What themes does the play represent?
Amazingly enough, hatred based on preconceived notions was prevalent even hundreds of years ago when Shakespeare wrote Othello. Prejudice thoughts based on race and color have prevented colored from fair treatment for much too long. Even in a fictional play, Shakespeare incorporates the universal treatment towards blacks, Othello included. Shakespeare wastes no time presenting the theme of hatred based on prejudice thoughts, in this case race. Throughout acts 1-3, Othello is generally referred to as "the Moor," stripping him of the respect of a name. Iago refers to Othello with language centered around a horse when rousing Brabantio in act I scene i lines 109-112: "...you'll have nephews neigh to you, and jennets for kinsmen." This language indicates that Iago thinks Othello animalistic. Likewise, when Brabantio learns of Othello and Desdemona's marriage, he cries, "Oh, treason of the blood!" obviously disgusted with his daughter's choice of husband. The Duke throughout the first act stands up for Othello, providing that although Othello is black, he is proven worthy which makes him beautiful (Line 203).
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