This paper is structured into two parts – in the first part about race I first want to talk about some theories about Othello’s race, Elizabethan stereotypes about Moors and what might have been reasons for making Othello, the Moor of Venice. In the second part I am going to focus on the part religion plays in Othello, the opposition of Christianity against Islam, the influence religion, the bible and the other character’s religious affiliations play in Othello and of course Othello’s own religious denomination.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Race and the Moor in Elizabethan England
2.1 Definition of race and the term ‘Moor’
2.2 Elizabethan Stereotypes – Images of the foreigner
2.3 How well-known was “the Moor” in Shakespeare’s time?
2.4 Historical context – Why is Othello a „Moor“?
3 Religion and biblical allusions in Othello
3.1 Islam vs. Christianity
3.2 Desdemona
3.3 Iago
3.4 Othello
4 Conclusion
5 Works cited
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines the dual themes of race and religion in William Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, specifically analyzing how the character's identity as a "Moor" in Elizabethan England functions as a source of social alienation. The research investigates how contemporary historical perceptions, stereotypes of foreigners, and the anxiety surrounding religious conversion inform the protagonist's tragic downfall and his interactions with other characters.
- The definition of "race" and "Moor" in early modern England.
- The influence of contemporary Elizabethan stereotypes on character portrayal.
- The opposition between Christianity and Islam within the dramatic framework.
- The impact of Iago’s rhetorical manipulation on the protagonist’s self-perception.
- The historical and literary sources that shaped Shakespeare’s conception of Othello.
Excerpt from the Book
Definition of race and the term ‘Moor’
For a long time the term race had a different meaning, than it has today: French, Spanish, and German were considered race and the term was mainly used to talk about familial groups or lineage. The concept of race, as we know it today, evolved when Europeans began colonizing remote countries – before that most Europeans had never seen black people. Reasons to explain physical differences were mostly derogative and involved a feeling of European superiority. And blackness always had a special significance in European history. People believed black people to be black because they were either the descendants of the biblical Ham, who was cursed after he had sinned and therefore had black sons, or that they had a “natural infection” that was believed to be contagious. Sexual intercourse between ‘blacks’ and ‘whites’ was therefore a reason for anxiety and disgust (cf. Loomba 2000: 213).
The word ‘Moor’ first arrived from the word ‘mauros’ for people from Mauretania and was soon also used for people from Barbary or Spain too, since Spain was under Arabian control at that time, and pretty soon for black people from Africa etc.. And although the terms “black”, “blackamoor”, “Moor” etc. were used rather broadly in 16th-Century England, they were all used for people with a skin-color that differed from the pale English people of that time, or people from a Muslim background (Kaul 1996: 19).
The widespread use of Moor to refer to both religious and physical difference means that the word proves incredibly elastic, stretching to encompass a wide range of peoples and cultures (Hall 2007: 177).
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the core dilemma of Othello as a highly regarded outsider who suffers from social exclusion due to his race and religious background.
2 Race and the Moor in Elizabethan England: This section analyzes how Elizabethan society defined race and how the term "Moor" served as a flexible label for various exotic identities.
2.1 Definition of race and the term ‘Moor’: This subsection explores the historical etymology of "race" and "Moor," highlighting the negative connotations associated with physical and religious differences.
2.2 Elizabethan Stereotypes – Images of the foreigner: This subsection discusses how the rise of travel and colonialism increased public fear of the "Other," particularly regarding sexual and moral threat.
2.3 How well-known was “the Moor” in Shakespeare’s time?: This subsection examines historical encounters with Moors in London, including diplomatic visits, and how these influenced the reception of the play.
2.4 Historical context – Why is Othello a „Moor“?: This subsection reviews Shakespeare's likely source materials, such as Leo Africanus and Cinthio, to explain the character's construction.
3 Religion and biblical allusions in Othello: This chapter shifts the focus to the religious dimensions of the play, discussing how beliefs regarding conversion and the devil influence the narrative.
3.1 Islam vs. Christianity: This subsection examines the geopolitical and religious tensions of the era, focusing on the fear of conversion and the Ottoman threat.
3.2 Desdemona: This subsection explores the duality of Desdemona’s representation as both an innocent angel and, in the eyes of Othello, a deceptive figure.
3.3 Iago: This subsection analyzes Iago’s role as the "white devil," using his own rhetoric to alienate Othello from his surroundings.
3.4 Othello: This subsection investigates the religious ambiguity of the protagonist, questioning whether he is a baptized Christian or a former Muslim struggling with his past.
4 Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the enduring relevance of the play, asserting that the themes of racism, jealousy, and fear of the "Other" remain significant in contemporary society.
5 Works cited: A list of academic sources and references used throughout the paper.
Keywords
Othello, Shakespeare, Moor, Race, Religion, Elizabethan England, Conversion, Otherness, Identity, Islam, Christianity, Xenophobia, Colonialism, Desdemona, Iago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic paper?
The paper explores the intersection of race and religion in Shakespeare’s Othello, examining how these factors contribute to the protagonist's status as an outsider and his eventual downfall.
What are the primary thematic fields addressed in the work?
The core themes include early modern conceptions of race, the social and political status of "the Moor," religious tensions between Christianity and the Ottoman Empire, and the impact of stereotyping on identity.
What is the primary objective of this research?
The objective is to analyze how Elizabethan anxieties regarding the "Other"—expressed through racial and religious lenses—are dramatized in the play to explore themes of alienation and jealousy.
Which scientific methodologies are utilized in this paper?
The paper employs literary analysis and historical contextualization, drawing upon historical sources (such as travelogues and contemporary religious texts) to interpret Shakespeare's dramatic choices.
What topics are covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body investigates the definition of the term "Moor," Elizabethan stereotypes, the historical sources for Othello, the religious opposition between Islam and Christianity, and character-specific analyses of Othello, Desdemona, and Iago.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
The key concepts include Othello, Moor, Race, Religion, Elizabethan England, Conversion, Xenophobia, and Otherness.
How does the author interpret Iago's name in the context of religious history?
The author suggests that Iago’s name may derive from St. Iago, the patron saint of Spain and the "Slayer of Moors," implying that his identity as a militant Christian antagonist is embedded in his name.
Why is the concept of "turning Turk" significant to the analysis of Othello?
It represents the profound Elizabethan fear of religious conversion and loss of identity, which the author argues is central to understanding Othello’s internal conflict and his final, tragic self-perception.
Does the paper argue that Othello is a racist play?
The author concludes that while the play contains racial tensions, it is not inherently a "racist" work; rather, it is a foundational text that explores the emergence of modern racial consciousness and the psychological effects of alienation.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Nadja Niyaz (Autor:in), 2017, Race and Religion in Othello, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/369109
