... with Cassio; in reality, Emilia has taken it and Iago has planted in on Cassio. Because of Iago's trickery, it appears to Othello that Desdemona is involved with Cassio; in truth, she is innocent, loving her husband dearly. Throughout the play, Iago is instrumental in ... greater misery. The tragic gloom that he causes is only occasionally relieved by comedy, provided by Roderigo and the Clown. OVERALL ANALYSES CHARACTERS Othello Othello is a romantic character. He has not been born and bred in familiar England; instead he comes from the remote and mysterious Morocco. ... -confident. O...

• Word Count: 4125
• Approx Pages: 17
• Grade Level: High School

... tragic hero abound. How did this role become a force in literature? The credit goes to none other than Shakespeare and his classic work Othello. Othello embodies the very essence of what has come to be known as the tragic hero. To often is the tragic hero looked upon as a ... of women, sex, drugs and violence. However, the tragic hero in its quintessence was formulated from layers of emotional duress and heroic traits. Othello carries all the traits that have come to be identified with the aforementioned tragic hero. He has despicable rivals, respect from those around him, ... stop there,...

• Word Count: 2635
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... my soul's joy! If after every tempest come such calms, May the winds blow till they have wakened death! (2 .1 .183-186) 3 Othello whole-heartedly loves Desdemona, but it was not so in regards to his trust for her. He only recently began courting Desdemona and has not yet ... life, particularly of love. Knowing this state of mind is unattainable for his tainted mind, Iago thus decides to begin the process of destroying Othello's view of reality. "Othello's mind, for all its poetry, is very simple. He is not observant. His nature tends outward. He is quite free from introspection, ... an...

• Word Count: 1660
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... is no chance in breaking up the marriage, but Iago assures him that "blood is made dull with the act of sport," she will lose interest in Othello and seek sexual satisfaction elsewhere. (II.i.222) Iago leads him to believe Des will cheat with Cassio, to deter this Iago tells Roderigo he must start ... Emilia secretly picks up and gives to Iago to start a plan of devastation. Iago then plants the handkerchief in Cassio's room as evidence of the affair. Othello demands "ocular proof that Des is cheating." (III.iii.365) Iago mentions that he has seen Cassio "wipe his beard" (III.iii.444) wit...

• Word Count: 1520
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... adventures, and loved him for that. He, on the other hand, was glad that a woman truly appreciated all that he had done for his country. Othello states in Scene III of the First Act, lines 166-167, "She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did ... As long as she has the handkerchief, their marriage will remain intact. Of course, it is silly to believe a handkerchief can keep a marriage together, but Othello takes this to heart, and immediately questions Desdemona regarding its whereabouts. When she does not instantly produce the handkerchief as "proof- of her fa...

• Word Count: 1558
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... own weaknesses". Discuss. "In Shakespearean tragedy uncertainty is of the essence" (E. A. J. Honigman) The much-acclaimed Shakespearean critic A.C. Bradley has defined the character Othello as "purely noble, strong, generous and trusting and as tragic hero merely a victim". However, is it fair to infer that a man's tragic downfall, due ... outsider. Thus we can assume that even in a city as multi-cultural as 17th Century Venice, there was still a strong undercurrent of racism. Othello is referred to throughout the play with a variety of racist phrases such as "the thick lips" or "Barbary...

• Word Count: 1483
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... involved powers is what makes it Shakespeare's ultimate tragedy. All tragedies contain a strong heroic character that is sympathised with by the responders, as in Othello where he is first considered "great" however is brought under by someone more cunning, i.e. Iago. His change in personality can be seen where he ... the way they do towards the people in the play. Of it hadn't been for Iago's jealousy towards Cassio for his promotion by Othello, and Othello's jealousy towards Cassio's supposed affair with Desdemona then both characters may have kept sense about them and not gone to the ...

• Word Count: 1470
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... 's plays were first published. Although Shakespeare was the playwright to many plays, this collection will concentrate on one of the plays that were written during Shakespeare's great tragic period, Othello. In 1565 Giovanni Cinzio wrote a tale that relates to the deception of a Moorish general ensign into considering that his wife has been dishonest. Shakespeare most likely used this as ... the most popular and will be discussed briefly within this introduction; however, other readings are discussed throughout this collection. Integrated into this collection is Claudia Sander's essay The...

• Word Count: 1792
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... Iago's speech. Iago is in conversation with the character Roderigo, who we later learn is being deceived by Iago. Iago is vowing that he follows his lord, Othello, not out of service, rather in the search for revenge. He actually states: " I follow him to serve my turn upon him." This statement, in ... Act I, Scene 1 no less, clearly sets the stage for a play of deception and backstabbing. Iago proceeds to refute any allegiance to Othello for the next 25 lines! This speech is concluded with the line "I am not what I am." By having this in the very first scene, Shakespeare ... order to g...

• Word Count: 1345
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... Iago's speech. Iago is in conversation with the character Roderigo, who we later learn is being deceived by Iago. Iago is vowing that he follows his lord, Othello, not out of service, rather in the search for revenge. He actually states: " I follow him to serve my turn upon him." This statement, in ... Act I, Scene 1 no less, clearly sets the stage for a play of deception and backstabbing. Iago proceeds to refute any allegiance to Othello for the next 25 lines! This speech is concluded with the line "I am not what I am." By having this in the very first scene, Shakespeare ... order to g...

• Word Count: 1345
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... Iago's speech. Iago is in conversation with the character Roderigo, who we later learn is being deceived by Iago. Iago is vowing that he follows his lord, Othello, not out of service, rather in the search for revenge. He actually states: " I follow him to serve my turn upon him." This statement, in ... Act I, Scene 1 no less, clearly sets the stage for a play of deception and backstabbing. Iago proceeds to refute any allegiance to Othello for the next 25 lines! This speech is concluded with the line "I am not what I am." By having this in the very first scene, Shakespeare ... order to g...

• Word Count: 1285
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... other characters. For example, a senator remarks here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor' (I, iii, 47) upon his entrance. The Duke himself also goes on to describe Othello as valiant Othello'. (I, iii, 48) As a military man, Othello exhibits great dignity and self-control as he refuses to retreat before Brabantio. Furthermore, he treats Brabantio with respect and patience despite being accused as a thief' (I, ii ... regains the respect from those around him as a man who was great of heart', according to Cassio. (V, ii, 360) The murder of one's wife could be considered a monstrous act,...

• Word Count: 1048
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... jumping to conclusions and murdering his beloved wife. Even though these two characters rank differently, they both let jealousy get to the worst of them. Othello, whose tragic flaw is jealousy that derives from a lack of confidence, meets all the requirements of the Shakespearean tragic hero. One of the first ... reaching effects than other people. This means what whatever he does matters more, even when it is the same as what everyone else does. Aside from Othello being of high position, he is also a good character that holds greatness. In the beginning of the play, he is considered a...

• Word Count: 1285
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... is a driving force by involving jealousy, trust and pride in this classic tragedy. Jealousy is a key factor that appears to destroy Othello. Another aspect that love is a driving force is the trust that Othello had in "honest Iago". Finally, Othello's pride clouds his judgment about what is right and therefore he murders his beloved wife, Desdemona. Love was a driving force that ... the Senate at the request of the Duke. He regards Iago "A man he is of honesty and trust" (Othello, 1.3). Othello continued to entrust Iago with responsibilities, including escorting his wife to Cyprus .Iago...

• Word Count: 517
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... third characteristic is a moment of self-realisation or self-awareness and the last characteristic is that the fall of the hero results in death. Othello is portrayed as a well-respected citizen within the Venetian society. He can be seen as an intelligent and heroic military leader whose skill is ... iii, 286). He has been given full martial and political command of Cyprus and is a figure of high standing and esteem within the Venetian community. Othello's flaw or weakness lies in his hubris, or exaggerated pride in himself, and he continually refers to it saying "Let [Brabantio] do his...

• Word Count: 1159
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... third characteristic is a moment of self-realisation or self-awareness and the last characteristic is that the fall of the hero results in death. Othello is portrayed as a well-respected citizen within the Venetian society. He can be seen as an intelligent and heroic military leader whose skill is ... iii, 286). He has been given full martial and political command of Cyprus and is a figure of high standing and esteem within the Venetian community. Othello's flaw or weakness lies in his hubris, or exaggerated pride in himself, and he continually refers to it saying "Let [Brabantio] do his...

