Discrimination In Shakespeare's Othello

Decent Essays
Discrimination, prejudice, and racism are present in all societies. In Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, Othello is described as a Black Muslim living in a predominantly White society. Although he is discriminated and disrespected, Othello has been appointed as general of Cyprus and has married a white woman. However, once Iago uses Othello’s hardships to plant seeds of doubt and jealousy in his mind, Othello breaks down mentally and murders his wife. Othello’s downfall can be seen as a result of having a high status while living in a white society and being African American, having a violent demeanor towards others, and by the effects of Iago 's manipulation. Othello is a black Muslim living in a Venetian society who has usurped social norms …show more content…
Through his violent actions and language, Othello displays his irrationality and insanity. Moreover, Othello throws a fit in Act four and falls into a trance. He has been, “‘o’erwhelmed with [...] grief” (4,1) and cannot, “confine [himself] [...] in a patient list”. Othello’s catalepsy signifies his biological breakdown from rationality and sense to insanity. Consequently, Othello will only digress further and fulfill the misunderstanding of the black man in Venetian society. Furthermore, Othello uses foul language that is considered inappropriate for a man with such a high reputation. In front of Lodovico, Othello uses phrases to discriminate women such as, “she can turn and turn, and yet go on, and turn again” (4,1) and “the earth could teem with woman 's tears, each drop she wall would prove a crocodile”. Therefore, Othello 's language and behaviour reveals his downfall and digression. Othello commits the ultimate act of savagery by striking Desdemona. In society, hitting and abusing women is an immortality hence, Lodovico states, “this would not believe in Venice” (4,1). In addition, Lodovico asks, “Is this the noble Moor whom are full senate call in all insufficient?” (4,1). His question indicates Othello’s irrational behaviour and that he is significantly digressing into a bestial state. The most significant act of inhumanity Othello commits is murdering Desdemona and killing himself. Through these murders. Othello thoroughly reaffirms the black man as savage thus Lodovico states, “O bloody period” (5,2). His reaction indicates Othello has convinced Venice that he is what society has deemed him to be; an irrational beast. Therefore, Othello’s language, actions. and crimes, reassures the misconception of the black man in Venetian

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