OTHELLO: A TRAGIC HERO. The great fourth-century Greek philosopher Aristotle described a tragedy as “an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude: in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties…by means of pity and fear affecting its purgation of these emotions”. He may very well have been describing the Shakespearean drama, Othello. William Shakespeare’s famous play concerning the downfall of a Moorish general interweaves jealousy, suspense, intrigue, murder, and suicide to create a magnificent tragedy of the highest Aristotelian order. Othello fulfills all of Aristotle’s requirements for a tragic hero, as Othello is a character of noble status who falls from that position of power to one of shame because of his hamartia. Moreover the plot of Othello contains a powerful katharsis through its climax and conclusion, and an anagnorisis when Othello realizes that Iago and Desdemona are not who they seemed to be
ORIGIN
STRENGTH
WEAKNESS
STATUS/ RANK
TRAITS
RELATIONSHIPS
APPEARANCE
[REPUTATION]
WHO IS A TRAGIC HERO?
HAMARTIA
PERIPETEIA
ANAGNORISIS
HUBRIS
FATE- must be greater than deserved
A flaw or error in judgment
A reversal of fortune brought about because of the hero's error in judgment.
The discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero's own actions
Excessive pride
JEALOUS
GULLIBLE
Example: When he kills Desdemona just because of the suspicions of her being with another man
Example: He believes Iago without any physical proof
reversal of fortune
Othello kills his innocent wife
brought by his own actions
Othello realises what he has done twice, the first time was immediately after killing Desdemona when he wonders why the world hasn't ended.
The second time is when he realises that she was innocent and he is so upset that he kills himself
His pride causes him to be jealous because he doesn't want people to know his wife cheated on him and that he's just going to allow her to do that.
HE was tricked into thinking his wife cheated on him.
HE killed his innocent wife.
HE was stripped of his honour.
HE killed himself
DESDEMONA- It is highlighted that the relationship presents control. Othello holds control over Desdemona. Othello trusts Iago more than Desdemona, which shows an unstable relationship. When Othello physically abused Desdemona, she did not retaliate, which shows dominance and overpower in the relationship.
Openly trusted people, he trusts Iago which led to his downfall. Therefore Iago is Othello's nemesis.
RANK
VENICE- Othello mentions that his duty to the states is exceptional. He has contributed to the state therefore he is respected.
Noble moor, not one to be mocked at. He adjusted to the Venetian culture and christianity.
He earned the trust of The Duke of venice.
INSTANT ACTS- example: he decides to leave his wife and go to the mission. Othello is impulsive, for example he impulsively kills desdemona.
FEARS
fear of rejection
Romantic- in the beginning of the play, he shares about his relationship of Othello.
Command over language- strange grandeur and music in Othello's voice. Extraordinary rhetorics. Rhythemical language
In spite of being a moor he is able to charm and win beautiful Desdemona.
Shakespeare's style
contrast
IMPULSIVE
NOT OBSERVANT
JEALOUS
NAIVE/ GUILLABLE
INSECURITIES
EXPOSES HIS WEAKNESSES
COMPLICATED AND CONFUSED
DEPENDENT
STUBBORN
CLOSED MINDED
On the one hand, the trust is increasing with Iago and weakening with his beloved, Desdemona.
A WARRIOR
Othello was a warrior, suggesting he failed in love but prospered on battle field
Hungry for power. Even after numerous sins he finds some "honourable" explanation for it
STATUS
CYPRUS is the end of the civilised world. More of a barbaric way, racist behaviours less disciplined that Venice.
Othello and Desdemona's relationship was shown more in Cyprus
VENICE acknowledges merit, that is why Othello could rise to power. It was an unusual thing, but Othello managed to do so. It was famous for sophistication and cultural mixing, people felt secure.
calm
intense love
noble
famous
good reputation
mysterious background
fear of betrayal
fear of loosing status
Act 1 - Setting of Venice, shows him as an honorable soldier and no nonsense military general of repute
When in Cyprus , his reputation gradually strains
He is easily duped by Othello's honest reputation
he is insecure about his reputation getting damaged/ tarnished and hence did not talk to Desdemona to clarify all doubts.
Italian prose tale of Un Capitano Moro(1565) by Cinthio
Moorish background who served well in the Venetian government
Refer to Sparknotes .com - document under Context
A Christian moor , physically strong,everybody around him respected his valour
LANGUAGE OTHELLO USES