Presentation of victims in Othello
Shakespeare’s presentation of victims appears to change throughout the play. Whilst Iago’s victims
are initially depicted in an unsympathetic light, as the tragic texture of the play thickens,
Shakespeare explores the suffering of innocents. Additionally, Shakespeare draws on the social
context of 17th Century society by presenting Othello as a victim of racial belief and his female
characters as victims of the patriarchy.
Shakespeare explores the concept of ‘the other’ through his portrayal of Othello, arguably
presenting a victim of racial beliefs. In the Elizabethan era, Othello would have been considered as
the antithesis of Venetians, evident in the frequent animalistic racial slurs he receives such as
‘barbary horse’ and ‘black ram’. Loomba argues that Othello has imbibed these prejudices, which
perhaps leaves him vulnerable to Iago’s hints that his wife has been unfaithful. This is evident in
Othello’s own use of black imagery such as ‘best judgement collied’, and his recognition ‘haply for I
am black’, which suggests he questions whether Desdemona’s infidelity was a result of his race.
However, Shakespeare also undermines this more sympathetic view of Othello by presenting him as
adhering to ‘the moor’ stereotype. The violent threat…
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…‘I’ll tear her all to pieces’ indicates a barbaric side taking over Othello, contrasting his initial calm
and stable presence. Moreover, Othello’s passionate speech in which he imagines how he will
Shakespeare’s presentation of victims appears to change throughout the play. Whilst Iago’s victims
are initially depicted in an unsympathetic light, as the tragic texture of the play thickens,
Shakespeare explores the suffering of innocents. Additionally, Shakespeare draws on the social
context of 17th Century society by presenting Othello as a victim of racial belief and his female
characters as victims of the patriarchy.
Shakespeare explores the concept of ‘the other’ through his portrayal of Othello, arguably
presenting a victim of racial beliefs. In the Elizabethan era, Othello would have been considered as
the antithesis of Venetians, evident in the frequent animalistic racial slurs he receives such as
‘barbary horse’ and ‘black ram’. Loomba argues that Othello has imbibed these prejudices, which
perhaps leaves him vulnerable to Iago’s hints that his wife has been unfaithful. This is evident in
Othello’s own use of black imagery such as ‘best judgement collied’, and his recognition ‘haply for I
am black’, which suggests he questions whether Desdemona’s infidelity was a result of his race.
However, Shakespeare also undermines this more sympathetic view of Othello by presenting him as
adhering to ‘the moor’ stereotype. The violent threat…
Preview ends…buy to see the whole essay (which includes 4 paragraphs and a conclusion)
…‘I’ll tear her all to pieces’ indicates a barbaric side taking over Othello, contrasting his initial calm
and stable presence. Moreover, Othello’s passionate speech in which he imagines how he will
