Othello Tragic Hero

The modern definition of a tragedy is any serious accident, crime, disaster, or great misfortune (“tragedy, 2009). However in order to classify a play as a tragedy, the more formal definition constructed by Aristotle in the 4th century B.C. must be used. Aristotle defined a tragedy as “an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions” (Kennedy & Gioia, 2013). Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice is set in Venice and Cyprus during the Renaissance. The play recounts the story of Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his new bride Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian nobleman. Othello’s ancient, Iago, manipulates circumstances to convince a very trusting Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Othello, unconvinced by Desdemona’s claims of innocence, smothers her in an act of revenge. After
In Othello’s case, this undesirable trait manifests itself as gullibility combined with a jealous nature and violent temper. Many critics place emphasis on the manipulation of Othello by Iago as the source of Othello’s downfall. However as Alexander W. Crawford states in his article Hamlet, an ideal prince and other essays in Shakespearean interpretation: Hamlet; Merchant of Venice; Othello; King Lear, “In the matter of Othello and Iago, it cannot fairly be maintained that Iago was the sole cause of the calamities that befell Othello. In general it must be said that there is no Shakespearean tragedy in which the responsibility for the deed of the hero and the subsequent tragedy can be shifted from him to another person of the play.” (Crawford, 2009). Othello’s tragic flaw is clearly illustrated by Iago, while detailing intentions in his speech to