Shakespeare's "Othello" and Tragedy

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Shakespeare's "Othello" follows Aristotle's principles for creating the perfect tragedy. It has a plot that is easily remembered and structured to arouse pity and fear within the audience, with importance placed on the action, and events turning upon surprises. The author points out that the suffering of Othello meets the essential requirements to be considered a tragic hero. The paper stresses that, in "Othello", the reader witnesses the genius of Shakespeare; Othello changes from a loving husband and great warrior to a jealous, murdering husband. The reader loves him, hates him, and then feels sorry for him.

From the Paper:

"Additionally, Iago also tells Roderigo that Othello "Is of a constant, loving, noble nature,/And, I dare think, he'll prove to Desdemona/A most dear husband" (II.i.280-3). In reaction to Othello's character, A. C. Bradley states, "Othello's mind, for all its poetry, is very simple. He is not observant. His nature tends outward. He is quite free from introspection, and is not given to reflection. Emotion excites his imagination, but it confuses and dulls his intellect . . . he has little experience of the corrupt products of civilized life, and is ignorant of European women" (Bradley). Our first impression of Othello is a positive one. This fact will help us to feel pity for Othello later in the play."

More papers on Shakespeare's "Othello" and Tragedy:

• Analytical Essay # 31231 : "The Characters of "Othello" and "Jane Eyre" as 'Other'"
• Analytical Essay # 28091 : "Othello" and "Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)"
• Analytical Essay # 71082 : "Othello and Iago"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: