'Othello's tragedy is that he lives according to a set of stories through which he interprets the world-an ideology-but it is a world that has been superseded. He cannot see that this is so, and the contradictions within his ideology destroy him. He is living the life of a chivalric warrior in a world by money and self-interest.'
-Sean McEvoy Shakespeare: The Basics
1. During Act1, Scene3 we learn that views on foreigners are very negative and stereotypical. Othello is seen as an outsider, exotic and dangerous. Brabantio showed interest in Othello's past life 'Her father loved me' , using him as some kind of entertainment for his own pleasure. He is an object of curiosity, being seen as coming from a different world. Throughout the play, Othello is not called by name very much. Instead, he is called upon by the colour of his skin 'The Moor' and insulted many times in this way. The racial stereotypes and prejudices used shows signs of disrespect and de-value foreigners.
When Brabantio found out about Desdemona and Othello's marriage, he immediately accused Othello of stealing her off of him 'thief?' and did not believe that she would willingly fall in love with a 'moor'. The ideology of the mystical negro was suggested and Brabantio publically ridicules Othello. He dehumanises him and states that he must have used some kind of 'foul charms' to woo his daughter.
2. Othello's' claim "rude as I am in my speech" is ironic because he woos Desdemona with his past and does not believe that he is on her level. It is not rude, but quite eloquent. The Duke implies 'I think this tale would win my daughter too.' This is showing that, even though Othello believes he speaks 'rude' of his past, due to the stereotypical society, to many he is seen as a noble and valiant man; he is an object of curiosity.
3. The startling factor in Othello's idea to let Desdemona speak is that it was an abnormal gesture in the 1600s. Women were not usually given a voice and an opinion and men did not usually accept that women did have an equal role in their marriage. By Othello suggesting to 'let her speak of me before her father' he is significantly challenging the ideology of their time. It shows that he is confident with their love and presents himself as an honest and honourable man. Brabantio does not treat Desdemona as an equal, but more of a possession. He claims that Othello has 'stol'n from me' and therefore reflects the true ideas of that time.
4. Othello tells many stories in his speech to the senate. He emphasizes on his time in battle 'From year to year: the battles, sieges, fortunes, That I have passed.' and the period in his life when he was 'sold to slavery'. He lives in a world according to war, where he must be a brave warrior. However, this is a myth, instead the world is run by money and self-interest. In the end this is his down fall-It is the contradictions that he believes to be a great warrior that contribute this.
