Othello Key Quotes: Racial Prejudice Flashcards
1
Q
‘The Moor’
A
- ‘Moor’ means Other, verbally ostracises Othello from Venitian society.
2
Q
‘an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe.’
A
- Racist language
- Animal imagery; dehumanising Othello.
3
Q
‘you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse.’
A
- ‘Barbary horse’ –> North African breed of horse.
- Racist dialogue.
4
Q
‘What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe.’
A
- Racist remark.
5
Q
(About Othello)
“Lavascious Moor,”
Act 1, Scene 1
A
- Racist stereotype that Black men are sexual deviants, unable to control their desires and compulsions.
- ‘Moor’ defined by difference, constantly reminded of his otherness.
6
Q
‘as Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face.’
A
- Othello’s insecurity of his race. He is reflecting Iago’s manipulation.
7
Q
‘Haply for I am black,’
A
- Sign of insecurity. Othello believes he is inferior. Desdemona would have better white suitors than him therefore Iago’s accusation against Desdemona is not unplausible.
8
Q
“O, the more angel she, And you the blacker devil!”
A
- Black vs White Imagery
- Heaven vs Hell
- Emilia laments Desdemona’s innocence.
- ‘Blacker’ derogatory reference to Othello’s skin colour as well as his villany as he has just murdered Desdemona.
