Race Quotes

“Thicklips” (1.1)

Roderigo emphasises Othello’s ‘otherness’

“An old black ram is tupping your white ewe” (1.1)

The gaphic sexual image provokes Brabantio into action, showing Iago’s fixation on the sexual nature of their relationship. The animalisation shows their prejudices, victimising Desdemona. Presents an interracial relationship as an interspecies one.

“Thou hast enchanted her” (1.2)

Brabantio can’t believe that Desdemona would fall for Othello of her own volition, reflects Jacobean preoccupation with witchcraft.

“Your son-in-law is far more fair than black” (1.3)

Suggests that Othello’s character is valued within the court, but this is despite his race. Furthers the association of ‘good’ with whiteness.

“A malignant and turban’d Turk/Beat a Venetian…. And smote him, thus” (5.2)

Othello kills the Turk inside him, purifying himself of his sins.