Race And Colour

Question 1

Othellos race

Answer 1

Wealth of imagery of black and white and light and dark suggest that colour is significant in this play
When written – various stereotypes of black men – most negative
From Medieval period onwards, the devil was often depicted in art as a black man surrounded by the flames of hell
Prior to Othello, ‘Blackamore’ in plays were usually sinister figure

Question 2

Othello the outsider

Answer 2

New historic critics have argued that Othello tragedy comes about as he has never anything more than an outsider

Question 3

“I think the Sun where he was born/Drew such humours from him “

Answer 3

Desimone positive view of Othello’s race provides a clear contrast with the negative Renaissance racial stereotype
Ironically, she’s wrong about him as he does become jealous

Question 4

Contrasting views of othellos blackness

Answer 4

Noticeable that even Desdemona, who never regrets Marrying Othello is forced to explain her choice
Defends marriage -“saw othellos visage in his mind” - looks past his colour/Othellos stories excited her
Shakespeare urging us to see that racial differences don’t affect love?

Question 5

Othellos nobility

Answer 5

Recognise that Othello is more noble and impressive than any other man in the play
Compelling because he is different
Negative view of othellos blackness which is undermined - not encouraged by Shakespeare to respect the speakers
Othellos colour and racial background is alarming to Iago “an old black ram”
Othello is comfortable and take pride in his position
Also knows he has nothing to be ashamed about and that desdemona is happy with him “she had eyes and chose me”