Essay: Explore How Race Influences Shakespeare’s Othello and Current Events

Throughout time, writing has often portrayed current events that happen within the world; whether it be race, gender, or any of the above. Many authors have found ways to incorporate this into their work. Shakespeare’s Othello is an example as to how the actions of others and themselves reflect the time the play was written. Although some may argue that race does not play a role throughout Othello, it is obvious that the outcome of the play would have been altered if his complexion was any different. It may not be the core of the play, however it certainly affects the drama in many ways. Some challenges Othello goes through relate back to the fact that he is of another race. Within the play there are offensive jokes made which would not have been included if his skin color was different. The play was written as is because Shakespeare wanted to intentionally include the popular issue into his work, show how characters purposely say offensive words in regards to Othello, and how Othello’s race makes him an outsider.
Within history, people constantly learn about many racist incidents that have occurred in the past. Whether it be words said to blacks or the poor treatments they receive, the issues have floated around forever. Because of the fact that issues so big have occurred, it made it a popular topic amongst writers to include race into their work. However, Ania Loomba explains how “Some scholars suggest that blackness was viewed as the ultimate sign of degradation, while others argue that it began to be viewed negatively only later, as a result of colonial domination of Africans.” (2). She continues to explain how some believe being black has more to do with “inner traits which could not be changed.” Shakespeare intentionally included race into Othello not to target racism specifically but to show how the hatred in those who are racist grows towards those of a complexion not in relation to theirs. Again, he uses the topic to express the inner feelings some characters have towards Othello. This is expressed throughout the play as Shakespeare decided to include lines targeting Othello by using his race in ways not considered respectable with characters such as Iago. One example in the play is when the antagonist, Iago, says, “What a full fortune does the thick lips owe if he can carry’t thus!” (Shakespeare 1.1. Lines 66-67). Lines such as these would not have intentionally been written into the play if it did not have a purpose. Otherwise, it would have been Shakespeare simply being racist himself. The element of racism is integrated into the play to most likely highlight the theme of unfairness between the blacks and the whites during the time period.
Although some characters show respect towards Othello, there are some who use his skin color as a reason to belittle him. One of the main people who continuously mentions Othello’s race is Iago. Throughout the play, examples can be spotted many times where he is degrading Othello by calling him names related to a black man insultingly. During his dialogues, his viewpoint on the Moor is clear. For example, in the drama he exclaims to Brabantio “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, Or else the devil will make grand sire of you.” (Shakespeare 1.1 Lines 88-90). Here, Iago explains how Brabantio must open his eyes or else the black devil will turn him into a grandfather. This racist remark sparks the question as to whether his offensive choice of words were said in regards to Othello’s complexion or simply just Iago’s anger. This treatment the Moor receives throughout the play has an explanation deeper than the eye can see. As described in Discrimination at Work: The Psychological and Organizational Bases, “These negative emotional reactions can then trigger discrimination to maintain the status quo, which favors one’s own group over others.” (Diboye; Colella 17). This hints at the fact that Iago’s behavior can be explained as him being upset over the fact that he was not given the title as lieutenant. Therefore, he was then triggered to discriminate towards Othello. Although this is one reason these discriminatory lines were purposely included, there are several reasons as to why they were integrated into the play. Whether it be because of envy or desire for power, they end up affecting how Othello feels. Within the play, the fact that he is the Moor affects the treatment he receives from those around him. Because of this, it concludes in Othello seeming as though he is different from the rest.
While using his race as a manipulation tool, Iago makes Othello feel as though he is an outsider. If his complexion would have been different, there would have been an extreme struggle for Iago to persuade Othello into thinking his wife does not truly love him. It is because of his color that he begins to doubt himself and that it is true what Iago has told him. Because of this self doubt, it leads to the downfall of Othello. This outsider feeling comes over Othello as he now feels as though Cassio has a charm that he will never compare to. He becomes a target which he cannot escape from. In Othello, this idea is expressed when he exclaims, “Rude I am in speech, And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace […]” (Shakespeare 1.3. Lines 84-86). In these lines he is conveying the message that he knows he differs from the rest. It does not, however, only make Othello seem as an outsider to himself, but also to the Venetians. Faith Nostbakken elaborates on the topic in her book, Understanding Othello: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents, and explains how although Othello may have similar views and religion, he still is of another color and is a stranger from another country. This is what makes him different and will not be fully considered one of the Venetian men. Othello’s frustration over his race leads him to his main weakness. Iago’s success in making Othello feel this way causes the death of those who he cares about, causing him to spiral downwards, all because he let his race influence him to believe an untrue statement.
The way Othello is regarded throughout, whether it be how he is talked about or how he refers to himself, in turn decides the conclusion and overall makes him an outsider. Throughout the play, Shakespeare explores different ways to include race into Othello. It is only when Othello falls into this persuasion and allows the fact that he is an outsider get to him where everything begins to fall apart. Because of the hatred Iago and other characters give off, it allows for Othello to question himself. As discussed, Shakespeare includes lines that characters state which influence Othello’s inner thoughts. Using racial slurs, discriminatory lines, and more, he integrates race in ways where Othello and other characters throughout the play go off of each other and end up causing a downward spiral of events. This societal racism scattered within Othello takes a toll and its effect on the people is quite evident, especially through the marriage of Othello and Desdemona. Although there are other issues and themes that have an influence on the ending of the play, racism is what truly sways the conclusion as to what happens in the drama, Othello.