Calcifying Effects of Racism: Othello Essay

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While the other characters wonder why Othello, once so strong and noble, acts horrifically to his wife before murdering her, the audience knows why: it is partially the mechanics of Iago's plot, but also Iago's cunning words and attitude that enable him to prey upon Othello's vulnerable mind. Othello has experienced slavery and discrimination from a young age, and although he tries to create the impression that peoples' racist attitudes do not matter to him, the fact that he is so easily swayed to become jealous and angry suggests that such attitudes do have an influence in shaping his mentality. "Is this the nature/Whom passion could not shake?... Could neither graze nor pierce?" wonders those who observe Othello after Iago has used his deceitful persuasive strategies upon Othello's vulnerable psyche (IV.1).

Walter Lee is similarly vulnerable because of his insecurities. He works all day in the service to rich individuals who treat him as if he is beneath contempt because he is black.

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His sister's academic success also no doubt grates upon him. Without the permission of the rest of the family, he takes part of his father's insurance money and invests it in a liquor store, going against his mother's express wishes. The scheme ends disastrously, as Walter's partner runs off with the money. Beneatha says in disgust that not even Travis (Walter's little boy) would have trusted such a man with money. There is still enough insurance money left for a down payment on the house and the ending is bittersweet but joyfully. Yet the play depicts starkly how deeply ingrained racism is within society, as a white resident of the suburb where the Youngers wish to live vainly attempts to persuade them to look elsewhere for housing before the family departs for their new life.

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