Outsiders in "Othello"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how from the the outset of the play, "Othello", Shakespeare makes it explicitly clear who the outsiders are. The paper examines how Othello is the strongest candidate and as the main character of the play, he fits in the least. It also looks at how, in addition, Shakespeare also portrays Iago as an outsider, not in race and background like Othello, but in nature and motive. The paper further shows how both of these characters are different from any other in Venetian society and how both, although in completely dissimilar ways, are subject to falling into the category of an outsider.

From the Paper:

"The main outsider in the play is quite clearly Othello, who cannot help but be seen as different from the others because of his colour and background. Unlike Iago, he is not a born Venetian but a black slave, who through hard work and determination, has risen to the ranks of General of the Venetian army. However, in spite of his prestigious military position he is still viewed by many as an outcast in contemporary society. This is particularly prevalent in Elizabethan times as Queen Elizabeth herself denounced the blacks and banished them from England. "...banishing the great number of niggers and black moors which are crept into this realm..." Othello has the majority of society against him in this respect, a stereotypical way of thinking being to persecute the black race. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• 1) Shakespeare. W, Muir. K, and McAlindon. T, Othello, 2005, Penguin Shakespeare

More papers on Outsiders in "Othello":

• Book Review # 129014 : "Race and Sex in "Othello"
• Analytical Essay # 23100 : "Alienation and Otherness in "Othello"
• Analytical Essay # 16113 : "Othello and Human Nature"

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