The Elements Of Tragedy In Shakespeare's Othello

Aristotle establishes elements that are necessary to define a tragedy. In Poetics, Aristotle asserts that the definition of tragedy can be divided into six parts: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle and song. In Shakespeare’s Othello, Aristotle’s notion of tragedy is apparent through the elements of plot, character and diction. Othello follows Aristotle’s convention of a tragedy. According to Aristotle, plot is most important among the six elements. Plot is the arrangement of events occurring in tragedy (Aristotle 196). Plot is broken down into three parts: reversal, recognition, and scene of suffering (Aristotle 199). Reversal or peripeteia is when the protagonist experiences reversal of circumstances. Othello, begins with Barbantio
Othello proves the love and trust he shares with Desdemona is genuine when he explains, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them. / … / Here comes the lady. Let her witness it” Shakespeare (I.iii.190-195). Clearly, then, Othello expresses his love for Desdemona and even more, he trusts her to confirm his statements. The play further reveals Othello’s hamartia or tragic flaw — poor judgement. Othello falsely mistakes appearance for reality, as he is manipulated by Iago. Othello loses Desdemona’s trust because he believes she is having an affair with his former lieutenant Cassio, Othello tells himself, “She’s gone, I am abused, and my relief / Must be to loathe her. / Oh, curse of marriage…” Shakespeare (III.iii.305-310). It is evident that Shakespeare establishes reversal in this scene since Othello is convinced that Desdemona is cheating on him and doubts her trust, as he once trusted Desdemona. Aristotle defines recognition or anagnorisis as the process of actualization in which they are able to see their destiny clearly (Aristotle 199).