WK 2: Othello and How is he portrayed?

In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello the main character Othello (Moor) is introduced through crude and racist language by Iago and Roderigo. Othello and Desdamona have a relationship which was kept secret as they understood that society at the time would not approve of their marriage. Iago and Roderigo come to the street outside Desdomona’s father, Brabanzio and they cry out that Othello and Brabanzio’s daughter, Desdemona have eloped. The main character for the first section of the play is only referred to as ‘the moor’; who are black descendants from North Africa. Shakespeare introduces Othello as the moor to emphasise how an outcast in society is and because of his race he faces prejudice. For example, Iago and Roderigo refer to him as;”the Moor”(1.1.57), “an old black ram” (1.1.88), and a “Barbary horse” (1.1.113).  The character of Iago assists in the positioning of the main character as his revenge and anger towards him presents the themes of jealously, prejudice and demonstrates how people treat Othello in society. Iago states, “To love the Moor... I follow him to serve my turn upon him,” this example shows how Iago wishes to seek revenge. The audience is positioned to see Iago in a negative light compared to Othello. Shakespearian society did not accept the marriage of Desdemona and Othello as many important figures thought it was unnatural even though he was highly respected in his military accomplishments. Brabanzio describes his daughter’s marriage as, “in spite of nature...to fall in love with what she feared to look upon?” Shakespeare continuously has Othello referred to as the ‘Moor’ which demonstrates the attitudes of harsh prejudice against other races. By introducing the main character as a ‘Moor’ the audience is able to see the flaws in society’s expectations.