William Shakespeare's works are known for their tendency to address foreign culture and religion. In "Othello", the effects of a confrontation between protestant England and the newly-civilized moor are demonstrated through intrigues and mistrust. In this term paper I want to highlight the effects of this confrontation. Moreover, I want to address the tragedy of misunderstanding between foregin cultures and false preachers.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Iago, the treacherous preacher
3. Desdemona's pledge of secrecy
4. The 'black ram' Othello
5. Non-acceptance, intolerance and other controversial religious aspects
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This essay explores the intersection of religious identity, racial prejudice, and cultural "otherness" within William Shakespeare's Othello, specifically analyzing how these themes are mirrored in the social and religious climate of Elizabethan England.
- The conceptualization of religious and racial "otherness" in the Renaissance.
- Iago’s manipulation through the parody of religious rhetoric and preacherly discourse.
- The societal intolerance reflected in the Elizabethan shift toward religious Uniformity.
- The internal struggle of Othello as a converted Christian who remains marginalized by his heritage.
- The symbolic association of blackness with demonic imagery and moral corruption.
Excerpt from the Book
Iago, the treacherous preacher
As Michael Neill writes: In early modern thought adultery was conceived (as the etymology of the two words indicates) quite literally as a form of adulteration: involving both pollution of a divinely sanctioned bond, and an assault on the 'natural' genealogical boundaries of the family, its monstrous character was mirrored in its bastard offspring. (Neill 145)
Assuming that adultery was in fact a form of adulteration at the time Shakespeare wrote Othello, would also include a kind of viciousness in Shakespeare’s play. His way of writing often tended to be provoking, in terms of violating social conventions. Even though Othello converted to Christianity, he still remains a moor and therefore a Muslim, in the eyes of Iago. The otherness of Othello poses a threat to Iago. Neill even goes as far as to claim that: Conveniently for Iago, medieval theology had enlarged the concept of adultery to include marriage with non-Christians - Jews, Muslims, and pagans - under the rubric of 'interpretive adultery'. In this connection the ambiguity of 'Moor' as both a religious and an ethnic category is doubly useful to the villain, since he can also exploit the popular prejudice - still reflected in such locutions as 'bastard race' - that regarded any form of miscegenation unnatural and adulterate. (Neill 145)
Iago is a master of illusion and manipulation and mainly uses his rhetorical skills to achieve his own ‘goals’. To reason for his actions, he even interprets certain facts in a way to answer the purpose, which makes him very dangerous, because he always performs with a deep conviction. One could even allude to Iago being at peace with himself and his actions.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: The introduction establishes the framework for analyzing Othello through the lens of transregional culture, controversial religion, and the shifting historical gaze toward the "other" in Elizabethan society.
Iago, the treacherous preacher: This chapter examines Iago as a manipulator who uses parodied religious rhetoric and definitions of "interpretive adultery" to justify his villainy and marginalize Othello.
Desdemona's pledge of secrecy: This section discusses the restricted role of women in the 16th century and how religious and social conventions were used to suppress female voices.
The 'black ram' Othello: This chapter explores the ambiguity of Othello’s religious conversion and his exclusion from the "nation" of Venice, framing him as a permanent outsider despite his integration attempts.
Non-acceptance, intolerance and other controversial religious aspects: This chapter analyzes the interplay between Christian hostility and racial prejudice, concluding that Othello’s "otherness" serves as a threat to the rigid structures of his society.
Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the arguments, noting that the play functions as an interracial discourse that exposes the destructive consequences of prejudice and the limits of religious tolerance.
Keywords
Othello, Shakespeare, Otherness, Religion, Christianity, Elizabethan England, Iago, Race, Racism, Prejudice, Conversion, Adultery, Tolerance, Identity, Marginalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this analysis?
The paper examines how Shakespeare’s Othello portrays the clash between religious and cultural identities, specifically focusing on the perception of "otherness" within the context of Elizabethan England.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include religious prejudice, the manipulative use of rhetorical "preacherly" skills, racial stereotypes, and the social failure to accept the converted "other."
What is the author's primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze the depiction of religious and racial otherness in Othello and to demonstrate how these representations mirror the tensions and intolerance present in the Protestant society of Elizabethan England.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The author uses a literary analysis approach, drawing upon historical context, contemporary scholarly essays, and close readings of the play’s dialogue to explore the motivation of the characters.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body investigates Iago's rhetorical manipulation, the social suppression of women, the complexities of Othello's status as a convert, and the religious climate that fueled societal intolerance.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Othello, otherness, Elizabethan religion, racism, Iago, conversion, and cultural intolerance.
How does Iago utilize religious rhetoric to his advantage?
Iago adopts the language and authority of a preacher to manipulate those around him, effectively parodying Christian morality to disguise his malevolent intentions and isolate Othello.
Why does the author conclude that Othello cannot be fully integrated into society?
The author argues that despite Othello's conversion to Christianity, his physical appearance and heritage continue to mark him as an "other," making his integration impossible in a society that conflates race with moral and religious legitimacy.
- Quote paper
- Volker Hartmann (Author), 2011, Affinity and Polarity in Shakespeare's "Othello" – Analyzing the 'Otherness' With Respect to Protestant England, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/208180
