"Othello": Character Analysis

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Othello, like most of Shakespeare's tragic heroes, is a man notable for the contradictions in his character. The author points out that the combination of vanity, naivete and an inability to perceive correctly the world around him are the three characteristics that allow Iago to transform Othello from a conquering and triumphant war-hero into a cold-blooded murderer. The paper stresses that the most dramatic way in which Othello is imperceptive is that he fails to recognize Iago's lies before killing Desdemona; and, even after learning that she did not have an affair with Cassio, Othello still failed to realize that he has been manipulated by Iago. Many quotes as illustrations.

From the Paper:

"One of the most striking things about Othello is his naivete. Although Othello is a renowned war hero who has seen and experienced horrors throughout his lifetime, he retains a basic naivete about life, especially life in society. Initially, Othello, though able to confront and kill the enemy, is unable to conceive of the idea that one who calls himself friend could be a threat. Othello's naivete is first demonstrated by his lack of knowledge regarding Desdemona's character. Othello idealizes Desdemona, and has characterized her deception of her father as something necessary in order to further their love, instead of considering that they could have admitted their romance to Brabantio rather than eloping. It is Brabantio, not Iago or Othello, that first brings up the concept that Desdemona might deceive Othello."

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