The character, Othello, is missing from much of the early part of the play. We hear about him and what he has done from discussions among/between other characters. (Iago & Roderigo; Brabantio & Iago and R.; Brabantio & the Senate).
When he is discussed or referred to, it is using language that we would consider quite racist in modern terms. For example, he is variously referred to as; “the Moor” (I.i.57), “the thick-lips” (I.i.66), “an old black ram” (I.i.88), and “a Barbary horse” (I.i.113). Although Othello appears at the beginning of the second scene, we do not hear his name until well into Act I, scene iii (I.iii.48).
Why has Shakespeare chosen to introduce the main character in this way? How are we, as the audience, being positioned to see Othello and to see other characters?
Try and write as much as you can in your response. Remember, we are trying to enhance our abilities to write in an analytical style. This means well-constructed arguments that are supported by evidence and synthesised.
Image taken from Google images on 12/10/12
No comments:
Post a Comment