While some argue that Othello's tragic flaw is jealousy, he really does not suffer from that until Iago plants seeds of doubt in his heart regarding Desdemona. Oedipus follows ten of the points of Lord Raglan's Hero Pattern: The character Iago, in William Shakespeares Othello, could be considered evil because of his plot against Cassio and Othello. Yet when the Turkish fleet is destroyed and he no longer has a clear purpose in defending Cyprus from the dreaded Turks, he has nothing to occupy his time or his concern but Desdemona and the supposed cheating that Iago begins to tell him about. After Othello is sure of Desdemonas disloyalty he then goes to speak to Emelia, You have seen nothing then? The tragedy of Othello is not a fault of a single villain, but is rather a consequence of a wide range of feelings, judgments and misjudgments, and attempts for personal justification exhibited by all of the participants. In the play, the main character is portrayed as too trusting and too nave. He completed it prior to its deadline and was thorough and informative. He is very straight-forward, not bribing anyone or his wife to back him up as he even says if Desdemona has anything bad to say about him, they can sentence him to death; a very brave man. Othello states towards the end of the play that he was killing Desdemona for her own sake and therefore preventing her from doing the same again, Yet she must die, else shell betray more men. This plan will make Iago the only person that Othello believes he can trust, and Iago will use this trust to manipulate Othello. Othello is of strong character. That thinks men honest that but seem to be so Despite Othello's numerous positive character traits, his tragic flaw leads to demise at the end of the play. Shakespeare comments on how a society excludes and mistreats someone different from the paradigm that defines the Venetian society. Iago is a hard character to place under a specific mindset. F. R. Leavis analyses Othello's final speech, commenting that Othello has 'discovered his mistake, but there is no tragic self discovery'. p. cm. To other people she is still a little girl, but by her actions, she proves herself a woman. To get Othello even more upset Iago tells Othello that it 's lust that makes Desdemona speak up for Cassio. Brabantio talks of her as if she is too young and delicate to make her own decisions. He certainly pre-empts their actions, such as when he tells Cassio to ask Desdemona for help he knows she will grant it and perform it / To the last article. He tries anything he can to achieve this goal. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes. This paper discusses Othello as a tragic hero and compares him to Aristotle's concept of what a tragic hero actually is. When Iago teams with love-scorned and desperate Roderigo, he begins. Oedipus, the tragic character in Sophocles Oedipus the King, certainly makes several such mistakes; however, the pervasive pattern of his judgemental errors seems to indicate a basic character flaw that precipitates them. The combination of his lack of confidence in navigating the intrigue and plots of court and people like Cassio and Desdemona and the fate that befalls him because of the sudden absence of an enemy combine to bring him to murder his beloved and then kill himself. However, Brabantio, Desdemona's father is supposed to be a senator who is thought to be well mannered, well spoken, reasonable and unbiased, but in act 1 scene 3, he acts like a ruffian. (Folger, x) The play was very popular and records indicate it remained popular through the seventeenth century. Iago cleverly manipulates Othello into believing that Michael Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona behind his back. He uses no curses or bad language and speaks simply. This view is what leads to him strangling her. He also begins to put his trust in Iago more and more and begins to consider what Iago was saying is true. For thy solicitor shall rather die 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Have You Not Read of Some Such Thing? Sophocles' Oedipus can be classified as a great tragic hero, both by looking at Aristotle's ideas of an Ideal Tragic Hero and by looking at The Hero Pattern given by Lord Raglan in The Hero: A study in Tradition, Myth and Dreams. Even though Desdemona is a virtuous and innocent creature Othello still comes to believe that she is a whore who has slept with Cassio while married to him. Harold Bloom Iago is masterful at manipulating appearances and making what is seen appear to corroborate his own words. She then chooses to go wherever Othello goes, instead of staying in her fathers house, even if he wouldnt allow it. He actively plays upon the beliefs and fears of the Elizabethans. Iago exasperates Othello by revealing so little, I did not think he had been acquainted with her. Make after him, Poison his delight, To what Extent is Othello Responsible for his Own Downfall? His identity shifts among being "the Moor" and the Venetian war lord that he envisions himself. * For example, Iago carried out a plan to make Cassio lose his job. Othello is a famous