Othello, a tragic story written by Shakespeare, in 1604, contains a great deal of themes that can teach people today about that particular period that many otherwise may have overlooked. A great example of this can be highlighted by the biggest character of Othello. This is of course the all great and mighty Othello, who just so happens to be black. Now in the grand scheme of the story this aspect of skin color actually plays a pretty huge part of the story, as it should be obvious that it would considering the time it was written there was a heavy amount of racism in the world. So for that reason it should come as no surprise that this aspect affects the story line, themes, and the characterization in numerous ways, something that should be clear by the end of this essay.
So let’s start with a simple quote by the evil mastermind of Othello, the nasty and sick Iago: “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 a grandsire of you. Arise I say!” (1.1.9) Now it should be clear, even if you do not understand old English, that the words coming out of Iago’s mouth are not words that should ever be spoken. However, it is these words that are used to awaken Brabantio, with the direct knowledge of knowing that these words would get his attention. There is no doubt that Iago is working on the thought that black people are sexual animals, hence the words, “black ram” and “tupping.” Also an interesting thing to note is that he refers Othello as a “devil,” even though it is clear that Othello is a Christian, but during this time period it was very well known that the representation for the devil was a black man or figure. Again this is a theme of racism in the play that frequently reappears within the story. However, in this particular instance it is also the first time the reader gets a glimpse of Iago’s motives and how manipulative he is. In that regard it is this racism and characterization of Othello that awakens Brabantio and starts the tragic story of Othello.
However, for contrast reasons it would not be fair to look at a quote from later on within Othello by the great Duke of Venice: “And, noble signior, if virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” (1.3.22) It should be noted that in between this scene and the last it was shown that Brabantio is most likely one of the most racist characters within the story, which is why Iago was able to manipulate him so well. However, this quote shows that even in the period the story was written and the themes of the story that there is a contrast of people who view Othello as more than just a black sex animal. However, his words should shape a different view in many people’s minds, the ones who view that glass as half empty. The words of the Duke are implying that Othello is the exception, that even though he is black, he is a fair one, unlike the others of that time. So even though it may appear the theme of racism disappears, it is as strong as ever within the Dukes words. Which is worrisome because it does show that Othello’s characterization is still viewed as him being different that other people, thus making him quite easy to be manipulated. It should also be noted that this quote helps the storyline running smoothly because it does highlight that even though he is black there is a great respect for him by the senators and Duke, thus making him this great exception of this time period.
Now let’s fast forward to the most important quote of the whole play as spoken by the great and mighty man himself, Othello: “My name, that was as fresh as Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face.” (3.3.54) This quote requires a little bit of research to fully understand it to its full potential, however, that research was done so that the complete picture is represented. It must be realized and pointed out that Diane is the goddess of the pale moon and of chastity. So he himself is saying and comparing his clean reputation that was untainted until the supposed cheating to that of a white face. So what is even more interesting is that now that his reputation has been ruined in his mind he is now saying that his name is now black and dirty. So what should be taken away from this? Well by this moment in the play, Othello seems to be adopting the racist views of other characters around him; he sees himself as a soiled black man. This is a very disturbing time for Othello and evolves the story because it is at this moment that Othello truly believes that his wife has cheated on him and thus he is turning back into not that of a great hero, but an animal like those around him viewed him as. It is also that manipulation and thought in the back of his mind that led to him thinking like this and no doubt led to the killing of his own wife. It also highlights the theme of racism within the story because at this moment it is clear that even Othello himself recognizes that the racism is there and in a way him admitting it is what turns his characterization into one of killing the one he truly loves. Just one more quote on this topic of him admitting this realization by him: “All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.'Tis gone. Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell!” (3.3.63) Or in other words he is again comparing blackness to something bad and otherwise not good.
Upon discovering what Othello has done to his wife, Emilia had this to say: “O, the more angel she, and you the blacker devil!” (5.2.36) By killing Desdemona, Othello shows a racist stereotype of that time, that black men are violent, savage, and to be feared, hence the words that “blacker devil!” In conclusion racism evolved this story and kept the story going, had Othello been white it should be clear that this story could not gone as it did, however because he was the theme of racism was allowed to take place and his characterization was able to evolve. That is the biggest thing of this story changing characterization of Othello and how by the end of the story he had proven every stereotype of that time that he had disproven for so long. Thus proving that the writer and this story were both racist because the story did not have to be written with so much racism, but then again for this tragedy to be so successful it truly did, because it was written for an audience of the 17th century.
