Shakespeare's White Others

This book explores how Shakespeare's portrayal of racially white characters perpetuates anti-Blackness and re-affirms white supremacy. It argues that the white other was a racialized category in formation during the Elizabethan era and that Shakespeare was a key contributor to this. The author argues that Shakespearean theatrical texts functioned as engines of white identity formation, but also exposed the illusion of white racial solidarity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking and thought-provoking work delves into the examination of racially white individuals portrayed by Shakespeare in characters such as Richard III, Hamlet, and Tamora. It highlights the persistent perpetuation of anti-Blackness and the reinforcement of white supremacy through such classifications. David Sterling Brown takes on a daring endeavor in this book, undertaking a comprehensive deconstruction of whiteness within Shakespeare's plays. He argues that the concept of the "white other" was already well-established as a racialized category during the Elizabethan era, and Shakespeare himself played a significant role in its formation. Through his exploration of Shakespeare's deliberate role and strategic investment in identity politics, while drawing upon his personal experiences, including his adolescence, the author compellingly argues that even as Shakespearean theatrical texts served as mechanisms for the formation of white identity, they simultaneously expose the illusion of white racial solidarity. This essential contribution to Shakespeare studies, critical whiteness studies, and critical race studies stands as an authoritative dismantling of dramatized racial profiling.

Introduction:
In the realm of literary analysis, the study of race and identity has emerged as a crucial lens through which to interpret and understand textual narratives. Shakespeare, as one of the most influential writers in history, has been no exception to this trend. His plays, rich in complex characters and intricate plotlines, have provided a fertile ground for exploring the dynamics of race and ethnicity. In this essay, we will examine the portrayal of racially white individuals in Shakespeare's plays, specifically focusing on characters.

The White Other:
One of the central themes in Shakespeare's works is the concept of the "white other." This term refers to the non-Black individuals who are portrayed as superior to Black individuals in terms of race, culture, and morality. These characters are often depicted as being white, privileged, and entitled, and they are often seen as the heroes of the story. However, Shakespeare's portrayal of the "white other" is not without its complexities.

Richard III:
One of Shakespeare's most famous plays, Richard III, is a prime example of the portrayal of the "white other." The character of Richard III is a complex and multifaceted individual, but he is often portrayed as a villainous and despicable figure. Richard is depicted as a man who is driven by his desire for power and control, and he is willing to do anything to achieve his goals. He is also portrayed as a man who is willing to manipulate and exploit others, particularly Black individuals, to further his own ends.

Hamlet:
Another notable character in Shakespeare's plays is Hamlet. Hamlet is a young prince who is torn between his desire for revenge against his uncle, who has murdered his father, and his loyalty to his father's ghost. Hamlet is portrayed as a complex and nuanced character, who is struggling with his own identity and his sense of morality. He is also portrayed as a man who is deeply affected by the racism and discrimination that he experiences in his society.

Tamora:
Tamora is a character from Shakespeare's play Titus Andronicus, who is portrayed as a powerful and manipulative woman. Tamora is a woman who is willing to do anything to achieve her own goals, and she is often portrayed as a woman who is willing to exploit and abuse others, particularly Black individuals, to further her own ends. She is also portrayed as a woman who is deeply affected by the racism and discrimination that she experiences in her society.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Shakespeare's portrayal of racially white individuals in his plays is complex and multifaceted. While these characters are often portrayed as being white, privileged, and entitled, they are also depicted as being complex and nuanced. Shakespeare's portrayal of the "white other" highlights the complexities of race and identity, and it demonstrates the ways in which these characters are shaped by their own experiences and the societal norms of their time. By examining these characters, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role of race and identity in Shakespeare's plays and the ways in which they continue to resonate with audiences today.

ISBN-13: 9781009384162