Othello Quote Significance 3.4-1/8

"Who? He? I think the sun where he was born/ Drew all such humors from him." (Desdemona, 3.4.30-31)

This quote is significant because it relates back to the theme of racism in Othello. We already know that Desdemona is a very virtuous individual, and this proves it even further. Earlier in the book, Mr. George explained this society's feelings toward Blacks. They believed the darker you were, the lower you were, due to the increased exposure to the sun. The lower on the social ladder would be exposed to sun because they worked outside all day. Here, Desdemona uses that fact to show both her love for Othello and her feelings to race. Because he was born where he was(closer to the equator, more sun), he was darker, and he doesn't have any bad qualities in his character such as jealousy and the like. The "sun" removed them from him. This may also suggest in contrast that she thinks whites actually are worse in these areas than blacks, possibly delving more into her as a character.

Castigate(word used in text-Castigation)-(Verb, used with object) 1. to criticize or reprimand severely 2. to punish in order to correct
Arraign(word used in text-Arraigning)-(Verb, used with object) 1. [Law] To call (an accused person) before a court to answer the charge made against him or her by indictment, information, or complaint 2. To call to account; accuse