African Descent In Othello

Othello’s African descent definitely has a negative effect on his own relationships. I mean, Othello is the only black person in Venice, so he is bound to have someone criticize him. But most importantly, his race confuses and hurts his relationship with himself over all others. Although, his dark skin does discourage some other characters, Othello’s own self-consciousness causes the most damages to his relationship with others. In public, Othello is generally a proud and confident person. But ever since the idea of his race being a problem entered his mind, he forces himself to fight with his own self-worth. He loves his wife Desdemona, but Othello eventually succumbs to the idea that she may be cheating on him because he isn’t worthy of her. He says, “O curse of marriage/ That we can call these delicate creatures ours!” (3.3.309-311) and …show more content…
In the court, Othello presents himself mannerly and with class. He’s a successful general, and the people love to talk and be around him. In short, his public reputation and standing with others in the court has become a major part of who he is as a person. At first, he thought of himself as liked by many and one whose race means so little that it should just be overlooked. But as he receives constant hints that he is lesser of a man because of his skin color, he undergoes a crisis of identity. This crisis leaves Othello searching for answers, and Iago inserts himself as the solution to all of Othello’s problems. After seeing Desdemona leave Cassio’s presence, Othello questions their motives, and Iago says, “Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it/That he would steal away so guiltylike.” (3.3.41-42) At this point, Othello own self-consciousness makes it too easy for Iago to win Othello’s mind over. As such, Othello spirals down to a state of depravity, trusting no one and eventually killing his own wife for false