Othello's Flaws Essay

EMMA UNWIN - Essay on Othello.

Question: "The faults in Othello's character reduce him, and hence the play, to less than tragic stature.

To what extent do you agree/ disagree with this statement?

The Shakespearean play highlights the tragic hero Othello’s faults that do in fact reduce him, however they do not the lessen the credibility of the play’s tragic structure. It is through the influence of the characters in the play that the Othello’s fault are revealed and thus lead to the downfall of a tragic hero. Uncovered in the play are Othello’s tragic flaws, which include jealously and how the character of Iago is able to evoke this, too trustworthy of the ones he loves which ultimately leads to betrayal and the egotistical nature
It is evident that it was not Othello alone that contributed to his fall, it was the influence of several other characters in the play. Iago having the greatest influence over Othello is seen in that he manipulates him over and over again. This reveals to the responders another tragic flaw that he is too trustworthy. Irony is used between the characters of Othello and Iago. Othello has complete trust in Othello, this is demonstrated through his dialogue when he refers to Iago as having ‘exceeding honesty’ or as Othello refers to him as ‘honest Iago’. As the responder can see, Othello was not wise to trust Iago, however it is frustrating to read of Othello’s stupidity which does not allow the reader to connect with him and pity his tragedy. Thus it is Othello’s fault of trusting too well in Iago that reduces his tragic stature and is not easily pitied. Othello reveals in his dialogue that he ‘loved not wisely, but too well’ this could both be referring to Desdemona and Iago. It is evident that Othello believes he ‘loved not wisely’ in terms of loving and trusting Iago> befriending such a character was detrimental to Othello’s life and social stature. In Othello’s last speech it is revealed that Iago was the mastermind of a manipulative plan and through repetition of ‘O fool, fool
Othello is of a high position in society due to his military position, which is evident when he is named a ‘fair warrior’. Through dialogue the responder can identify Othello’s egotistical views, this is evident in his last soliloquy. His ego is consolidated in his final speech where he has fallen and tried to reclaim himself and build back his stature. Othello states in his darkest hour that ‘I have done the state some service’ after he has just murdered his wife under false pretenses. Instead of feeling remorse for his actions he begins to build himself up, demonstrating that he is egotistical. Othello loved the idea and concept of Desdemona, which is evident through his dialogue when he says ‘I won his daughter’, this demonstrates he saw Desdemona as a prize and possession and also refers to his wife as a ‘pearl’ he believes that he ‘threw a pearl away’. By referring to Desdemona as a ‘pearl’ or possession the responder generates an idea that Othello is egotistical and that it is his ego that drives him to being a less then tragic stature. Also Othello states that ‘she loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them so’ which is evidence that it was not a pure love, rather for his ‘dangers.. passed’ not for pure love. This being said by Othello show shows that he is egotistical. The