tragedy written by William Shakespeare as a Tragic Hero. Blooms Classic Critical Views Outsiders dont conform to societys values and beliefs and the concept of this is represented in Shakespeares Othello. Bloom's Classic Critical Views Drama can evoke powerful emotions and people who watch it and are moved leave the theater clean and refreshed and refreshed in the emotional experience. They tend to be shunned and excluded, deemed different and a threat. Cite In literature, a tragic flaw (or hamartia in Greek) is a trait that causes a character's downfall. But she still keeps her title as a wife and submits to Othello and obeys him, whatever his mood. In order to try to save himself he blinds himself. (dictionary.com) Othello demonstrates his nobility in a number of different ways. Othello is written by William Shakespeare and was set in Cyprus and Venice during the 16th century. Othello's Jealousy is mostly a figure of his imagination made from all of iago's lies and being mislead. He sees Othello is only concerned with personal and political gain with his choice of Cassio as lieutenant. Othello, an African Moor of noble birth, is just such a character and held the highest-ranking position in the military as a Governor General of Cyprus. Bloom describes this anger in terms of religion. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. Iago's deception is what drives the characters in Othello thereby compounding the belief of his responsibility for the outcome of this tragedy. The Othello that we come to know through the action of the play is a supremely capable and powerful general very confident in his own abilities as a soldier and leader of men. In Shakespeare 's Othello, a play that explores love, jealousy and betrayal, three characters experience a pivotal revelation than fundamentally changes them. The reason his pride is his flaw is that if he had taken a moment to investigate more, to see beyond his reputation, he might have realized that Iago was not trustworthy. For one when the swords are drawn, Othello tells both sides "Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. It defines someone who is held in tremendously high esteem by the people of Venice. The Moor is arguably one of the finest, if not the finest, tragedies in the literary history of the Western Civilization. Why does Othello go to Cyprus? In what sense might it be said that Othello is responsible for his own downfall? It defines someone who is held in remarkably high esteem by the people of Venice. Othello trusts the malevolent Iago, who is dedicated to causing his downfall. Living a lifestyle so far outside of Gods protective ideals resulted in a growing love for self, rather than for God. Iago tries to persuade Cassio into thinking that he can get Desdemona to talk Othello into giving him his job back. Iago then pretends to be reluctant to tell Othello about Desdemona, Utter my thoughts! This is clearly shown when Iago makes racial comments about Othello, Even now, now, very now an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. The play is one of Shakespeares most tragic stories. Iago plans to remove Cassio from. Othello holds himself in high regard and suffers from a tragic flaw, or hamartiathe thing that brings his downfall is something from his own personality. Othello is dependent upon Iago and Iago exploits this. He turns down Iagos request to be the lieutenant and gives it to Young Cassio instead. Both Othello and Oedipus are dramatic plays of tragic circumstances. I believe Iago has nothing to do with Othello's downfall as Othello is an easily mislead man who is easily influenced. William Shakespeare Othello 1. Expert Answers Susan Smith | Certified Educator Share No, Othello does not create his own downfall. To you, preferring you before her father, Othello's suffering results mostly from his poor judgment. Othello takes Iago more seriously than his own wife, and although she questions, he still chooses not to ask her about her mischievousness. In what sense might it be said that Othello is responsible for his own downfall? Is the rapidity of Othello's emotional collapse (act III, scene 3) plausible? The play describes how Othello is lead to believe that his wife has been unfaithful to him. This treacherous act is the work of the villain, Iago. (Othello Act 1 Scene 2 pg 4) Here Othello is avoiding any Clearly, Othello is guilty of misplaced trust--he believes a man whom he didn't feel was fit for the lieutenancy over his wife, and as you note, many factors contribute to the tragedy of the play. He is a character of high stature that is destroyed by his surroundings, his own actions, and his fate. Othello's downfall comes about due to a combination of the influence of Iago and the fatal character flaws of the otherwise virtuous Othello. And will as tenderly be led by th nose from University of Oxford Ph.D. from University of Leicester. Macbeth is responsible for his own downfall. The characters around him are there to influence his choices, but at the end of the day it's his decisions that lead to the tragedy of the play. Latest answer posted April 07, 2021 at 