Racism in Othello

While reading the beginning part of this play, it struck me that this play took place a long time ago. I am not completely sure how a black man came to be so highly ranked as a soldier in a time of such extreme racism in the world as a whole. Just recently, the playing field has begun to level, so how this man came to be so highly respected fascinates me. Of course, the racist remarks are quite pronounced from the beginning. These mostly came from Iago and Brabantio. In Act 1, Scene 1, Iago says, "Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe." By referring to Othello as a ram, Iago is dehumanizing Othello, as was common practice at the time toward black people. Looking back now, it is clear that this was wrong and that, in reality, Othello was far more intelligent and human than the other men (except Cassio) of the story. Reading it now is as if it came from another world.

Suspense...

Dramatic suspense is a key factor in any play. Othello is no exception. The last line of the third scene of the third act is packed full of suspense. "To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil." Othello comes right out and tells Iago that he plans to kill Desdemona. He earlier states that he wants Cassio dead, as well. This leaves the reader in suspense in that it is clear that a death scene is approaching, but when and how is up in the air. When Othello questions Desdemona about the handkerchief, it is also suspenseful because the audience is wondering when it will come out that Cassio has her handkerchief. No one can foretell how Othello will react, but he is violent by nature of being a soldier, so it seems somewhat self-evident.

A Tragedy For Certain

Even within the first three acts, it is abundantly clear that this play is destined to be a tragedy. With Iago plotting to destroy Othello, and Othello swearing to kill Cassio and Desdemona, there is no other explanation. So often in Shakespeare, destroying someone (as the oracle "destroyed" Oedipus in Oedipus Rex) means that they will eventually die, usually by suicide. "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:She has deceived her father, and may thee (Act 1, Scene 3)." This is a quote by Brabantio. Here, he is foretelling a dark end for Othello. Usually, when something like this is handed over in literature, it turns out to be true. "Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof;Or, by the worth of mine eternal soul,Thou hadst been better have been born a dog(Act 3, Scene 3)." Here, Othello is warning Iago that he will punish him severely if he cannot find proof of Desdemona's infidelities. This is likely foreshadowing, as well.