Standards, Biases And Betrayal Othello By William...

Daniel Mascola World Literature 5/31/16 Standards, Biases and Betrayal Othello by William Shakespeare and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley share a common theme: betrayal. Victor Frankenstein betrays the monster he created, and Iago betrays his superior in command, Othello. In both cases, the person betrayed was viewed as an outcast whose physical appearance threatened established societal norms. In late sixteenth century Europe, the vast majority of people were white. The belief that they were racially â€Å"superior† to black people was widespread. This influenced the views of Venetians in Shakespeare’s Othello, which takes place in the same era in Venice, Italy. Othello, a black man from Africa, was called upon to lead the Venetian army in a†¦show more content†¦A brief moment later when Brabantio returns to his bedroom window and shouts out in despair, â€Å"It is too true evil. Gone she is, and what’s to come of my despisà ©d time is naught but bitterness† (1.1.178-180). Iago states that Othello has abducted and is raping Desdemona, â€Å"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe† (1.1.97-98). Iago continues to spew racial slurs about Othello as he further explains the horrid acts that begin to implant themselves in Brabantio’s mind. â€Å"Your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with t wo backs† (1.1.129-130). Iago forces these horrendous images into Brabantio’s head because Iago knew it would play off Brabantio’s racist side. Brabantio, remaining furious, gathers a group to hunt and potentially kill Othello. â€Å"At every house I’ll call. I may command at most. ––Get weapons, ho! And raise some special officer of night† (1.1.203-205). Once Brabantio and others find Othello, Brabantio orders all swords to be drawn on Othello. â€Å"Down with him, thief† (1.2.73-74). Brabantio immediately begins to interrogate Othello, â€Å"O, thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my daughter? (1.2.80-81). Brabantio then comes to the conclusion that Othello â€Å"has enchanted her† (1.2.83) through black magic. In Brabantio’s mind, his pure daughter would never be with a black man. Brabantio continues on and states