Othello Act 1 Scene 3
How does the duke and senators speak of Othello?
Othello is regarded highly by the Duke and Senators as they are already familiar with his victories in battle he is called 'valiant' a clear depiction of his supposed bravery. However he is still referred to as the 'moor' indicating that despite his noble bravery and ability for success in battle his skin colour is still the primary thing noticed even by the most prevalent and highly regarded members of society, at this time outward racism was common place
What do we learn about views toward foreigners/moors?
Othello is surrounded by a strange and mystical quality the people of Venice see his as other a person different to them in many ways it is said that the way he first came into contact with Desdemona was when Brabantio 'questioned me the story of my life' the fact he was initially brought to Venice to indulge the higher class members of societies curiosity of black people speaks to how he was see more as a spectacles to behold than a real person. Brabantio's disgust about Othello marrying Desdemona shows how unheard of it was for white women especially, those in high society, to marry black men. Brabantio's only explanation for why his daughter would do this is that Othello must have drugged her 'with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood' this also plays into the idea of him being the mystical negro. The fact Othello is often referred to as the 'moor' highlights the blatant outward racism of the time and how uncontroversial it was to degrade black people.
what is ironic about Othello's claim that 'rude am I in my speech'?
Othello makes that claim in the midst of a beautiful speech, and later goes on to share that the way he managed to win the heart of Desdemona was by regaling her with stories of his troubled past. So it was in fact his words which he used to woo the woman he loved. Even the Duke commends Othello on the stories he tells and the way n which he tells them 'this tale would win my daughter too.' A man of such high a esteem and education praising Othello for his speech proves Othello's claim to be completely false.
what is startling about Othello's decision to let Desdemona speak on his behalf?
At the time the play was written women would often not even be able to speak on there own behalf and never on behalf of there husband. Othello being a man with strong ties to the army and known for his bravery in battle 'valiant Othello' it seems strange that he would let a woman speak for him especially in the company of the most highly regarded members of society 'let her speak for me before her father'. This further proves Othello's confidence in the fact Desdemona loves him 'let your sentence fall upon my life.' Othello being the only man who gives Desdemona the power to speak in public and treats her as an actual person, in contrast to her own father who treats her like a possession, again gives an indication of his kind and gentle nature but also this is another thing which makes him seem different from everyone else he is surrounded by.
