Comparing 'Othello' and 'The Hate Race': Whether Identity Is a Source of Strength or Downfall Anonymous 11th Grade

Both The Hate Race and Othello explore identity as a core facet of human nature by considering the consequences of a strong versus weak sense of identity. The idea of a society’s perception of an individual’s identity as opposed to the individual’s sense of their own identity is examined in both texts, and the way it can influence behaviour. Shakespeare and Clarke highlight the way in which a strong sense of individual identity can be an incredibly strong source of empowerment. On the other hand, the idea that a threat to identity can greatly weaken individuals is a prominent idea in both texts.

Clarke analyses the contrast between her own sense of identity as opposed to the way that the predominantly white society she grew up in identified her, based on perceptions about her skin colour. Likewise, Shakespeare also presents this juxtaposition of perception. Iago’s sense of identity, accepting his own ambition and deceitfulness, is completely different to other characters’ perception of him, of ‘honest Iago’; an endearing phrase repeated constantly throughout the play. The Hate Race discusses young Maxine’s confusion about the different perceptions of her identity, who as a child, not did understand why she was perceived as an ‘...