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
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
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STATUS/ RANK
RANK
VENICE- Othello mentions that his duty to the states is exceptional. He has contributed to the state therefore he is respected.
STATUS
CYPRUS is the end of the civilised world. More of a barbaric way, racist behaviours less disciplined that Venice.
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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.
TRAITS
Openly trusted people, he trusts Iago which led to his downfall. Therefore Iago is Othello's nemesis.
Noble moor, not one to be mocked at. He adjusted to the Venetian culture and christianity.
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INSTANT ACTS- example: he decides to leave his wife and go to the mission. Othello is impulsive, for example he impulsively kills desdemona.
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Romantic- in the beginning of the play, he shares about his relationship of Othello.
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Command over language- strange grandeur and music in Othello's voice. Extraordinary rhetorics. Rhythemical language
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RELATIONSHIPS
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.
APPEARANCE
A Christian moor , physically strong,everybody around him respected his valour
[REPUTATION]
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.
WHO IS A TRAGIC HERO?
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HUBRIS
Excessive pride
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.
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Shakespeare's style
contrast
On the one hand, the trust is increasing with Iago and weakening with his beloved, Desdemona.
Othello was a warrior, suggesting he failed in love but prospered on battle field
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