Race Flashcards
Describe how Brabantio is racist.
He describes Othello’s ‘sooty bosom’, implying that his colour makes him dirty. He also describes Othello as a “thing”, showing that he doesn’t see him as human.
Describe how Iago is racist.
He fuels Brab’s racist views by presenting him with bestial images of Othello as “a Barbary horse” and “an old black ram”. This makes Othello seem savage, inhuman and powerful.
What imagery is Othello often compared to?
Hell and the devil because the colour black was linked to evil in Elizabethan times, while the colour white was linked to goodness and innocence.
Give a quote from Emilia’s comparison between Othello and Des. What does it emphasise?
“the more angel she, /and you the blacker devil!’ emphasises this black and white moral divide.
Who are the only characters that are overtly racist? Describe and explain why.
Iago, Brabantio and Roderigo - the Venetians.
They are ‘insiders’ and at the top of society. Their prejudice may come from a fear of their superior position being undermined by outsiders. Explains angry reaction to Othello’s success.
How has Iago corrupted Othello’s mind into viewing his race in a negative light? Give a quote and explain.
“Her name (…) is now begrimmed and black/as mine own face”. This suggests that Othello has internalised the racist attitudes of other characters - he worries that Des will discard him because he’s black and calls himself a “cursed, cursed slave”.
How does Des overlook Othello’s colour? Why is she still racist in a sense?
She says she “saw Othello’s visage in his mind”, meaning that his face was transformed because of his “honours and his valiant parts”.
Still racist because she feels a need to defend her decision and his race, which suggests that his race is a weakness.
What did Elizabeth 1st feel about black people?
She complained that there were too many ‘blackamoors’ in England, and twice tried to have them deported
