Introduction
This essay seeks to analyse Othello, the protagonist of William Shakespeare’s play *Othello* (first performed in 1604), as a tragic character within the framework of classical and Shakespearean tragedy. Othello’s journey from a respected Venetian general to a man consumed by jealousy and despair offers a compelling study of human flaws and societal pressures. The essay will explore key aspects of Othello’s tragic character, including his inherent nobility contrasted with personal vulnerabilities, the role of external manipulation in his downfall, and the catastrophic consequences of his actions. By examining these elements, this analysis aims to illuminate how Othello embodies the essence of a tragic hero, drawing on critical perspectives to support the discussion.
Othello’s Noble Beginnings and Tragic Flaws
Central to Othello’s tragic character is his initial portrayal as a figure of immense dignity and authority. As a Moorish general in the Venetian army, Othello commands respect for his military prowess and eloquence, evident in his confident recounting of his life story to the Senate (Shakespeare, 1604, Act 1, Scene 3). His noble stature aligns with Aristotle’s concept of a tragic hero—a character of high standing whose downfall evokes pity and fear (Aristotle, 1996). However, Othello’s tragic flaw, or *hamartia*, lies in his susceptibility to insecurity and self-doubt, particularly regarding his race and place in Venetian society. This vulnerability becomes a fertile ground for jealousy, which, as Greenblatt (2005) argues, transforms Othello from a rational leader into a man gripped by destructive emotion. Indeed, his lack of self-assurance—arguably intensified by societal prejudice—marks the initial crack in his otherwise admirable character.
The Role of External Manipulation in Othello’s Fall
While Othello’s personal flaws contribute to his tragedy, external forces—primarily Iago’s manipulation—play a pivotal role in his descent. Iago, driven by envy and spite, exploits Othello’s trust and insecurities, planting doubts about Desdemona’s fidelity (Shakespeare, 1604, Act 3, Scene 3). This manipulation is particularly devastating given Othello’s reliance on Iago as an “honest” confidant, a trust that Fernie (2002) suggests reflects Othello’s isolation in a foreign cultural context. Iago’s calculated deception thus acts as a catalyst, magnifying Othello’s latent fears into obsessive paranoia. Furthermore, the societal backdrop of racial prejudice, which casts Othello as an outsider, amplifies his readiness to believe Iago’s lies. This external influence underscores a key tragic element: Othello’s downfall is not entirely self-inflicted but shaped by forces beyond his control, evoking a complex blend of sympathy and frustration from the audience.
The Catastrophic Consequences and Tragic Recognition
Othello’s tragic arc culminates in catastrophic actions—most notably, the murder of Desdemona and his subsequent suicide (Shakespeare, 1604, Act 5, Scene 2). These acts represent the irreversible consequences of his jealousy and misplaced trust, fitting the Shakespearean tragic pattern where personal failings lead to destruction on a grand scale. Yet, Othello’s final moments also reveal a moment of *anagnorisis*, or tragic recognition, as he acknowledges his errors and laments his loss of honour: “Speak of me as I am… one that loved not wisely but too well” (Shakespeare, 1604, Act 5, Scene 2). This self-awareness, as Bloom (1998) notes, partially redeems Othello, allowing audiences to pity him despite his grievous actions. Therefore, his tragedy lies not only in his fall but in his belated understanding of his flaws and the irreversible harm they have caused.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Othello emerges as a quintessential tragic character through his noble stature, personal vulnerabilities, susceptibility to external manipulation, and the devastating outcomes of his actions. His journey reflects the Shakespearean tragic model, where internal flaws and external forces intertwine to precipitate a fall from grace, evoking both pity and fear. Moreover, Othello’s status as an outsider highlights the broader societal tensions that contribute to his downfall, adding layers of complexity to his character. This analysis underscores the enduring relevance of Othello’s tragedy, as it prompts reflection on themes of trust, jealousy, and identity—issues that resonate beyond the play’s historical context. Ultimately, Othello’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between human strength and frailty.
References
- Aristotle. (1996) Poetics. Translated by M. Heath. Penguin Classics.
- Bloom, H. (1998) Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. Riverhead Books.
- Fernie, E. (2002) Shame in Shakespeare. Routledge.
- Greenblatt, S. (2005) Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton & Company.
- Shakespeare, W. (1604) Othello. Edited by E.A.J. Honigmann. Arden Shakespeare, 1997.
