In “We Are Othello: Speaking of Race in Early Modern Studies,” Ian Smith asks audiences to identify with Othello, to consider the possibility that, “It is we who are Othello.” From this perspective, Smith argues, Othello is continually at war and dies a fallen soldier in society’s race war. “Shakespeare’s suspension of the Turkish aggression forces us to recognize that conflict continues as a major issue but in the form of an internal ‘race war’ initiated by the play’s resident racist, Iago. In place of the violent clash of military warfare, the audience is treated instead to Iago’s more covert but no less destructive operations that generate Othello’s racial anxiety and self-hate.” Consider Smith’s argument and draw on at least one scene in the play to offer your own perspective as to whether you are able to see Othello sympathetically as a soldier who dies a victim lost to his and our society’s race wars
My ideas that the professor told me to try to include:
Two parts show how he (Othello) is good in part one and then in part two show how Iago manipulated him and turned him bad
Reasons why I sympathize with Othello(You could include but necessary)
The fact that he is insecure about being black and that he thinks that he is below his wife.
The fact that he is black and people are racist.
A Lot of people talk down to him othello.
He was deceived and lied to by iago.
Link for Othello:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10da20dzdXrBV_Ds2j2aaNd_4YxSa6FNPMLqQsc9Fv6g/edit#heading=h.gy8oaus9dehl
Link for Ian Smith interpretation:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ey9LPdK2HCsnsdv_YmdlS1SFEa1jAO6IankYs9UujTQ/edit
