What’s the deal with “Witchcraft?” – Week 8

Whenever “Witchcraft” is mentioned in a story, I can’t help but notice that the character accused of being a “witch” or practicing “witchcraft” is usually someone who goes against the norm. I could be completely wrong, but it always seems to be a woman, a person of color or a character with a different ethnicity. Honestly, I think the presence of “witchcraft” in any text is more about religion than anything, but I’m very curious about why Othello was so quickly accused of witchcraft. It’s my understanding that he’s the only significant colored character in this story.

I believe the fact that he’s a “Moor” is why Brabantio accused him of witchcraft. Since witchcraft is often considered “the devils work,” and Othello is the outcast; it appears that there was some pre-meditated distaste for the only Moor in the story. In the first act, around lines 70-80, Iago tells Roderigo to “Call up [Desdemona’s] father. Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight.” AS we know, Iago is a little snake who will do anything to further his own agenda. It’s interesting, though, that during the conversation between Iago, Roderigo and Brabantio, “witchcraft” is never explicitly stated. It was certainly suggested by Roderigo, especially describing him as the “barbary horse” who has her with “the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor.” He also claims Brabantio’s nephews will “neigh” to him. Subtle but harsh racism aside, the way they describe him appears wretched and sort of mystical. Brabantio falls into a downward spiral of hatred for the Moor. Based on what a “Moor” is, I’m going to assume that he’s a Muslim solider; which to me explains where the idea of “witchcraft” comes in.

Here are two significant quotes from act 2, Lines 80-100: “damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her! (line 82). “That you hast practiced on her with foul charms, abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals” (line 92-94).

Wow. The only thing I could wonder about after reading these lines was where did the “enchantments” come from? What about the drugs or minerals? To me, it seems that a high-ranking military officer, described as “The valiant Moor” by the First senator near the beginning of the 3rd act would be a suitable husband for Brabantio’s noble daughter. Why doesn’t he approve of Othello?

Well it could be one of two things. One reason could be that Brabantio was offended this was done behind his back, which I think is the root of all this. Eloping and/or getting married without the father’s permission appears to be something out of the norm during this time period. Today, a lot of people seem to me more willing to pull the trigger and get married regardless of their families opinion; which I see as an absolute win! While I do understand Brabantio’s frustration, he takes that frustration to a very racist level; which is the second reason behind his rage. He doesn’t like Othello for his skin color. Assuming that Othello, the only potential Muslim, used “charms” and “spells” to seduce his daughter is rather predictable based on the track record of Christians and Catholics. There is such small differences between the “big 4” Religions in the World (Christians, Catholics, Jews and Muslims) but it’s an age-old hatred between them. Historically, they often resort to calling each other heretics and “devil-lovers” for lack of a better term. Brabantio’s comments toward Othello seem to be a mixture of racism and this resentment for other religions. Since each fails to understand the other, they make assumptions that lead to resentment, conflict and superstition.

So is witchcraft just religious superstition with a new label? That’s sort of the conclusion I came too after reading the first three acts, at least in this situation. It also seems that witchcraft can have racist undertones. It seems to stem from our inability as humans to try and understand other groups of people. We, instead, make assumptions and develop a sort of hatred for them. It’s a shame, but it makes sense. It’s much easier to resent/hate a group of people than try to understand their culture and/or traditions.

I will say this, though, Brabantio and the gang brought it to another level. I mentioned a quote where Othello was referred to as a “Barbary Horse” which is a breed of horses from Northern Africa. Now THAT’S a lot to unpack. He also says his relatives that come from Othello will “neigh” like a horse. So, you mean, they will have a darker skin like their father? It’s just blatant racism that probably got a laugh back in the day. This confirms my suspicions about Brabantio not liking Othello, a truly qualified candidate to marry his daughter, based on the color of his skin; which is CLEARLY the root of his witchcraft-like methods of seducing his daughter.