Shakespearean Moors: Othello and Beyond

When discussing Shakespeare's characters, Othello is perhaps the most well-known Moor or African character. But did you know that Othello only appears in one of his plays? This article will explore how many Shakespeare plays featured characters described as Moors or Africans, and delve into the historical context and implications of this theme.

Understanding the Term "Moor" in Shakespeare's Era

In the context of Shakespeare's plays, the term "Moor" is often used to describe characters of African or Arab descent. This term, however, can be somewhat misleading. While a Moor might be darker-skinned than an European, the term encompasses a wide range of individuals, including those with mixed heritage from both African and Arab cultures. The usage of "Moor" in Shakespeare's plays reflects a time when knowledge of different cultures was more limited, leading to a broadly defined term for people of African origin.

Main Roles of Moors in Shakespeare's Works

Shakespeare wrote Othello, the most famous play featuring a Moor, but there are other characters as well:

"Titus Andronicus": In this play, one of the main antagonists, Aaron the Moor, is a significant character. He is described as a dark-skinned individual, likely of North African descent. "The Merchant of Venice": This play includes a Moor as one of Portia's suitors, though he is relegated to a minor role.

While these characters are often described as Moors, the term's meaning has become more specific in contemporary discourse. Today, the term usually refers to individuals from North Africa, while a broader classification would acknowledge the diversity of African and Arab heritage.

The Hero and Villain Dynamics in Shakespeare's World

It is important to note that Othello is a tragic play where the main character does not survive at the end. This makes it challenging for a sequel featuring Othello or another character to be written. The tragic hero, Othello, is the only Moor to be portrayed as a hero in Shakespeare's canon. However, it is Iago, a white antagonist, who is ultimately the villain in Othello.

Historical and Cultural Context

The use of Moors in Shakespeare's plays is a reflection of the cultural attitudes and limited knowledge of the era. During Shakespeare's time, Europe was experiencing the Age of Exploration, which led to increased contact with various cultures. As a result, the term "Moor" was commonly used to describe Africans and Arabic-speaking people without distinguishing between the many different ethnicities.

The concept of color-blind casting, which allows for the reinterpretation of roles, is more common today. This approach, while controversial, allows for a broader interpretation of the characters and their backgrounds. For example, Hamlet could be performed as a person of color, challenging the traditional white interpretation.

Conclusion

In summary, Shakespeare's plays present a complex and nuanced use of the term "Moor." Othello is the only prominent hero featuring a Moor in the Shakespearean canon, while the character has also been portrayed as an antagonist in other plays. Understanding the historical context and the cultural implications of these roles is crucial in appreciating the Shakespearean works.