Othello Readings

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Othello explores perennial human concerns which remain as pertinent in modern society as they did in Shakespeare's’ 17th century. Undeniably linked to the ideology of Shakespeare's Elizabethan England and the patriarchal Venetian society that is exhibited, Othello presents a hierarchical view of its’ enduring central themes. The texts foremost theme - in love, specifically marital love - is also the central conflict between the plays men and women. As a play that astutely reflects Elizabethan society’s contextual beliefs and that manifests characters challenging these credences , today commentators interpret Othello as a cautionary play. Written in a time if social and political upheaval Shakespeare’s tragedy appears to reinforce the importance of acquiescing ones position in society. (5)
Throughout the play ‘blackness’ is made synonymous with evil, hell and the devil. This prejudice is so deeply engrained within 17th century society that in the play’s initial scenes the Duke believes he is complimenting Othello’s own principles in his juxtaposed and connotative description of general as ‘with morals...more fair than black’. So institutionalized are the racist assumptions that Iago is able to drawn upon these beliefs in convincing Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity - asserting that Desdemona marrying a Moor thus defying social convention is verification enough to assure of her propensity for treachery. Invective racist language is utilized here by the plays black protagonist giving it an exaggerated effect - ‘her own.. Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural... Haply for I am black’. As Othello’s jealousy and growing conviction of Desdemona’s infidelity increasingly blinds his judgement, he begins to internalize societies racist assumptions. At the play’s conclusion, in a example of cultural hegemony Othello seems to have completely accepted the social generalizations and regards himself as the epitome of these hellish traits, comparing...