Othello 1

Othello
William Shakespeare

Early on in Act I of Othello, Shakespeare provides multiple examples of racism. One of the conflicts in the play is between Brabantio and his daughter, Desdemona. Brabantio becomes infuriated when he realizes that Desdemona is in love with Othello. Partially, I believe that Brabantio was upset because he felt as though he was deceived by his daughter. However, I also believe that he was upset that his daughter fell in love with a black man. Brabantio's anger was fueled by his racism toward Othello. Brabantio had felt betrayed by his daughter as Roderigo told Brabantio that his daughter was planning to marry Othello. Brabantio angrily says to Roderigo, "With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a father! How didst thou know 'twas she? Oh she deceives me"(I.i.161-162). Brabantio's fury is well illustrated in this scene. He has been betrayed but his daughter by planning to marry behind his back and choosing to marry someone who is not of her race.