Othello is the character the play is named after and is therefore the main character. Iago says And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets Has done my office. (I.iii.378-379). Othello's Jealousy is mostly a figure of his imagination made from all of iago's lies and being mislead.
From this conversation we see that Iago is envious of Cassio being promoted ahead of him, and plotting against Othello as a means of seeeeking revenge. (dictionary.com) Othello demonstrates his nobility in a number of different ways. Othello is very much to blame at this stage as he is acting in a rash and impulsive way and not taking in the information he is being told. 629 Words3 Pages. (Shakespeares Imagery, 335)
As asses are.' Othello can be lead into anything just because he believes everybody is a good honest person. Iago mutters this in act 3 scene 3 when he sees Desdemona and Cassio talking. He actively plays upon the beliefs and fears of the Elizabethans. Cloud State University M.A. Deceit, violence and self-destruction reign throughout. In some cases, like Iagos, this is a bad thing as he can be fooled easily by false assumptions. His naivety and lack How is the concept of the outsider represented in Othello? One could argue that both destiny and individual choices result in Othello 's eventual downfall. W i l l ia m Sha k e Sp e a r e
Just like in our lives and in the case of the play, Othello, Othello didn't have a good person who was looking out for his best interests. (3) Fall from high to low estate.
While Othello does exercise poor judgment in whom to believe (especially for an experienced military leader), he deserves less blame for his downfall. Othello expresses his inadequacy in. Later, he displays a short temper to Tiresias: "You, you scum of the earth . In Shakespeare 's Othello, a play that explores love, jealousy and betrayal, three characters experience a pivotal revelation than fundamentally changes them. Women who attempted to assert their views were seen as a threat to social order. Iago uses the absent handkerchief to further influence Othello into believing that his wife is unfaithful. Edited and with an Introduction by
Ultimately, Othello's downfall and destruction is a result of his insecurities and flaws such as his gullibility, jealousy and his deep love for Desdemona. This treacherous act is the work of the villain, Iago. Othello's tragic flaw is often identified as jealousy, and he is indeed a jealous man. I'm sure for me, and everyone here we've known someone like this. The concept of the imperfection of the common man is addressed in many different pieces of literature. He is also depicted as a loyal, eloquent man, who is celebrated for his accomplishments on the battlefield. the Elizabethan society, as well as the theme and the plot in which they appear. For thy solicitor shall rather die
He could have prevented it all by no believing and asking his wife the truth. It is clear that Othello is held hamartia. tragic hero has many weaknesses which lead to his downfall at the conclusion of the play. This is made evident in the opening lines of the prologue when he states "Here I am myself--you all know me, the world knows my fame: I am Oedipus."
Othello: A Level York Notes There is, of course, good reason for Othello to be insecure. Anagnorisis which is the point in the plot which the protagonist recognizes his or some others characters true identity or discovers the true nature of his own situation. 361) when he knew immediately to 'smote him thus', as he was certain of his enemy, but in this case, doubt has impaired his vision and he is unsure . The city of Cyprus was a city-state in the Venice. Iago convinces Othello that Michael Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona, which sparks Othello's jealousy. William Shakespeare Othello 1. Othello, could be considered righteous, because he believes his wife, Iagos revenge plan started because he wanted a higher position in the army. The fact that Iago is so easily able to manipulate Othello points us towards his real tragic flawOthello is naive in a way that suggests he suffers from insecurity.
In Othello, how is Iago responsible for Othello's tragedy? His religion is war, and his god is Othello, and so his fury when Cassio is preferred to him is the fury of the priest or worshipper who has been found unworthy, (Bloom).
Othello: Questions & Answers | SparkNotes Shakespeare is deliberately startling and troubling the audience, one should consider first the social context to which they belong, i.e. Accessed 9 July 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. Interestingly, Iago only has to insinuate that Desdemona is unfaithful before Othello's jealousy takes over. On closer examination, throughout the play we see Iago manipulating all the characters in turn; this shows that he is an expert master manipulator for everyone to be deceived by him. One of these is man's inability to view women without suspicion and jealousy. Where Bradley excuses Othellos behaviour Leavis blames him. It defines someone who is held in tremendously high esteem by the people of Venice. Get Your Custom Essay Sample, Othello is Solely Responsible for his Downfall in Shakespeare's Othello. He is a product of a prejudiced society, a society which uses him for his military prowess and exotic culture but then stereotypes him as animalistic, lustful, jealous, and violent. "What is Othello's tragic flaw that causes his downfall?" Latest answer posted December 03, 2020 at 4:29:02 PM.
To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall? These qualities include; 1.