11:18:50 AM. Instead, he had one of his closest friends that he trusted, manipulate him. Foreshadowing Metaphors & Similes Questions & Answers Why does Iago hate Othello? This is only the beginning as he only doubts the possibilities. In Shakespeares play Othello, tragedy unfolds on the account of one mans actions, Iago. Iago feels that Othello must make amends for his rejection. Yes, Othello is jealous, but before Iago suggests to him that Desdemona might be cuckolding him, this is not something Othello has thought about. Othello's tragic flaw is often identified as jealousy, but other possible tragic flaws include insecurity and poor judgment. The plays are similar in tragic downfall of main characters. Is Othello the cause of his own demise, or does Iago cause his demise, or is it a combination of the two? He murders the woman he claims to love. Whatever the characters' fatal weakness is that brings him to a bad end. They can all sometimes be too complex to understand. Lie with her? They were expected to be silent observers, submissive to their husbands. Othello's tragic flaw is often identified as jealousy, and he is indeed a jealous man. It is obvious from the beginning. Normally, Shakespeare's tragic characters establish a pattern connected to their tragic flaws, and there really is no pattern to justify jealousy as a flaw with which Othello has constantly struggled. Othello can be lead into anything just because he believes everybody is a good honest person. 3.Peropeteia which is a reversal of fortune, or a sudden change of circumstances that affect the protagonist. (2) Have a tragic flaw, and a weakness in judgment; and Othello . AC Bradley Othello's misplaced trust in Iago is not a sign of stupidity but rather a natural occurrence in line with his trusting nature in conjunction with the ubiquitous misrepresentation of Iago as an honest character. Ultimately, Othello's downfall and destruction is a result of his insecurities and flaws such as his gullibility, jealousy and his deep love for Desdemona. However, the audience knows that one cannot run away from an oracle. We find out Othello is a soldier. Othello Is Responsible for His Own Downfall - Term Paper In some cases, like Iago's, this is a bad thing as he can be fooled easily by false assumptions. It is about a well-respected military soldier who due to lies and deceits killed his wife for no reason and after turned the knife towards himself. It is clear that Othello is held hamartia. His desire to keep his reputation intact becomes all-consuming in the play and eventually leads to his murder of Desdemona, To try me with affliction, had they rained. Let me go with him The Othello that we come to know through the action of the play is a supremely capable and powerful general very confident in his own abilities as a soldier and leader of men. (Shakespeares Imagery, 335) View the full answer Transcribed image text: William Shakespeare Othello 1. tragic hero has many weaknesses which lead to his downfall at the conclusion of the play. To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall? He understands that he is an aging foreigner, who is not particularly refined or attractive. He believes what Iago. Your. Therefore, the hamartia of Oedipus is his belief that he can evade his oracle. It is not just Othello who plays into Iagos hands; Desdemona, Cassio and Emilia all fall victim to his scheming plans. To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall? To what Extent is Othello Responsible for his Own Downfall? In conclusion, I feel that Othello is to blame for his downfall completely because he could have prevented the deaths of three people including him from happening by not letting rumours and assumptions getting the best of him and having faith in his wife. The beginning of Othello's downfall is marked by his own lack of self-esteem and low insecurities. Sex and Sexual Stories in Othello, Iago's Alter Ego: Race as Projection in Othello, That's She That Was Myself: Not-So-Famous Last Words and Some Ends of Othello, The Adaptation of a Shakespearean Genre: Othello and Ford's 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, Theatricality and Textuality: The Example of Othello, Voice Potential: Language and Symbolic Capital in Othello, Act III, Scenes 1-4 Questions and Answers. The idea of human imperfection is not easily explained by science, philosophy or religion. Who is responsible for the tragedy in Othello? - eNotes.com Later, he displays a short temper to Tiresias: "You, you scum of the earth . While Brutus exercised poor judgment throughout Julius Caesar, he was used to commanding respect because of his family and character and did not have to fight against prejudice. As asses are. