Poor Othello!

In finishing act 2 I have already found myself reacting to other characters treatment of Othello. He is one of the many characters that Shakespeare has created who initially portray characteristics of the “good guy” and just happen to have many odds working against them. Because Othello’s character is extremely trusting and honest he is more susceptible to abuse. Throughout these two acts Othello is noticeably mistreated by Iago and Brabantio who frequently used race in an attempt to prosper more so than Othello.

Within the first few lines of Act 1 the audience learns that Iago, a supposed close companion of Othello has been plotting against him in order to attain Desdemona. However because Othello is so trusting in his friendship he remains in the dark causing the audience (and me!) to feel the need to scream at Othello in order for him to avoid is slow demise. I attribute Iago’s bitterness towards Othello’s race. As a Moor it seems that Othello has more to prove because he has high military stature and a beautiful wife. Clearly Iago cannot understand how he himself has not been rewarded with such power and control.

Brabantio, the father of Desdemona, is also found making slights towards Othello because of his race. He regards Othello as a superior soldier yet cannot be convinced that his daughter may in fact love him back? Brabantio is not able to accept his daughters decision because he believes Othello has drugged with her with “drugs or minerals ” (56). It was too much for him to recognize that her love was genuine. I also attribute Brabantio’s rage towards Othello’s race. Had Othello been white would Brabantio have been so quick to judge his daughters decision?