Othello
...dier, and he does evil in the killing of his innocent wife. In the 17th century, the people of England were in search for a new Christianity. The people of England, who were once Catholic, Tashdjian 2 are now Protestant. Shakespeare’s use of language allows one to see the transformation of Othello’s social identity into that of the stereotypical black character aided by Iago, and thereby commenting on the problems of religion in England. Initially, Othello is introduced as “far more fair than black”. However, Iago is the only one who sees the impossibility of Othello remaining in a position of authority and high regard. For Iago, it is socially unacceptable for Othello, a black, to remain a model for other characters. Therefore, Iago is convinced that he must put an end to this. Iago’s motivation comes from “a conflicted desire to be and not to be the Moor” (Bartels 451). Iago’s schemes are a direct result of his wanting to emulate a person who is the lesser man because he is the “black” man. However much Iago tries to motivate Othello, it is Othello himself who becomes the stereotype. Bartels states in her essay, “Iago attempts to lure Othello into a self-incriminating display of alien behavior, to transform the general into a rash and irrational Moor by transforming his wire into a whore. Othello begins, consequently, to act in ways that ‘would not be believed in Venice’ “ (Bartels 451). Little said that, Othello begins to become “the black Other whom the audience suspects is hidden within Othello” (Little 304). Othello’s transformation into the black Other is gradual. As the Duke said, “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” Meaning that Othello is clearly White in the beginning. As the play progresses, Shakespeare introduces the bestial and sexual side of Othello, which all attributed back to the black presence of Othello. Tashdjian 3 By Act three, scene three, Othello has already believed the lie that his wife is a whore and states, “Ill tear her all into pieces.” Iago’s convincing words and plans help to convince Othello of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, but it is Othello himself who crosses the line and becomes an evildoer in the act of murdering his wife. Shortly before his death, Desdemona describes Othello; but as a non-human, almost animal-like creature, “And yet I fear you, for you are fatal then/When your eyes roll so” and also, “That death’...