Othello: A noble Moor?

Question 1

Bradley’s View

Answer 1

Othello is a noble moor who falls from high position not through fault of own but due to plotting of others.
ALSO-
He is a ‘noble barbarian’
Retains the savage passions of his Moorish blood
His most valuable asset is not his stature in society but rather his tongue.

Question 2

Gardener’s view 1955

Answer 2

Othello’s alien race shows the strength of his character
He succeeds to the pinnacle of his profession in a white society
Does not equate his magnificence with the supernatural
His position is earned during a time when Moors occupied position of slaves rather than leaders.

Question 3

Siegal 1953

Answer 3

Iago represents devil, Desdemona devine goodness.
Iago is evil due to his white soul, Othello had glory due to his black soul

Question 4

Bethell 1952

Answer 4

Transfer of evil from Iago to Othello
Iago engages many diabolical images in his own speech- ‘pour this pestilence into his ear.’
First Act- Iago 8 Othello none
Second Act- I 6 O 2
Third Act- change occurs I uses 3, yet O 9
Fourth Act- Othello 6, I none

Question 5

Everett 1982

Answer 5

Racial identity of Othello does not matter- identification of Othello as black not evident until after romantic period.
Prior, he was any colour as long as character permitted isolation- a foreigner.
Only with identity politics we care what race he is.

Question 6

Schemen 1987

Answer 6

Othello’s downfall more due to his maleness rather than his blackness
When realising he his powerless, his propensity for violence increases- especially in the view of being humiliated by a woman.

Question 7

Davison 1988

Answer 7

The hero could have easily been white- Shakespeare only gave him such colour to add intrigue.