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Regarding Othello, does anyone think Shakespeare was a racist? Why or why not?

I have to write an essay regarding "Othello" and whether or not Shakespeare was a racist because Othello was portrayed was a black man. If he'd been an English white man would Iago have gotten away with the manipulation he does? What triggers Othello's decent into madness and why can't anyone see through Iago's mask? I know and understand the play well and have been given this assignment to support my belief that Shakespeare wasn't a racist. I'm also interested in hearing other people's opinions on Iago's role in destroying Othello. Some critics have stated this play should be entitled Iago and not Othello because Iago dominates the play. What do you think?

Posted by Rebecca McLean on March 24, 1997 at 15:31:07

 Replies

• The Moor of Venice Thersites 02:47:18 4/03/97 (0)
• Simple distinction Hamlet 10:21:45 3/25/97 (0)
• Probably not, but unprovable. JTJ 08:08:13 3/25/97 (0)
• The question is meaningless. Reality Chuck 05:09:58 3/25/97 (4)
  • On the other hand ... Linden 23:32:00 3/26/97 (2)
    • Othello in Negative Thersites 00:58:03 4/04/97 (0)
    • Demands upon the audience Florence Amit 10:46:14 3/28/97 (0)
  • I Agree Kimball One 09:20:51 3/25/97 (0)
• It is a subject - not an opinion. Florence Amit 20:48:31 3/24/97 (0)

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