this play is about racial prejudice Othello
Question 4: ‘This play is about racial prejudice’ Discuss Shakespeare’s play ‘Othello’ is essentially about racial prejudice, as views of Othello being black are the main element in the play. Although Shakespeare is breaking new ground by a ‘black’ character a leader instead of a servile, he shows Othello’s downfall is due to his race. Elizabethan audiences would not accept a play that had a black hero and the audience anticipate and enjoy Othello vulnerability. They can believe Iago manipulates Othello so easily because he is a ‘moor’. The play begins with Roderigo, Iago and Brabantio and Othello is absent.