Haply for I am Black": The Issue of Race in Othello

Othellos racecourse does not greatly impact his downfall in the play. He maintains that while Shakespeare touches upon the issue of race, the cause of Othellos demise lies elsewhere.1 However, the implications of race in the play directly lead to its tragic remnant; it is this issue that impels the characters to set the tragedy in motion. Brabantio would agree to the sexual union of Othello and Desdemona if it were not for Othellos blackness. Roderigo could never be motivated to pursue Desdemona were it not for his belief that their relationship is unnatural. By far the most of import racism is Othellos own, racism that Iago brings to the surface by playing upon Othellos racial insecurities. Finally, it is racism that serves as Iagos primary cause in his goal of Othello.

Brabantio is very selective about suitors for Desdemona. When Roderigo comes to his window, Brabantio tells him, The worser welcome! / ... In aboveboard plainness thou hast heard me say / My daughter is not for thee (1.1.92-95).2 Although Roderigo is a wealthy native Venetian, in Brabantios eyes he is not worthy of Desdemona.. it seems that brabantio could approve of othello; he holds a utmost position as the general of the army, he is born of a noble background, and he has the respect of the State.



In addition, Brabantio has an affinity for Othello, as he explains, [he] loved [Othello]; oft invited [him]; / Still questioned [him] the story of [his] animateness (1.3.128-29). There is no reason for Brabantio to disapprove of Desdemonas union with Othello--apart from his race.

Yet Brabantio begins to proceeds Roderigo seriously only when he informs him, in racist fashion, that Desdemona has travel To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor (1.1.123). he finds the view of his daughter eloping with a black...

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