Othello

Shakespeare’s “Othello” is a controversial play which depicts and addresses the issue of miscegenation. Race and racism play an intricate part in the plot of the play. Othello’s race is significant in the play and provides the basis for his own insecurities, Iago’s villainous acts, and his dishonorable downfall.
Shakespeare’s audience of the early seventeenth century held the stereotypical assumption of African-Americans as savages.(Little 305) This discriminatory assumption also comes into play in Othello’s ending rage as it is described by Iago: “he foams at mouth, and by and by, breaks out to savage madness”(IV i 61-62). Yet, it is Othello’s own insecurities which are his greatest flaw.(Berry 318) Othello prides himself on his achievements for his social status.(Slights 379) He gives no account for his position to his origin.(Slights 379) Even Desdemona’s affection for him, he believes, can only stem from his grand accomplishments.(Little 306)
In...