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Jealousy And Racism In William Shakespeare’s Othello Essay

The works of Shakespeare are as significant now as they ever have been You may be asking, how is a play set in a world of exploration and conquest still significant to a world of flaccid morals and technological advancements? The works of Shakespeare prove ongoing relevance over time through the utilisation of key ideas, characters and language. Through characterisation and the exploration of the notions of jealousy and racism in “Othello”, the guests at the national Shakespeare convention can gain insight on how the works of Shakespeare are as significant now as they ever have been.

The works of Shakespeare are so significant as the effect of racism, a key concept, which is relevant to both Shakespearean and contemporary audiences, is portrayed through a racial epithet spoken by Roderigo in Act 1 Scene 1 ‘Your fair daughter, transported, to the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor”. The derogatory language describes Othello as impure, allowing the audience to understand the typical behaviours towards race in a Shakespearean time, but to a contemporary audience, this is seen as racist.

The word ‘fair’ in the quote is a racist remark towards Othello, using juxtaposition to allow the audience to discriminate between Othello and Desdemona’s skin tones. Another quote conveying the notion of racism is “Her name, that was as fresh As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black, as my own face”, spoken by Othello in Act 3 Scene 3. Shakespeare has used a simile to portray racism, where he diminishes Othello by comparing an ‘impure’ Desdemona to his skin.

These quotes llow the Shakespearean audience to relate, as racism wasn’t thought to be an issue, where comparing dark skin to being impure was a social norm, enabling them to connect with the characters, intriguing them further. A change has occurred over time with racism, as in Shakespearean time, it was completely dismissed and not even viewed as an issue, whereas today, while it still occurs, it is definitely recognised. Contemporary audiences can relate to this, as race is a prominent issue, evident in the stereotypes of Middle Eastern people, demonstrating how racism is recognised today.

Therefore, Racism, a significant idea in the play is a notion both audiences can relate to, hence a reason why Othello is as significant now as it has ever been Jealousy is an emotion we all experience, am I right? Othello has been extremely significant over time as the consequence of jealousy; a universal idea, relates to both Shakespearean and contemporary audiences. It is a concept that leads to Othello’s hamartia portrayed in the quote “Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought,” spoken by Othello, in Act 5 Scene 2, using a conjunction to give insight on how his nature would usually be reluctant to jealousy.

This successfully portrays jealousy, as it is an emotion that can bring out the worst in people, evident in Othello’s downfall. In another quote, the idea that Shakespeare’s works are as significant now as they have ever been is conveyed through the idea of jealousy, where lago states in Act 3 Scene 3 “Trifles light as air, are to the jealous confirmations strong,” where Shakespeare has used a simile to compare the trifle to the significant handkerchief.

This quote implies that proof of the handkerchief and Desdemona having an affair is not necessary, as the rumours are enough to feed Othello’s jealousy. A critical reception by Thomas Ryder, offers a warning to audiences in regards to ‘Othello’ and states that it “May be a lesson to husbands, that before Jealousy be tragical, the proofs may be Mathematical”, insisting that they should require more proof than what Othello takes before deciding to murder his wife.

This makes lago a significant character in the play as he portrays an appeal to logic, emotion and authority, intriguing the audience with facts, emotive language and the credibility he has possessed. These quotes allow both audiences to relate to the characters, as they portray the universal qualities of jealousy, and while I’m sure my audience, the guests at the National Shakespeare Convention, wouldn’t murder their wives if they were accused of an affair, I’m positive they have felt a sense of jealousy at one point in their lives.

This contributes to the significance of Shakespeare’s works and how they are as significant now as they have ever been. Conclusively, it is evident that Shakespeare’s works, in particular Othello, resonates with both audiences and provides an ongoing relevance. Through the examination of the characterisation of Othello, Roderigo and lago and the notions of jealousy and racism, it can be seen that universal and nonuniversal ideas greatly contribute to why the works of Shakespeare are as significant now as they have ever been.

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