Ann's+Group

Is Shakespeare racist?



The following essay was circulated in 1600 and very well may have helped Shakespeare shape his character, Othello. After reading this old English essay, decided whether you believe Shakespeare borrowed more of the positive or negative traits in creating his main character.Look at the cultural history of the time period and try to capture the racial tone of the 1600’s.

Also, note all of the racist comments made in the play and analyze these lines. Can you detect a pattern or can you form a conclusion about these lines?

http://www.folger.edu/documents/Africanus1.pdf