Othello and Race: Exploring Racial Constructs and Power in Shakespeare's World

The video explores the theme of race in Shakespeare's play Othello, discussing how race is portrayed and understood in the context of the early modern period. It questions the use of modern terms like 'race' and 'racism' in analyzing the play, given their anachronistic nature. The video defines race as a system of power, not just human difference, and examines how Shakespeare's use of race relates to social hierarchies and nobility. It also highlights England's colonial history and its impact on racial narratives.

What is the primary theme of Shakespeare's play Othello as discussed in the text?

How does the text suggest we approach discussions of race in early modern plays like Othello?

How does the text define the concept of race in relation to power?

In what ways does Shakespeare's use of the word 'race' differ from its modern usage?

What examples from the text illustrate the connection between race and nobility?

How does the text argue against the idea that using the term 'race' in relation to Othello is anachronistic?

What role does colonialism and slavery play in the discussion of race in the text?