The Issue of Race in Othello

The Issue of Race in Othello

In his production of Othello for BBC television (1981), Jonathan Miller asserted that Othello's race does not greatly impact his downfall in the play. He maintains that while Shakespeare touches upon the issue of race, the cause of Othello's demise lies elsewhere.1 However, the implications of race in the play directly lead to its tragic ending; 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 Othello's blackness. Roderigo could never be motivated to pursue Desdemona were it not for his belief that their relationship is unnatural. By far the most significant racism is Othello's own, racism that Iago brings to the surface by playing upon Othello's racial insecurities. Finally, it is racism that serves as Iago's primary cause in his destruction of Othello.

Brabantio is very selective about suitors for Desdemona, as is evident from his vocal condemnation of Roderigo. After learning it is Roderigo lurking about his window, Brabantio tells him, "The worser welcome! / ... In honest plainness thou hast heard me say / My daughter is not for thee" (1.1.92-95).2 Although Roderigo is a wealthy native Venetian, in Brabantio's eyes he is not worthy of Desdemona. Despite these strict standards, it would seem that Othello could win Brabantio's 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 ...

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...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. Rather 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 dissonance 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).