Examples Of Heroism In Othello
Alfredo Alvarez
English 1302
Jennifer Jordan
November 30, 2011
Othello
Othello is properly held to be one of William Shakespeare 's most powerful and moving tragedies, and there are many ways that the play can be interpreted, helping to enhance the play 's value and keep it relevant and timely even in the modern era. In particular, the play provides an early example of placing minorities in central, even heroic, positions. Othello is the nominal protagonist of the story, and while he does follow certain conventions of tragedy, such as his grim realization at the end of the play that Desdemona was not having an affair, his heroism largely takes the form of his motivations, such as his loyalty to Venice, rather than his actions themselves. …show more content…
The fact that a person of color and a woman are shown to be two of the most prominent, heroic, and memorable characters in a play written in the Elizabethan era shows how Othello has many ways that it manages to stay relevant and timely throughout many eras, and is a play that contains a variety of layers that set it ahead of its time. Shakespeare may have been able to use characters that would be considered “outsiders” under most circumstances as his central heroes by setting the play in a seemingly exotic, yet well-known, location like Venice. Othello, although he is stated to be an outsider, is able to win the audience 's favor through his demonstrated virtues of faithfulness and loyalty, which he continues to exemplify even after they have driven him to disaster by the end of the play. Emilia, as well, proves to be a character that has heroic virtues that may even surpass those of Othello, as she not only offers a strong social criticism on the position of women, but also allows her conscience to guide her, rather than acting in excess and contributing to her own disasters, as both Othello and Cassio do. Othello has managed to remain a socially relevant play through the years through these qualities and characters that made it so revolutionary in Shakespeare 's day, and they continue to remain aspects of the play that allow for the play 's continued analysis and interpretation by audiences and
English 1302
Jennifer Jordan
November 30, 2011
Othello
Othello is properly held to be one of William Shakespeare 's most powerful and moving tragedies, and there are many ways that the play can be interpreted, helping to enhance the play 's value and keep it relevant and timely even in the modern era. In particular, the play provides an early example of placing minorities in central, even heroic, positions. Othello is the nominal protagonist of the story, and while he does follow certain conventions of tragedy, such as his grim realization at the end of the play that Desdemona was not having an affair, his heroism largely takes the form of his motivations, such as his loyalty to Venice, rather than his actions themselves. …show more content…
The fact that a person of color and a woman are shown to be two of the most prominent, heroic, and memorable characters in a play written in the Elizabethan era shows how Othello has many ways that it manages to stay relevant and timely throughout many eras, and is a play that contains a variety of layers that set it ahead of its time. Shakespeare may have been able to use characters that would be considered “outsiders” under most circumstances as his central heroes by setting the play in a seemingly exotic, yet well-known, location like Venice. Othello, although he is stated to be an outsider, is able to win the audience 's favor through his demonstrated virtues of faithfulness and loyalty, which he continues to exemplify even after they have driven him to disaster by the end of the play. Emilia, as well, proves to be a character that has heroic virtues that may even surpass those of Othello, as she not only offers a strong social criticism on the position of women, but also allows her conscience to guide her, rather than acting in excess and contributing to her own disasters, as both Othello and Cassio do. Othello has managed to remain a socially relevant play through the years through these qualities and characters that made it so revolutionary in Shakespeare 's day, and they continue to remain aspects of the play that allow for the play 's continued analysis and interpretation by audiences and