Does Othello create his own downfall? The fact that Othello is so Some believe in working honestly towards his or her aspirations and others in seizing it at any cost. 5 (339) " KarrieWrites did such a phenomenal job on this assignment! When he makes his proclamation and no one confesses to the murder of Laius, Oedipus loses patience immediately and rushes into his curse. Othello trusts the malevolent Iago, who is dedicated to causing his downfall. Othello's race plays an important role in his relationship with Desdemona and is something controlled by destiny. If I do vow a friendship, Ill perform it
Othello is incharge of his own downfall - StudyMoose Haven't Found an Essay You Want? Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. We learn Othello through Iago that he is an easy target to manipulate because he is so open:
and therefore he becomes more easily manipulated by him, the more Othello trusts Iago the more lies he can tell in his favour.Iago ingratiates himself to Othello and appears to be the good. He indicates that a tragic hero must have these characteristics:
The Downfall of Othello - 1687 Words | Essay Example The Moor is arguably one of the finest, if not the finest, tragedies in the literary history of the Western Civilization. critic: "Othello is responsible for his own downfall" - Elliot "Othello is strangely open to deception" - ? Othello grows to meet his downfall when his trusted friend Iago causes him to think that his wife Desdemona is unfaithful. Iago is canny enough to be able to persuade people to do his will without necessarily vocalising what he wills them to do? To other people she is still a little girl, but by her actions, she proves herself a woman. This is unreasonable because it is not fair that one should automatically jump to conclusions especially as she was trying to do a good deed for a friend who helped her meet her husband. 4. Othellos title alone, Governor-General, emanates an air of nobility, confidence, and strength. The reason for downfall of Othello in this play Othello written by William Shakespeare. Othello's love is dismissed. Why does Othello care about Desdemona's handkerchief How does Iago manipulate Desdemona? In some cases, like Iago's, this is a bad thing as he can be fooled easily by false assumptions. at Delphi that he will kill his father and marry his mother. How does Emilia help Iago? eNotes Editorial, 4 Apr. Solomon, born to David at the height of his reign, never knew simplicity, David had erred once in fidelity, resulting in marriage to Solomons mother; Solomon erred many times over by marrying hundreds of pagan wives. Othello's tragic flaw is a mixture of pride and impulsiveness. Thankfully for him, the duke and the senate are sympathetic to Othello and Desdemona and override the desires of her enraged father. Through using a tragic hero, Shakespeare does not intend his audience to admire Othello, but to essentially identify ourselves with him. board with our, See Iago planned the whole thing out but he plays it off like he 's shocked about what happened. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. Call up her father. This view is what leads to him strangling her. The play describes how Othello is lead to believe that his wife has been unfaithful to him. Nobility can be defined as having "nobleness of mind, character, or spirit exalted moral excellence." When talking about or to Desdemona, Othellos language is rich and passionate and he uses poetic language, My soul hath her content so absolute that not another comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate. Yet could I bear that too, well, very well. Despite Othello's numerous positive character traits, his tragic flaw leads to demise at the end of the play. He is a character of high stature that is destroyed by his surroundings, his own actions, and his fate. The downfall of Othello is a story by William Shakespeare which is a romantic tragedy involving some themes such as jealousy, revenge, greed, reality versus appearance which all play a role in bringing the play into a tragic end. He then wants to no all the details, I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings. In this essay I will be discussing the reasons for and against Othello being responsible for his downfall through looking at critical interpretations of his character and actions. Iago recognizes that Othello is a social outcast in Venetian society and is aware of his low self-esteem. In Othello, is Othello the victim of his own demise? This is clearly shown when Iago makes racial comments about Othello, Even now, now, very now an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. He is approachable and straight forward man who supposedly has favourites, unfair, and always and must have his own way. His destruction is essentially precipitated by his own actions, as well as by the actions of the characters surrounding him. Is the rapidity of Othello's emotional collapse (act III, scene 3) plausible? Othello guilt is eventually the killer. Many forms of irony are identified throughout literature, drama and cinema. Othello's downfall is a result of his many flaws being played upon by Shakespeare's most unforgiving, infamous villain; Iago. The critic leavis also agrees that Othello has no one to blame but himself for his actions, .
Iago is warning Othell that nothing good can come from jealousy.Then Iago starts to question desdemona's loyalty but othello gets mad and saysNo, Iago; I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; And on the proof, there is no more(III,iii,220-223). The Othello that we come to know through the action of the play is a supremely capable and powerful general very confident in his own abilities as a soldier and leader of men. He is particularly susceptible to Iago's machinations because he of a different race, and perhaps already feels like an outsider, and as important, because he is much older than his beautiful wife.He murders his wife from rage born of pure jealousy. Othello's jealousy is also fueled by his self-doubt and low self-esteem. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. Interracial marriage was highly uncommon and looked down upon. Solomon differed greatly from David, even early on, in his seeming lack of the passionate love for God that David possessed.
