The Western Mind and the Other: The Stranger in William Shakespeare's play Othello

Abstract

This research aims to analyze and interpret William Shakespeare’s play Othello in light of the intellectual conflict between Western and Arab modes of thought, beginning with the rise of Arab Islamic civilization and continuing through its decline. The enduring relevance of Othello, due to its compelling dramatic structure, continues to draw scholarly attention across the globe. This study explores the tension between the Western and Arab intellects within the broader context of the Enlightenment and the significant transformations it introduced to European thought, critical reasoning, and perceptions of the Other. The central research question posed is: How does the theatrical narrative portray the confrontation between the Western and Arab intellects? The findings suggest that the Western intellect is depicted as rational, systematic, and emotionally detached, capable of analytical problem-solving. In contrast, the Arab intellect is portrayed as mystical, simplistic, and emotionally driven, responding to events without a rational framework.