Othello

Since I have already read Shakespeare's Othello, written a research paper on it, and watched the movie O, the idea of one again reading this play and watching the movie along with tying it into a paper seemed like it was going to be the downfall of the semester. In high school, my class really focused on grasping the overall idea of what was going on in the play and the relationships between people and didn't focus so much on analyzing the setting or perspectives. My research paper I wrote focused on Iago and his forms of deception through manipulating the characters' senses. This background knowledge did not make rereading Othello boring, but rather a whole lot more interesting. Now, instead of worrying about understanding the situations, I was able to focus completely on the topics we discussed in class.
When the word "Moor" is said, the picture that comes to mind is simply one of a black person. After more research on this there are many more attributes associated such as: Muslim, Arab, and African. This title is definitely not chosen by its owners, but rather placed on them by people who think themselves to be superior. The superiors look down on the Moors, and place a very negative connotation on them. It is a title that can not be taken away no matter what your rank is. I thought it was really interesting how Shakespeare created a man who was born with completely negative associations already placed on him, then developed him into a character who lived to gain others' respect. Even though he accomplished so much, he was always still known as a Moor, and looked down upon as a man of black magic and deception. Instead, the man who falls under the category of deceptive would be Iago, the white man who everyone originally respected. Iago said in the very beginning of the play "I am not who I am." This statement translates to one of the general themes of the play. Reputation to some is based on your outer appearances and previous assumptions. Few take the time to look deeper and see who someone truly is based on their actions and intentions.
In this video, I thought it was interesting how another definition of moor was brought up. Not only can "moor" be used to describe a black Muslim from Northern Africa, but apparently it is also a place to dock ships!