Othello - Dark Moor

Race is a particularly critical factor in Othello, the story of the "dark Moor" who succumbs to sexual jealousy amidst a white society. Why does Iago mislead Othello so cruelly? And why does Othello believe Iago's lies, and ultimately commit the heinous act of killing his beloved wife? What does Shakespeare mean to say in this scenario?

Shakespeare doesn't make Iago's intentions clear, nor does he shed light on Othello's personal fears and insecurities. Instead he supplies situation, action, and often vague dialogue. The play opens with soldiers Iago and Roderigo speaking ill of their leader, Othello (unnamed here), who has just eloped with Roderigo's love interest, Desdemona. They refer to him as "thicklips" and "the devil." Iago later describes Othello as "an old black ram ... tupping your white ewe." In Davies' adaptation, there is no doubt that the society surrounding John Othello is racist. Early on, police commissioner Carver makes crude comments about his black officers and, confiding in Jago about promoting black officers, says, "Wouldn't it be nice just to relax and tell the truth for once? They're [blacks] just not up to snuff, not yet."

In the play, Iago notes bitterly that Othello has passed him up for a promotion. And in a later aside, he declares, "I hate the Moor, and it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets he's done my office. I know not if't be true but I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety." In the modern version, he says, "You know I'm eaten up with sodding envy. You do know that, don't you?" Is Iago a racist? A disgruntled employee? A cuckold? Does he lust after Desdemona, or even Othello himself? Or is he simply a psychopath? Shakespeare doesn't say. Even when Othello ultimately asks Iago his motives, Iago answers cryptically, "Demand me nothing; what you know, you know; from this time forth I never will speak word."

In the 17th century, racism was an accepted part of public life; people of color were often thought of as "savage." Shakespeare would have encountered no societal pressures against presenting such ideas. Yet he doesn't actually portray Othello as inferior. Although Iago and Roderigo make him sound despicable in their disparaging first-act conversation, Shakespeare then shows Othello as a well-spoken and highly regarded military leader who has won the hand of an aristocratic woman. Iago's treachery is what ultimately tears him apart. Does Shakespeare mean to portray Othello as inferior?