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. Through using a tragic hero, Shakespeare does not intend his audience to admire Othello, but to essentially identify ourselves with him. . Instead, he turns on his wife and murders her, even when she protests and begs him not to. According to Aristotle a tragic hero must be Othello's jealousy is also fueled by his self-doubt and low self-esteem. Iago saw Othello as an easy target because of his insecurities of marrying Desdemona and his trusting nature. She made it believable in Othello's eyes that she was having an affair with Michael and that made it easier for Othello to believe Iagos lies. The fact that Iago is so easily able to manipulate Othello points us towards his real tragic flawOthello is naive in a way that suggests he suffers from insecurity. What do you think? The critic leavis also agrees that Othello has no one to blame but himself for his actions, . He is a highly respected general in a trusted position of authority. How does Iago convince Othello that Desdemona is cheating? Othello essay plans Flashcards | Quizlet 4. And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace Being human could simply mean that we as a collective race are imperfect. However, Cyprus is an alternative to Venice. Deceit, violence and self-destruction reign throughout. Luckily, FreeBookSummary offers study guides on over 1000 top books from students curricula! Fate also influences Othello's visit to Cyprus. Most potent, grave and reverend seigniors, Despite the power of Elisabeth I, women during this time had very little authority, autonomy, or recognition. B.A. Othello's downfall comes about due to a combination of the influence of Iago and the fatal character flaws of the otherwise virtuous Othello. "Is Othello a victim of a destiny and/or forces beyond his control, responsible for his own demise, or was it a combination of the two?" at Delphi that he will kill his father and marry his mother. The best you can do is choose to fill the roles given [to] you by good people, by people who love you." Othello was composed between 1601 and 1604, with its first performance being in 1604. Othello has a strong tendency to act before he thinks and before he knows all aspects of a situation. This is a subtle whore, a closet lock and key of villainous secrets Othello says these things about Emelia so that he can defend himself because he doesnt believe that she knows nothing of Desdemonas affair.This shows that it is his own fault as he is quick to judge Emeila for lying. The motives Iago has for despising Othello are he passed him over for a promotion to be his lieutenant, instead he chose, Iago is evil and he doesn 't care who he hurts; he enjoys it. One could assume that if Othello were a white man, Brabantio would not have an issue with Othello marrying his daughter. Get out--faster, back where you came from--vanish!" But we cant make a final judgement as his true characteristics have not yet surfaced. 1545 Words 7 Pages Powerful Essays Read More Downfall of Othello Othello is a story about a military leader who marries a younger venetian girl. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. In Othello, what is Othello's tragic (fatal) flaw? He listens in on conversations and considers evidence that Iago orchestrates to make Desdemona and Cassio look guilty. Othello is a play written by William Shakespeare. As an audience, the first impression we get of Iago is he is a jealous man but can sometimes be making a good point. This is important as the more Desdemona pursues Cassios suit, the more evidence he can present to Othello and the larger the rift he can drive between them. B.A. 474 Words. Even after Oedipus thinks he has received a reprieve from the fate he fears when he hears that Polybus is dead, he does not have the sense to keep still. His destruction is essentially precipitated by his own actions, as well as by the actions of the characters surrounding him. In Othello, how is Iago responsible for Othello's tragedy? Catharsis which in literature means something different. Than give thy cause away. The characteristic of a tragic hero is defined by the Greek critic, is determined by three characteristics. Desdemona is portrayed as a beautiful, young, Venetian woman. he would rather believe iago . Iago serves as Othellos main attendant and is expected to get the promotion to lieutenant. Entire Document. If there had not been a violent storm that destroyed the Turkish fleet, Othello would probably have had less time to focus on Michael Cassio and contemplate his wife's infidelity. He is seen as a trouble maker as he wants to go and disturb a resting man to start a commotion. The fight causes some men to ring the alarm bells, and when Othello arrives and . " + 92 relevant experts are online Hire writer The tragic figure, Desdemona, is an example of this concept and her actions, and the actions of people around her ultimately doom her. A drop of patience. Othello Essay - Othello is Responsible for His Own Downfall? The granted wisdom would ultimately lead to his downfall from Gods grace. How about getting full access immediately? harold Bloom Othello, an African Moor of noble birth, is just such a character and held the highest ranking military position as Governor-General of Cyprus. It's clear that Othello is held in high esteem when, as he enters, one of the senators states Here comes 11/02/2015 Although Iago is evil he does display grit and mindset. