The Issue of Race in Othello Essay -- Othello essays

The Issue of Race in Othello In his production of Othello for BBC television (1981), Jonathan Miller asserted that Othellos race does not greatly impact his downfall in the play. He maintains that while Shakespe be touches upon the issue of race, the cause of Othellos demise lies elsewhere.1 However, the implications of race in the play directly lead to its tragic shutdown it is this issue that impels the characters to set the tragedy in motion. Brabantio would never revolt against the union of Othello and Desdemona if it were not for Othellos blackness. Roderigo could never be motivated to pursue Desdemona were it not for his belief that their family is unnatural. By far the most significant racism is Othellos own, racism that Iago brings to the surface by playing upon Othellos racial insecurities. Finally, it is racism that serves as Iagos primary cause in his destruction of Othello. Brabantio is very selective about suitors for Desdemona, as is evident from his vocal condemnat ion of Roderigo. After learning it is Roderigo lurking about his window, Brabantio tells him, The worser welcome / ... In honest perspicuousness thou hast heard me say / My daughter is not for thee (1.1.92-95).2 Although Roderigo is a wealthy native Venetian, in Brabantios eyes he is not worthy of Desdemona. Despite these set standards, it would seem that Othello could win Brabantios approval he holds a lucrative and prestigious position as the general of the army, he is born of a noble background, and he has the respect of the State. In addition, Brabantio has an affinity for Othello, as he explains, he loved Othello oft invited him / Still questioned him the story of his life (1.3.128-29). There is no ... ...his possibility and fights it. Through resisting the stereotypes, as opposed to acknowledging and accepting that they exist, Othello increases his internal conflict. Had he the necessary strength and faith in himself, the conflict could not have arisen for when there is no resistance, the struggle ceases. sort of than label Othello as a racist or anti-racist play, it is more significant to see how, from a racial standpoint, the tragedy demonstrates the explosive effects that racial randomness can produce when combined with other personal insecurities. Notes 1. Jonathan Miller, television interview, BBC, 1981. Quoted by Sylvan Barnet, Othello on Stage and Screen, in Alvin Kernan, ed., Othello, Signet Classic Edition (New York Penguin, 1998) 230. 2. All references to Othello are from the Signet Classic Edition (New York Penguin, 1998).