Discrimination In Othello

The tragedy Othello was written in 1604 during the Elizabethan era. Othello, the moor, enjoyed success in combat, which gained him a reputation as one of Venice’s most prominent Generals. He married the lovely Desdemona, the daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian Senator. Othello, despite his blackness, is a noble leader and Cassio his Lieutenant. Iago, serves as Othello’s ensign- an officer of low rank. Iago thinks he is worthy of a better title and resents both Othello and Cassio for their position. Iago was intrigued by Othello’s decision to appoint Cassio since he believed he had the qualities and experiences needed for the position despite having the “three great ones of the city” advocate in his favor. (1.1.9). Iago is threatened by both Othello

In the beginning of the play, the first thing we hear about Othello is Iago is mocking his race, “And I, God bless the mark, his Moorship’s ancient!” (1.1.35). However, Othello’s leadership and military skill make him a valuable asset to the Venetian government. He is a greatly respected and trusted Captain who is called to duty when conflict arises. In first scene of the play, he sent to wage war in Cyprus. After Iago informs Brabantio of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage, Othello has to confront Brabantio and Othello proudly says “Let him do his spite, my services which I have done this signiory, shall out-tongue is complaints” (1.2.21-22). Othello demonstrates that he is confident in his abilities as a military and man and he was sure the he deserved Desdemona. He believes that his achievements as a general of the Venetian army will outweigh anything that Brabantio has to say. These qualities initially attract Desdemona, Othello notes “she loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them” (1.3.94). Iago’s ability to lack power in society translates to him trying to have power through manipulation. Othello is difficult to manipulate as he is honorable and deeply in love and Othello. As Othello is holding Desdemona’s hand he tells her “It gives me wonder great as my

Iago describes Cassio as a “knave is handsome, young, and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after” (1.2. 267-269). Cassio is shown as a great appointment because as he waited in Sicily and he prayed for the Moor to be safe” (2.136). This shows that Cassio is true and loyal to his general. Iago’s resentment of Cassio’s privileges is seen early on in the play. Iago was certain that Othello would give him the title since he was an experienced soldier. However, when it is awarded to Cassio, he is engraved with rave. In Iago’s Art of War: The "Machiavellian Moment" in Othello by Ken Jacobsen, he examines how Iago viewed Cassio as a “mere “counter-caster” or accountant, an armchair general whose military knowledge comes exclusively from texts, not experience” (498). Iago says this because Cassio was a great “Arithmetician” and was someone that had not been involved in any action on the battlefield. (1.1.20). Iago sees himself inferior in both qualifications and experience. Being promoted to a Lieutenant was viewed in society as admirable and honorable. If Iago would have been awarded the position it would have “verified his estimates of his own abilities and assured him of Othello’s love and admiration” (Parris 70). It would also display his masculinity and he craved