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. He is lead easily because he sees everyone as a good person; has nothing bad to say about anyone. How does Emilia help Iago? Oedipus displays an attitude of recklessness and disrespect throughout the play. To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall? Iago clearly doesnt approve and sees the union of black and white as a bestial one. Desdemona is introduced to us readers as a rebel as she ran off with a black man to get married without her fathers consent. The Foils of Othello However, the downfall of Oedipus is the work of the gods; the downfall of Othello is self-inflicted. After firing Cassio Desdemona tries to stick up for Cassio. The marriage between Othello and Desdemona is destroyed due to Iagos actions and lies. Othello holds himself with high regard. Accordingly, it is a combination of Iago's efforts and cunning traps as well as Othello's jealous, irrational nature that ultimately lead to Othello's downfall. Blooms Classic Critical Views: William Shakespeare Copyright 2010 Infobase Publishing Introduction 2010 by Harold Bloom All rights reserved. The Downfall of Oedipus and Othello Othello as the Greater Evil in William Shakespeares Othello Desdemona is referred to as a treasure or a jewel, Cassio praises her as the "riches of the ship." Desdemona is asked to defend her love for him because it is so unbelievable that she should be interested in a black man. What was it that initially caused the downfall of Othello? Iago feeds him with lies about his wife and convinces him that she is unfaithful to him. He sees his accomplishments and feels pride in what he has done. Iago mutters this in act 3 scene 3 when he sees Desdemona and Cassio talking. Instead, Othello is so confident in what he hears and so impulsive in response to it, that he, Desdemona, Emilia, and Roderigo all become victims of Iago's schemethough, Othello only directly kills himself and Desdemona. I think that Othello is responsible for his own actions. "Othello is essentially an noble character, flawed by insecurity and a nature that is naive and unsophisticated". However, Shakespeare often creates ambiguous emotions in the audience by introducing an element of intelligence and boldness in the case of Isabella and Desdemona. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my daughter? His title alone, Governor-General, exudes an air of nobility, confidence, and strength. Othello was insecure because he was a man. Get Your Custom Essay Sample, Othello is Solely Responsible for his Downfall in Shakespeare's Othello. What reason does Iago give for his hatred of Othello? It is easier for a man to Nobody controls his own life, Ender. Is Othello a victim of a destiny and/or forces beyond his control Iago planned the whole thing out but he plays it off like he 's shocked about what happened. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. Othello's love is dismissed. Othello's downfall Essay Example For FREE - New York Essays If an unwillingness to listen may be considered stubbornness, certainly Oedipus would take advice from no one who would tell him to drop the matter of his identity, among them Tiresias, the shepherd, and even Jocasta. "What is Othello's tragic flaw that causes his downfall?" Despite the relative insignificance of women in Elisabethan social order, Shakespeare uses them in many significant ways. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. He also thinks why he may have lost her but as soon as he lays eyes on her, he rejects his suspicions. "We can call these delicate creatures ours, but not their appetites," Othello rages. So much I challenge that I may profess Othello is Solely Responsible for his Downfall in | Bartleby When talking about or to Desdemona, Othellos language is rich and passionate and he uses poetic language, My soul hath her content so absolute that not another comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate. The first motive is the loss of a promotion to Cassio. ", Latest answer posted November 27, 2020 at 10:36:09 AM. And so much duty as my mother showed Bradley also a critic states that it was Iagos manipulation that eventually led to Othellos downfall, .. . The reason for downfall of Othello in this play Othello written by William Shakespeare. Many forms of irony are identified throughout literature, drama and cinema. The city of Cyprus was a city-state in the great state of Venice. Iago then goes on to tell Othello that he overheard Cassio talking in his sleep about his relations with Desdemona. Looking at William Shakespeare's Othello The Moor Of Venice, the central character, Othello is revered as the tragic hero. Othello is so blind with rage at the thought that his wife might have been unfaithful to him that he is incapable of listening to reason. Othello, could be considered righteous, because he believes his wife, Iagos revenge plan started because he wanted a higher position in the army. Ashley Kannan | Certified Educator Share I think that Othello should bear some of the responsibility for his predicament.

Meat Processing Van Buren, Ar, Number Of Churches In Nigeria, Above And Beyond You Gotta Go Acoustic, Articles O