Abstract

It is generally acknowledged that Othello is a tragic hero. Nevertheless, for successive centuries, scholars have been of diverse opinions as to the root cause of his tragedy. Viewed from the perspective of post-colonialism, Othello demonstrates how colonialism wields its influence around the world, how colonizers lord it over their subordinates, how the marginalized experience excruciating inner conflict, and how the dialogue between the central and marginal cultures is thrown off balance. With the binary opposition between “centre” and “margin” established in Othello’s mind, what he does to counteract the iniquity is to vanquish, by force, the power that tries to lord it over him. It is therefore safe to conclude that Othello’s tragedy, which stems from his black identity branded on him with his birth, is unavoidable in a colonial society. Therefore, the play exposes how identity—especially when marked by race—can become a prison, shaping not only how one is perceived but how one perceives oneself.