Humanities Written Assignment Two

Garrett Chasar

Essay 2

Hum102

9-14-13

Despite his valor and his position in the Venetian Army, Othello remains an outsider. Why is this true? (Cite specifics to support your answer.) What part does Othello's race play in this situation? In your essay, discuss ways Shakespeare uses dramatic devices to further his theme.

Othello rises from the bottom of the ranks to the top. He does this through his valor and skills in battle. Othello is an outsider because he does not look the same. He is a moor from Africa. This means he is a black man. All of his army is composed of white Europeans. They respect him for his actions but he is still a black man in a racist period. Everything he does is viewed as mysterious. ("Play Script - Othello." Full Text. William Shakesphere Info, 2005. Web. 14 Sept. 2013.)Othello has doubt of himself from everyone’s doubting him because he is black. He is viewed by the duke as valiant but once the duke hears word that Othello wants to marry Desdemona all changes. The duke wonders how he tricked her into marrying him. It is different to accept him in the military and socially but interracial marriage is not permitted. Barbantio, Desdemona’s father said it’s “against the rules of nature”. He also calls him a “lascivious moor”. ("Othello: Entire Play." Othello: Entire Play. MIT, Feb.-Mar. 2004. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.)

Blacks in this time are associated with evil. Shakespeare uses language like “thick lips” and “an old black ram”. He was known to write about black mistresses which shows that he is not racist. Desdemona’s father wonders how the old black ram wooed his daughter. He has him locked up over his racist views. He tells Othello to his face about his hatred towards him. He can do this because he is a senator of higher rank than Othello. Lago is extremely jealous of him and tries to make others hate him solely on his race. ("Play Script - Othello." Full Text. William Shakesphere Info, 2005. Web. 14 Sept. 2013.)

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