Othello is a tragedy because it tells the story of a noble, principled hero who makes a tragic error of judgment , leading to a devastating climax in which most of the characters end up either dead or seriously wounded. ... Othello, on the other hand, begins the play alienated from his community.
Why is Othello a tragedy essay?
William Shakespeare masterfully crafted Othello, the Moor of Venice as an Aristotelian tragedy play. The main protagonist of the play, Othello, is the perfect example of a tragic hero . Othello makes the ultimate act as a tragic hero by killing himself at the end of the play. ...
What is Othello’s tragic flaw?
Some say that Othello’s tragic flaw was jealousy which flared at suspicion and rushed into action unchecked by calm common sense. A more modern interpretation would say that Othello’s tragic flaw was that he had internalized , that is taken into himself, the prejudices of those who surrounded him.
Is Othello a great tragedy?
Although Othello is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s best tragedies , there is still contradicting evidence against this. Many scholars acclaim Othello as Shakespeare’s most perfect tragedy because it encompasses all of the elements of a tragedy so wonderfully.
Why is Othello a tragic character?
Othello is a tragic hero because of his tragic flaw .
There are many undesirable traits in Othello, like his jealousy and gullibility. However, the core of these problems and his main tragic flaw is his insecurities. Othello is the only black character and an outsider in Venice brings upon many insecurities.
What does Othello say before he kills himself?
Othello’s suicide serves as a kind of trial in which he decides on and enacts a punishment for his crime of killing Desdemona. In his final speech, he explains how he hopes to be remembered, saying “ When you shall these unlucky deed relate / Speak of me as I am” (5.2.).
What race is Othello?
Although Othello is a Moor , and although we often assume he is from Africa, he never names his birthplace in the play. In Shakespeare’s time, Moors could be from Africa, but they could also be from the Middle East, or even Spain. American actor John Edward McCullough as Othello in 1878.
Why is Iago so evil?
All of the problems he causes are through lies, treachery, manipulation, and a deep unknown hatred . Some of his hate is fueled by jealousy and revenge. The ironic part is that he is known as “honest Iago”. Every act contains an evil plot set up by Iago.
What does Othello say about jealousy?
“ O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! The meat it feeds on.” Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.”
Who is responsible for the tragedy of Othello?
Iago is, of course, mostly responsible for the tragedy because had he not manipulated almost every scene, then the tragic events most likely would not have occurred. That being said, other characters give in to their weaknesses and allow Iago to rule them; so they are also responsible.
Who is the most jealous in Othello?
Iago is jealous of both Othello’s success and the fact that Othello made Cassio a lieutenant. Iago claims that Cassio has never set a foot on the battlefield and that in promoting Cassio Othello has chosen by letter and affection and not by old gradation (Act 1. Scene 1).
What are the six elements of tragedy?
In Poetics, he wrote that drama (specifically tragedy) has to include 6 elements: plot, character, thought, diction, music, and spectacle .
Is Twelfth Night a tragedy?
Shakespeare’s plays have often been categorised into three types: comedy, tragedy and history. The structure of Twelfth Night, or What You Will seems like a comedy at first, but once you delve more into the narrative there is the revelation that it is also very much a tragedy .
Why isn’t Othello a tragic hero?
Othello as well had many characteristics that make him a tragic hero, he was doomed from the start, he has a noble nature but imperfect as a person and creates a tragedy because of his bad judgment .
Is Desdemona a tragic hero?
Desdemona can be seen as both a tragic victim but also a tragic heroine: she endures suffering that is greatly out of proportion to her mistakes but also lacks the wisdom to see that her effort to reunite Othello and Cassio as friends is the background to Iago’s manipulation of Othello.
What are the characteristics of a tragic hero?
- Hubris : excessive pride. ...
- Hamartia: a tragic error of judgment that results in the hero’s downfall. ...
- Peripeteia: the hero’s experience of a reversal of fate due to his error in judgment. ...
- Anagnorisis: the moment in the story when the hero realizes the cause of his downfall.
