ipl-logo

Theme Of Marginalization In Othello

1366 Words6 Pages

Zhu Yongpeng (Roger)
Mrs. Todoric
ENG 4U
20 March 2018
How Marginalization and Racism Destroy Othello
It is very hard for someone’s identity to not falter when they face bias and discrimination. Staying true to one’s roots requires a large amount of willpower which Othello has unfortunately lacked. In Othello by William Shakespeare, Othello’s Moor background and the subsequent racism and marginalization he receives, results in his eventual downfall. Initially, Othello’s background affects his identity, making him easily manipulated by Iago. Furthermore, Iago manipulates Othello into several situations where Othello is discriminated. This results in the progressive growth of Othello’s feelings of suspicion and jealousy. Finally, Othello is marginalized …show more content…

In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks
They dare not show their husbands.
Their best conscience
Is not to leave’t undone, but keep’t unknown. (Shakespeare 3.3.205-208)
This illustrates Othello’s marginalization by Iago, as a result of Othello’s lack of understanding of the women in Cyprus. Throughout the conversation, Othello becomes increasingly worried about Desdemona’s infidelity and this also accelerates his downfall. Lastly, marginalization makes Othello the dominated individual, which contributes to his demise. Othello says to Iago that:
Ay, let her rot and perish
… Oh, the world hath not a sweeter creature, she might lie by an emperor’s side and command him tasks. (Shakespeare 4.1.172-176)
Iago’s marginalization causes Othello to repeatedly doubt himself and this results in his own personality completely faltering. While Othello used to be a dominant individual, believing the rumors from Iago causes his honor and confidence to fall apart. This transforms Othello into a dominated minority who lives under the manipulation of Iago. To conclude, marginalized positioning not only crumbles Othello’s confidence and manhood, but it also drives feelings of insecurity and uncertainty in Othello’s mind which gives rise to Othello’s tragedy and

Show More
Related

  • What Are The Interlopers In The Great Gatsby

    312 Words  | 2 Pages

    white have created conflict between the members of the play. Since the 16th century dictates that black people, or Moors, are inferior to white people, Othello is stuck in the darkness as an outsider; thus suggesting that interlopers are alone, not part of a community. Within these contrasting worlds, outsiders, like Othello, try to integrate into society, but can’t. For instance, this ingrained mindset portraying the inferiority of black people is further shown when Othello exclaims, “Her name, that was as fresh as Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black / As mine own face.”

    Read More

  • A Close Reading In Shakespeare's Othello: A Close Reading

    1359 Words  | 6 Pages

    Othello: A Close Reading This is an analysis of the lines 260-279 of the third scene of the third act of Shakespeare’s Othello. In an attempt to fulfill the incessant need for comfortable dichotomies, societies tend to be divided into two groups: the ‘in-crowd’ and the ‘others’. These strict dualities, constructed upon the inherent need for adversaries, are often as arbitrary as they are false and based on nothing but fear.

    Read More

  • How Does Iago Use Race In Othello

    424 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Othello, many people turn to race when they are frustrated or angry thus making the play racist. Throughout the play many show great respect for Othello, but as soon as the war ends internal conflicts arise, giving the characters more time to notice race and aggravate one another. This switch from war to peace is crucial in the play because if the war had continued race would not have been an issue. The war discontinuing allowed hatred and discovery of each character sparking the time to think and plot events. Iago 's hatred comes from Othello chosing Cassio as the lieutenant when he had no experience in war through Igao’s perspective.

    Read More

  • Othello Rhetoric Analysis

    1095 Words  | 5 Pages

    Rhetoric is an incredibly powerful tool capable of seducing even the most obdurate of people. As one of the most illustrious playwrights ever, Shakespeare was no stranger to the power of rhetoric. Rhetoric served as the fountainhead of Shakespearian allure. We watch the dramatic works of Shakespeare because we enjoy having our emotions manipulated; we enjoy the catharsis and self-reflection that accompanies a trip to the theater. Shakespeare truly was a master manipulator, but his manipulation was generally beneficial.

    Read More

  • Thesis Statement For Othello

    494 Words  | 2 Pages

    As humans we all have been where rumors have been spread about us or where we do the opposite. They, however, all tend to do some harm to us and it can cause certain conflicts to occur during the process. Death can be the outcome of something like this because this did happen to three innocent people. They were all wrapped up in a bed of lies that ended their lives sooner than expected. Thesis statement: Othello Desdemona and Emilia ended up with unfortunate deaths because of Othello 's integrity towards Iago.

