Othello Othello A Tragic Hero Essay Research

Othello: Othello A Tragic Hero Essay, Research Paper

Othello: Othello A Tragic Hero

If one reads Shakespeare’s Othello, they can come to the conclusion that

it might be one of the his most tragic plays ever written by Shakespeare. Romeo

and Juliet, is probably the most famous of his tragic plays, but Othello, has

characteristics that, I think make it even more tragic then his other plays, and

therefore for that reason, you can say that Othello is the most tragic hero.

Othello is a noble man, one who has grace with the ladies but also

possesses all the virtues of a military leader that he is. He is a general that

is experienced in battle. He has shown that he is reliable and well known in

the military and is well respected. His valiant personality, is what draws

people to him, as it does for Desdemona. The senators value him and hear what

he says when he speaks. This is shown here by one of the senators. “Here comes

Barbantio and the valiant Moor”, (Act I scene 3, 47) . This is an example of

the many comments which shows Othello’s character and personality as a person

and an officer. They say he is one of the great leaders.

Not only does he posses great character and courage, but also dignity.

He keeps his control even when he is being accused of witchcraft during the

first encounter with the senators when Desdemona’s father confronts him about

see his daughter.

“Most potent, grave, and reverend signors,

My very noble and approved good masters;

That I have ta’en away this old man’s daughter,

It is most true; true I have married her.

The very head and front of my offending

Hath the extent, no more. Rude I am in my speech,

And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace;”

(I, iii, 91)

This is an example of how Othello deals with style and grace under fire,

when he is accused of witch craft, by marrying Desdemona. He neither, yells or

screams, but explains in a manner that captivates his audience, and draws them

in to listen.

A major sign that Othello shows his rage and jealousy occurs in Act III,

scene 3, when Iago is talking with Othello and tells him that Desdemona is a

whore. Othello’s breakdown, almost to choke Iago, simply asks Iago

“Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, Be sure if

it. Give me the ocular proof. Or by the worth of mine

eternal soul, thou hadst been better have been born a dog.

Than answer my waked wrath.” (Act III, scene 3)

This a point in the play where Iago starts unveil his malicious plan.

It makes Othello react, in a manner that he usually does not. Othello has many

qualities that contribute to his overall worth. One being his trustfulness.

At this point in time, Othello, says that Iago is a man of honor and trust, and

therefore has no reason not to distrust him.

Many times Othello does not see the fake and malicious acts of Iago.

This is done to extend the play and also add to Othello’s tragic flaws. Othello

trusts too easily. Othello is used to dealing with military people and on the

battle field, a place where you put your life in the hands of others and trust

is very important. Iago reputation on the battle field is well known and is not

tarnished. With Othello being a military leader for most of his life, trusting

another military friend, is not uncommon, and therefore, Othello has no reason

not to believe or trust Iago. So it can be said that Othello has a number of

tragic flaws, one being trust worthy. It is not to say that being trust worthy

is a bad characteristic, but to not trust your own wife?

Othello, tragically, in Act III, scene 3, is thoroughly corrupted by

Iago, says that he believes that Desdemona is honest, but yet he thinks that she

is not. This is a part that Othello’s “innocence” is torn to bits, because he

does not know what to believe anymore. This is also where he comes to Iago for

advice, which is what Iago has been waiting for. Othello is seen as a confused

man without direction and does know what to do.

“By the world, I think that my wife be honest and think

that she is not. I think that thou art just and think

she is not.

Othello then says to Iago:

“Damn her, lewd minx, damn her, damn her!

Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw

To furnish me with some swift means of death

Far that fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.”

(Act 3, scene 4, 540)

Here it shows that Othello is now starting to believe Iago. Another

time that Iago starts to make Othello believe even more that is wife is

unfaithful is when he tells Othello that he has overheard Cassio talking in his

sleep about Desdemona and that he has also noticed Cassio wiping his face with

the strawberry-embroidered handkerchief, that Othello had given to Desdemona for

his first present. This now where Othello is convinced that Desdemona has been

unfaith

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