Othello

Othello (play)

has a split consciousness and is a near schizophrenic hero, becoming in his final speech simultaneously the Christian and the Infidel, the Venetian and the Turk, the keeper of the state and its opponent.

Loomba suggests the central conflict in Othello is 'between the racism of a white patriarchy and the threat posed to it by both a black man and a white woman.' For Loomba, woman and black exist as 'the other' in this play. Loomba argue that Othello has a split consciousness and is 'a near schizophrenic hero'; his final speech 'graphically portrays the split - he becomes simultaneously the Christian and the Infidel, the Venetian and the Turk, the keeper of the state and its opponent.' Loomba suggests Othello is an honorary white at the beginning of the play but become a 'total outsider' because of his relationship with Desdemona, which ruptures his 'precarious entry into the white world.' Loomba insists, however, that Othello 'should not be read as a patriarchal, authoritative and racist spectacle.' Instead the play should be sued to 'examine and dismantle' ideas about racism and sexism.

is a play where the central conflict is between the racism of a white patriarchy and the threat posed to it by two others: a black man and a white woman.

is both a fantasy of interracial love and social tolerance, and a nightmare of racial hatred and male violence.'

Othello is both a fantasy of interracial love and social tolerance, and a nightmare of racial hatred and male violence.'

is to be read less as a patriarchal, authoritative and racist spectacle, nor as a show of female or black superiority. The play should be used to examine and dismantle the racism and sexism of the leadership of the state.'

Othello should not be read as a patriarchal, authoritative and racist spectacle, nor as a show of female or black superiority. The play should be used to examine and dismantle the racism and sexism of the leadership of the state.'

Ania LoombaThinkers

Ania Loomba