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 outsider status makes him vulnerable to manipulation and jealousy.

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

• 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)
• Othello's marriage to Desdemona transgresses social norms heightening tensions around his racial identity
• 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 nobility and reveals the true tragedy of racism's impact