Examples Of Prejudice In Othello

In his 17th century tragedy, Othello, Shakespeare, through his characters’ actions and speech, amplifies the negative aspects that are ingrained in human nature. Overt themes of sexism and racism are sustained throughout the play by way of the characters’ judgements and efforts. Additionally, hate and jealousy plague many of the characters, prompting malicious thoughts and acts. The unnatural attributes of extreme prejudice and spite cause death and tragedy throughout the play. By demonstrating the adverse impacts of these traits, Shakespeare’s play is a commentary on the danger of the hatred that is all too common in human society. Othello is filled with rampant misogyny from the established patriarchy and, more directly, in the dialogue

His marriage to Desdemona is critiqued time after time, with the chief antagonist being Desdemona’s father, Brabantio. He believes the marriage between Othello and his daughter to be “in spite of nature” and regards his son-in-law as an animal by claiming his “house is not a grange” where Othello can reside (1.1.108, 1.3.98). Iago also uses animalistic imagery to describe Othello, calling him “an old black ram” and a “Barbary horse,” (1.1.90, 1.1.114). He even questions why Desdemona would choose Othello, a Moor, over someone “Of her own clime, complexion, and degree” (3.3.246). After examining other characters’ interpretations of Othello, one can understand his desire, and even more so his need, to conform to the expectations that Venetian society had set for him. Othello even begins to internalize this racism, equating his blackness to “vengeance” and describing his face and “begrimed and black” in comparison to Desdemona’s, “as fresh as Dian's visage” (3.3.402-403). The constant pressure that Othello faces due to his status as a pariah and his obligation to display himself as a powerful, warlike figure is threatened by the possibility of humiliation by his adulterous wife and contributes to Iago’s subsequent