“Haply, for I Am Black”：A Study of Orientalism in William Shakespeare’s Othello

• Main Authors: Jiang, Pin-Hua, 江品樺
• Other Authors: Tsai, Mei-Yu
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2019
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/652pq5

碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 外國語文研究所 === 107 === This thesis attempts to explore Othello’s image of the “Oriental Other” in Shakespeare’s Othello with Edward Said’s Orientalism, and to reveal the hegemony of Western Europe over the East during the Renaissance. Lust, irritability, barbarism, cruelty and strong vengeance have become the Oriental characteristics in the eyes of Westerners. The first chapter mainly explores the racial issue in the Elizabethan era and how Othello’s image of the “Oriental Other” begins to take shape in Shakespeare’s selection of sources, setting of scenes and arrangement of roles and plot. The theme of “black-and-white intermarriage,” the similar temperament, and the exotic background make Othello move in the direction of the alienated Oriental Other. The connection among Cyprus, Venice and Ottoman Empire also affects the tragic fate of Othello. Besides, the role setting of the “Moor” and the “disappearance” of the Turkish fleet not only highlight Othello’s image of “Oriental Other,” but also weaken the forces from the East. The second chapter mainly analyses how the Moor in Othello is regarded as the “Oriental Other” by Iago, Brabantio and Desdemona, so as to reflect the unusual vision that Othello encounters in the Venetian society. Iago’s practice of “demonizing the Other” not only aims at Othello’s “black” appearance, but also at his temperament. Brabantio’s fear of miscegenation leads him to become hostile to Othello and to condemn him with all kinds of contemptuous appellations and witchcraft. Desdemona’s unfamiliarity with the cultural background of Othello deprives Othello of his last possibility to survive in the Venetian society. The third chapter mainly analyses how Othello unconsciously internalizes the image of “Oriental Other” into his own consciousness; that is, he always considers himself as an “Oriental Other” in his subconscious. Othello gradually realizes that he is indeed an “Oriental Other” after experiencing the stage of self-confidence and self-doubt about his identity. After knowing his identity, glorious revenge and suicide become his final decision.