential for understanding how themes of otherness, such as race and cultural difference, manifest in texts, particularly those influenced by colonial contexts.
Racial identity: Racial identity refers to the sense of belonging and identification with a particular racial group, shaped by shared cultural, social, and historical experiences. It influences how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others, playing a significant role in themes of otherness and societal dynamics.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, creating a deeper meaning that transcends the literal interpretation of words or actions. In literature, symbolism often enhances themes, character development, and emotional resonance, enriching the overall narrative experience.
The moor: In the context of 'Othello', 'the moor' refers to Othello himself, who is a Black man of North African descent and serves as a general in the Venetian army. This term reflects both his racial identity and his status as an outsider in Venetian society. The use of 'the moor' also underscores themes of otherness, as Othello's ethnicity and background set him apart from the predominantly white characters, contributing to the play’s exploration of racism, jealousy, and betrayal.