Introduction
Othello, by William Shakespeare, is a tragic piece that revolves around two central characters Othello, a Venetian army general, and his ensign known as Iago. The story explores various themes portrayed by different actors as well as the surrounding activities. Some of the issues depicted in the narration include but not limited to racism, vengeance, relationships, and love, betrayal, repentance, among others. In looking at the theme of racism, Shakespeare portrays it through various characters and in different scenes. Othello becomes the primary victim of race in the play through his interaction with multiple characters and his line of duty. The paper will, therefore, explore the theme of competition through Othello and other aspects.
Issue of Race
The issue of race has been depicted through various generalizations about black people. One of the ways the author brings out the theme is through Othello, a much-respected general in the Venice army. The general falls in love with Desdemona Brabantio's daughter, but because he is a black person, Othello receives a lot of opposition from her lover's father. He is a well-respected person in Venice. Brabantio's anger is only because he is black and believes that it is only through deception that his daughter accepted his hand in marriage. It is a typical stereotype that black people cannot be taken by white women unless done through trickery. Brabantio believes that Othello won his daughter's heart through witchcraft, and when the general is summoned, he explains that he wooed and convinced Desdemona contrary to the rumors being spread. Additionally, the racial stereotype is explored when Othello is referred to as a Moor, which means a black person or people from other races other than white. For instance, Iago, in a couple of cases, refers to Othello as a moor.
Additionally, Othello is racially stereotyped by the Venetian characters; for instance, Iago as a man with hypersexuality, which is compared to that of an animal. For example, when he is giving the news of Desdemona's affair with Othello, he refers to him as an “old black ram” (Shakespeare I.I). Iago states, "the old black ram would soon be tupping the white ewe" (Shakespeare I.I). It is not only an abusive term but also an open expression of racism. In this scene, the black ram is Othello, and the white ewe is Desdemona. The words openly show the aspect of race and not affection between two people. It is an understandable stereotype because sexuality is not measured by race; any person can be hyperactive, whether white, black, or from other sports. Besides, he makes the first appearance he is also portrayed by other characters as a devil, yet he is a Christian. In the natural, the devil is associated with all the bad things and considered evil, and nothing good can be expected from him. It is the description which Othello is given and the picture painted of him by characters such as Iago, Brabantio and Roderigo. Iago stereotypes him as a wrong person because Othello did not promote him as a lieutenant and instead promoted Cassio, who is considered inexperienced in war.
Similarly, he is stereotyped by Roderigo as a weak and unqualified person for a hand in marriage to Desdemona because he is a black person. Roderigo considers himself qualified and superior to Othello and, therefore, a perfect fit to marry Desdemona. It is a wrong assumption because it is a stereotype emanating from the race. Also, before he makes his first appearance on stage, he is viewed as a manipulator who uses charm as described by Brabantio. He insists that Othello enchanted Desdemona with charm. Brabantio's belief could be that a black man cannot naturally convince a white woman to love him a wrong assumption because the odds have been defied by Desdemona.
Othello's Real Character
Othello's real character is that he is a true leader, and this is the reason given a high ranking position as the army general of the Venetian army. Although he is despised by some such as Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantion, among others, he is a great leader who leads the army fights and wins wars, for instance, in Cyprus. Additionally, he is a respected hero and is on high demand, for example, by the Duke and the senate. This is depicted when they explain to Brabantio that Othello is more than his skin color. They state, "…and noble signior, if virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son in law is far more fair than black” (Shakespeare 1.111). It is an indication that he is a man of virtue, and his achievements are more significant than his race and color because he is a person who can be admired by a duke and senator. The only people who do not see his potential are those with selfish interests and personal hatred for him.
Besides, Othello is also a loving and caring husband, and this can be depicted from his wooing and charming nature that wins the heart of Desdemona. When he is explaining how he came to be in a relationship with Desdemona, he states, “she loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them (Shakespeare I. III). It is an indication that he is a loving person who can not only recognize the affection and emotions of other people but also reciprocates through love. Othello is also a person who is able to captivate his peers with a good speech, and this is depicted when the Duke admitted that Othello's speech and expression would win the heart of his daughter too. He states, "I think this tale would win my daughter too"(I.III). It is an indication that he has a captivating speech that can quickly sweep one off their feet. Othello is also a brilliant and tactful man who knows how to execute his duties well, and this can be depicted by his victory in the wars he fought for Venice and Cyprus. He is also a sexist, and this can be described by his way of relating to Desdemona and matters surrounding affection. Othello does not fit in the description given by other characters; for instance, he is regarded by Iago as a devil, yet he is the right person and also a Christian. Also, he is considered a manipulator, but he is charming and uses love and nothing else to win Desdemona's heart. Iago manipulates the stereotypes of his time to make Othello doubt himself through name-calling and hurling of racial abuses. He calls him a devil, yet in reality, he is a good man and even a Christian. It makes Othello doubt his good deeds. Besides, he makes Othello not to believe in himself by stating that he does not use good judgment in leadership because he would have promoted him instead of Cassio. Iago explains that even after being recommended by three people for the position, Othello did not consider him implying that he does not have excellent leadership skills. Also, he calls him Barbary a term that makes Othello doubt his intelligence as a black person. Shakespeare incorporated racial stereotypes in the play to depict the state of the renaissance times where black people were being discriminated against and did not stand much chance of being leaders or great people in society.
Conclusion
It is important to note that the theme of racism is a critical aspect in the play because it not only explained the state of affairs when the book was being written but also depicts the reality of race among human interactions. Othello is the victim of the racial aspect, and several times he is discriminated against despite his potential and ability to achieve great things. The author has explored the theme through various scenes as well as characters.
