Introduction
William Shakespeare’s Othello is a tragedy that is full of competing cultures. This play shows the tension between the traditional Venetian and the foreign Moorish cultures by depicting the racial and gender prejudices experienced by Othello, a Moorish general. In Othello, Shakespeare portrays a clash of cultures, between the traditional Venetian culture and the foreign Moorish culture, that leads to the downfall of Othello and the destruction of his marriage.
Intercultural Conflict in Othello
Characters such as Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, and Iago, Othello’s ensign, represent traditional Venetian culture in Shakespeare’s play Othello. This culture is steeped in traditional gender roles and racial prejudices, manifesting in the characters’ interactions with Othello and Desdemona. Brabantio is appalled by the fact that his daughter has married Othello, a Moor, and views it as a betrayal of his family’s culture and tradition. Similarly, Iago is driven by his resentment of Othello’s rise to power as a Moor and his envy of Othello’s relationship with Desdemona. Iago’s racism and sexism lead him to manipulate Othello into believing that Desdemona is unfaithful.
Othello and Desdemona represent the Moorish culture, as opposed to the Venetian culture. Othello is a proud, powerful Moorish general whom the Venetian people admire. He is highly regarded for his military accomplishments, yet he is constantly reminded of his difference from them due to his race. Desdemona is also a strong-willed character who defies traditional gender roles and chooses to marry Othello despite her father’s objections. Despite their cultural differences, Othello and Desdemona are devoted to each other, and the other characters envy their relationship.
Conclusion
To summarize, Shakespeare’s Othello effectively illustrates the conflict between Venetian culture and the culture of the foreign Moor. This clash of cultures leads to Othello’s downfall and the destruction of his marriage. Despite the differences between the cultures, Othello and Desdemona’s love for each other prevails, showing that love can overcome cultural differences.