Climate Theory-Racial/Ethnic Distinctions According to Climate

Following the play, I skimmed a reading called race and religion and found some very interesting ideas.  The author talked about the Climate Theory and how it permeates the play of Othello.  The theory asserts that a person's character, appearance, and temperament are based upon their climate or region.  Hot climates were of particular notice when describing Othello.  The author describes those in hotter climates as short, black or tawny with frizzled.  They possessed superstitious, wise and jealous characters.  Othello definitely embodies the wise and jealous characteristics.  From the very beginning, he's known for his mild but wise tendencies.  However his jealousy gets the best of his former sagacity completely taking over his senses.  In addition, the play of Othello associates the hot climate with lechery, unruly sexuality and other types of disorder.  Thus, Othello's complete loss of sense in the last few acts would not seem unusual to the audience for his race.