Faith Walker Dr.

Nighan Honors British Literature November 7, 2011

Race Race, although insignificant, has been a contributing factor to discrimination and social disputes throughout the centuries. In the early years, not only was this discrimination acceptable, but it was prevalent and customary. The same can be said for Shakespeares Othello. Shakespeare writes the account of a young black generals self-destruction due to the universal racism of his time. From the play, it can be concluded that Othellos inability to overlook his own skin color leads to his easy manipulation and thereby the destruction of his marriage.

Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise, Awake the snorting citizens with the bell Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you (1.1.9) I know our country disposition well; In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown. (3.3.17) Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians, you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you'll have your nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers for cousins and gennets for germans. (1.1.7) She, in spite of nature, Of years, of country, credit, every thing, To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on! It is a judgment maim'd and most imperfect

That will confess perfection so could err Against all rules of nature, (1.3.6) Ay, there's the point: asto be bold with you Not to affect many proposed matches Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, Whereto we see in all things nature tends Foh! one may smell in such a will most rank, Foul disproportion thoughts unnatural. But pardon me. I do not in position Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear Her will, recoiling to her better judgment, May fall to match you with her country forms And happily repent. (3.3.29) My name, that was as fresh As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black As mine own face. (3.3.54) Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice: then must you speak Of one that loved not wisely but too well; Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought Perplex'd in the extreme; of one whose hand, Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes, Albeit unused to the melting mood, Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees Their medicinal gum.(5.2.68) "Who, he? I think the sun where he was born/ Drew all such humors from him (3.4.30-31)."