    Read More

  • Jealousy And Manipulation In Othello

    700 Words  | 3 Pages

    “Othello” written by William Shakespeare revolves around this protagonist who is depicted as strong and powerful. To everyone he is known as Othello or the Moor. Throughout the play, Shakespeare portrays numerous counts of jealousy and manipulation around many of the characters. It is mainly illustrated through Iago, the antagonist of the play, who manipulates other to their downfall. Iago who is known for always being true and honest towards others has easily earned the trust of everyone around him, thus giving himself an advantage on his schemes.

    Read More

  • The Effects Of Racism In Othello

    1640 Words  | 7 Pages

    This extent of hostility and aggression coming from several other sources in the play was enough to ruin Othello. Thus, Othello’s downfall was more of a result of his race being that the main underlying motive behind the characters’ efforts to destroy him was racism.   It is inadequate to bypass the sociology behind racism, the concept of race, prior to defining what racism actually is. The common understanding of race suggests the division of groups based upon the color of one’s skin, hair, eyes, etc. “Although biologically meaningless when applied to humans – physical differences such as skin color have no natural association with group differences in ability or behavior – race nevertheless has tremendous significance in structuring social reality” (Clair).

    Read More

  • How Othello's Character Changes

    844 Words  | 4 Pages

    Othello’s character undergoes a significant change due to a series of events at the hands of Iago, the play’s antagonist to enhance the fact that even a valiant heroes can become corrupt. In the beginning of the play, Othello adores

    Read More

  • Overt Racism In Othello

    1097 Words  | 5 Pages

    When people of one race believe themselves to be superior to those of another, only catastrophe can result. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, racism was extremely prevalent, and white supremacy was much more pronounced. In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, both covert and overt racism, assimilation, and jealous dispositions all foreshadow the untimely death of Desdemona and Othello. Most characters in Othello display both covert racism and overt racism towards Othello.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Manipulation In Othello

    944 Words  | 4 Pages

    Iago also manipulates Othello with jealousy. When Othello is gone at war, Iago tells him that Cassio and Desdemona were getting too close. At first Othello does not believe him, but by Iago saying “nothing,my lord; or if- I know not what” Othello starts to question if it is true (III. III. 39). Iago constantly uses his “innocence” to make Othello jealous and start to assume that it is true. These actions eventually lead to a tragic event.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Racism In Othello

    1225 Words  | 5 Pages

    Manipulation of the African Race in Othello In William Shakespeare’s Othello, racism is a principal theme that drives the plot of the entire play. An outlier in Venice, Othello the moor or African, is targeted by his ensign Iago because Cassio who seems to be unqualified, was promoted to a lieutenant before he was. Iago is driven by envy and jealousy and creates a confusing and elaborate plan to deprive Cassio of his position. Iago also shares these envious motives with Roderigo, a man lusting over Othello’s wife.

    Read More

  • New Historicism In Othello

    1636 Words  | 7 Pages

    We find both racial attitudes towards Othello even though he is a man that works hard to get what he wants. The racial attitude is only because of the era that they live in, the Elizabethan era in

    Read More

  • Themes In Harlem Duet

    1382 Words  | 6 Pages

    Othello is for instance not really Othello 's play. Othello is not Othello 's story” (Buntin). Othello is focused more on the schemes of Iago and the tragic life of Desdemona. By retelling this story Sears is putting Othello in the centre of the narrative and giving focus to the nuances of his life as a black man. Dickson

    Read More

  • Theme Of Dishonesty In Othello

    750 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the play Othello, William Shakespeare creates an elaborate tragedy with various in depth characters, enhancing the story with powerful characterization. Iago, the main antagonist of Othello, exemplifies Shakespeare’s use of characterization to create in depth and complex characters. Using his manipulative nature, intellectual mind, egotistical attitude, and dishonesty, Iago controls the other characters in order to achieve his goal, leading Othello to succumb to an overwhelming jealousy causing his downfall. In order for Iago to gain control of the characters in the play, he manipulates Othello, Roderigo, Cassio, and more to believe false information and turn on one another.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Racism In Othello

    1501 Words  | 7 Pages

    Throughout history, societies have succumbed to the toxic concepts of racism, causing an unthinkable amount of chaos and devastation. While racism on its own can lead to many societal evils, racism coupled with jealousy can create a truly catastrophic force that can only lead to pure destruction. When someone of a different race and culture is placed in this kind of society, this destruction will only naturally follow. In the play Othello, William Shakespeare focuses on the tragic outcomes of Othello, a Venetian general and black Turkish Moor, and Desdemona, his white Venetian wife. Throughout the play, both covert and overt racism, assimilation, and jealous dispositions all foreshadow the untimely death of Desdemona and Othello.

    Read More

More about Theme Of Marginalization In Othello

Open Document