• Word Count: 1078
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... general and heroic figure whose "free and open nature" will enable Iago to twist his love for his wife Desdemona into a powerful jealousy. Iago is Othello's ensign, and Shakespeare's greatest villain. His public face of bravery and honesty conceals a Satanic delight in manipulation and destruction. Passed over for a ... a daughter of a Senator, but can he keep her? The seizure of the handkerchief is a great coup for Iago in his quest to destroy Othello, and he is aided by his wife, who apparently has no scruples about betraying her mistress in small matters. Shakespeare will eventually t...

• Word Count: 1419
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... must understand him as a tragic hero with both greatness and weakness. A tragic hero is the main character in a play that takes a downfall or is ruined during the play. Undoubtedly, Othello is ruined during the course of this Shakespearean drama. In the beginning of the play his life is in order, as he was married to the beautiful Desdemona, the younger ... I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition put into circumscription and confine for the seas" worth," Othello said when referring to his affection and true feelings for Desdemona. Othello was very remarkable...

• Word Count: 462
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... Cassio, his lieutenant, and Iago, his Ancient. This is important for a tragic hero, because they must have a high place to fall from. Second, Othello made many mistakes that lead to his downfall. He trusted the word of Iago too much. So much so that he turned a blind eye to all ... lack of communication, no one was able to recognize Iago as a possible cause to all of the conflicts arising. Even at the peak of Othello's rage, when he finally was convinced that Desdemona had betrayed him, he still could not speak to her about it. He shouted curses and ... he would take his word over the t...

• Word Count: 732
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... non-Christian). He may be from the outside, but he is confident, noble. He has won many wars, and "commands life a full soldier (II.i.pg.21)." Othello is very public with his nobility. When he is asked why he thinks Desdemona's love for him is real and not because of a curse he gives a monologue where ... then the death of the human body. We are introduced to death when we find out Brabantio has died, because of the love shared between Desdemona and Othello. Soon after finding out about the death of Brabantio, Roderigo is killed, and Cassio's murder is attempted. At this point Iago has be...

• Word Count: 773
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... All from a list that was compiled by the great Aristotle, one that was implemented throughout the course of his works as well. What exactly contributes to Othello's tragic heroism? He was depicted as having a "noble" stature, along with a high position of authority within his culture. Since he was a General ... /Commander of the armed forces within Venice, Italy; later on, he was promoted to Governor. Othello was also great, but was somewhat far from perfect. Which in turn, distinguishes a "fatal" flaw of his, which was his lack of self esteem; ... moreover, leading to his downfall. In s...

• Word Count: 681
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Othello Othello was one of William Shakespeare's famous tragedies that is very well known in today's literature and is full of action, love and treachery. After reading several of William Shakespeare's plays I ... 's. The most obvious aspect would have to be the in this play in comparison would be the characters traits that Othello attains by being the tragic hero. They are identical to that of all of the tragic heroes that are written about. Othello's extreme naivety was something that irritated me; because I thought that he was smart enough to figure out that Iago ... was playing him. Othe...

• Word Count: 367
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

... one day he will become king of Scotland. Macbeth becomes infested with ambition brought on by other characters, which leads to his eventual downfall. Othello tells the story of a Moorish general is deceived by his ensign into believing his wife is unfaithful. To Cinthio's story Shakespeare added supporting characters ... or unwillingness to express his true motivation "makes his actions all the more terrifying. He is willing to take revenge on anyone "Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, even Emilia "at the slightest provocation and enjoys the pain and damage he causes. Iago is often fu...

• Word Count: 1225
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... tragedy bestowed upon us by the philosophical studies of Aristotle, the main character's weakness in a tragedy is the direct cause of his or her downfall. "Othello" and " A Doll's House" are two good examples of classic and modern tragedies. The protagonist usually has some "tragic flaw" which leads him over ... It is also important that the protagonist overcome his fate by learning from his mistakes, by overcoming his tragic flaw. Othello and Nora are two tragic figures in different senses. Othello's flaw is being easily manipulated, which leads to his tragic fate by believing the lies...

• Word Count: 734
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... "is ominously confident of his ability to solve all riddles" (Sewall 36) and his peers and the chorus consider him too prideful. In Shakespeare's Othello, Othello is a man of power, but when he thought that Desdemona was cheating on him his jealously brought him to kill Desdemona, but when he discovered ... brought upon this tragedy and as Lodovico said to Iago for his malicious doing "look on the tragic loading of this bed" (Meyer 1129). Othello's hamartia made him vulnerable to his outcome. These are examples of tragedies and how their tragic flaws lead protagonist to their misfortune...

• Word Count: 1180
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School