How Is Othello A Tragic Hero
A tragic hero is the protagonist of a story who has a fall from grace. A tragic hero is a character who has everything going for him or her, however, they have a flaw that sparks their downfall. Due to hubris or pride the heroic character, realizes his or her unfortunate mistake to late. Othello is a military general who is respected by the government and most of the people in his Italian community. However, Iago is the antagonist or nemesis who works against Othello. Due to Iago's envious and vengeful personality, he constructs the downfall of Othello. Othello is a "tragic hero" due to his self-centered nature and his gullibility, he allows himself to be manipulated by Iago instead of trusting his heart. He does redeem himself, but it is too
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little, too late.
To begin, Othello is a tragic hero due to his self centered nature. In Othello's scene with the Senate he said, “I had been happy, if the general camp, Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known. O, now, for ever Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content! Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars That make ambition virtue! O, farewell!
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife, The royal banner, and all quality, Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!
And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats The immortal Jove's dead clamors counterfeit, Farewell!” (3.3.397-409). Othello is eager to assure the senators that he won't let his marriage get in the way of his career. Another instance that shows his self absorbance is when Othello states, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them.” (1.3 167-169). Even his love for Desdemona could be interpreted as extremely vain. It is even a possibility that he loves her simply because she flatters his ego.
Another reason why Othello is a tragic hero is because Othello doesn’t think twice about trusting people. Iago manipulates Othello with his lies about Desdemona by saying, “Ha! I like not that...Nothing, my lord; or if—I know not what...Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it
That he would steal away so guiltylike, Seeing you coming.” (3.3.37-44) Iago never actually offers up any real proof of Desdemona's "affair," which suggests that Othello is pretty gullible and trusts Iago way more than he trusts his wife,
Desdemona.
little, too late.
To begin, Othello is a tragic hero due to his self centered nature. In Othello's scene with the Senate he said, “I had been happy, if the general camp, Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known. O, now, for ever Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content! Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars That make ambition virtue! O, farewell!
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife, The royal banner, and all quality, Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!
And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats The immortal Jove's dead clamors counterfeit, Farewell!” (3.3.397-409). Othello is eager to assure the senators that he won't let his marriage get in the way of his career. Another instance that shows his self absorbance is when Othello states, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them.” (1.3 167-169). Even his love for Desdemona could be interpreted as extremely vain. It is even a possibility that he loves her simply because she flatters his ego.
Another reason why Othello is a tragic hero is because Othello doesn’t think twice about trusting people. Iago manipulates Othello with his lies about Desdemona by saying, “Ha! I like not that...Nothing, my lord; or if—I know not what...Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it
That he would steal away so guiltylike, Seeing you coming.” (3.3.37-44) Iago never actually offers up any real proof of Desdemona's "affair," which suggests that Othello is pretty gullible and trusts Iago way more than he trusts his wife,
Desdemona.