And also shows respect. Accordingly, it is a combination of Iago's efforts and cunning traps as well as Othello's jealous, irrational nature that ultimately lead to Othello's downfall. Othello is so blind with rage at the thought that his wife might have been unfaithful to him that he is incapable of listening to reason. This shows Othellos breakdown through the breakdown of his syntax. When he questions her she says she has saw nothing, Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspectAs Emelia spends most of her time with Desdemona, Othello should have some belief in what she is saying because if Desdemona was to cheat then Emelia would be the one to know about it. The source of the play was a short story from the Hecatommitchi, a collection of short stories by an Italian named Giovanni Battista Giraldi, published in 1565. And will as tenderly be led by th nose
Is Othello the cause of his own demise, or does Iago cause his demise, or is it a combination of the two? Arguably, if Othello had been more secure in Desdemona's love for him and in his own worth, he would not have allowed Iago to sow the seeds of distrust within him. Leavis argued that Othello is responsible for his own downfall because he has a propensity to jealousy and a weak character, which is sorely tested by marriage. A maiden never bold
The play illustrates how much one could be polluted in such little time; with the facts based upon suspicions and assumptions from a source who was determined to kill him. Explain. 2018, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/othello-victim-destiny-forces-beyond-his-control-318825. In Act 3, he sets aside his sensible, military side and falls prey to Iago's manipulation. Can we as readers blame Othello and say that he got what was coming to him? Iago cleverly manipulates Othello into believing that Michael Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona behind his back. "We can call these delicate creatures ours, but not their appetites," Othello rages. What reason does Iago give for his hatred of Othello? Although written at different times and by different types of writers, each play has some of the same elements. Othello is portrayed as a courageous, successful general, who is deeply in love Desdemona and respected by the Venetian authorities. After firing Cassio Desdemona tries to stick up for Cassio. The insecurity exists at the back of his mind. Order creative essay Sterling professor of the humanities Yale University
Jealously is a powerful motive. Shakespeare's use of cosmic imagery when Othello swears illustrates the magnitude of Othello's resentment at his own hesitation, as his judgement is usually impulsive, as in Aleppo, (5. Overall Othello is responsible for his own fate as he allowed himself to be manipulated and didnt stick to his morals and values, like a true soldier should. While some argue that Othello's tragic flaw is jealousy, he really does not suffer from that until Iago plants seeds of doubt in his heart regarding Desdemona. The Downfall of Oedipus and Othello
He is too trusting in Iago but this is hardly a cause for concern on its own. A tragedy is the story of an individual whose downfall is brought about by specific defects in his character, tragic flaws. guy . In what sense might it be said that Othello is responsible for his own downfall? His personality consists of being obsessive, manipulative, relentless, and bold. Brabantio talks of her as if she is too young and delicate to make her own decisions. Oedipus displays an attitude of recklessness and disrespect throughout the play.
The Othello's downfall and its causes: [Essay Example], 512 words Shakespeare uses repetition (now, now, very now) to emphasise the particular idea that what is happening is shocking. Othello ends up firing Cassio. 1545 Words 7 Pages Powerful Essays Read More Downfall of Othello Othello is a story about a military leader who marries a younger venetian girl. To you, preferring you before her father,
He sees his accomplishments and feels pride in what he has done. In some ways you could say that Othello was highly responsible for his own downfall as he was easily manipulated by Iago showing him to be gullible and naive.Iago manipulates Othello by making him suspicious through inference, Ha I like not that. Rude am I in my speech,
From the beginning he expressed his hatred towards the Moor, or North African named Othello. This is a subtle whore, a closet lock and key of villainous secrets Othello says these things about Emelia so that he can defend himself because he doesnt believe that she knows nothing of Desdemonas affair.This shows that it is his own fault as he is quick to judge Emeila for lying. But Iago targets Othello's vulnerabilties. That being said . It was convenient for the beginning part of the play as it was one of the most powerful cities of the time. In this tragedy, the Outsider alienates themselves by going against sixteenth century attitudes about sex, gender, and race. I think that Othello is responsible for his own actions. Since the war finished before it begun, the main focus reverts to Othello and Desdemona. Is Desdemona responsible for her own demise. Once Cassio is drunk, Iago takes two more steps that lead to Cassio's downfall: First, he tells Montano that Cassio drinks heavily every night, and then, as prearranged with Roderigo, he has Roderigo pick a fight with Cassio, knowing Cassio will react violently. Or was he simply the victim of the evil Iago? Iago is gaining more influence over Othello after this point `as Othello is becoming more trusting of him, Iago is putting himself in a place of knowledge and power. (Folger, xxiii) By the time Othello was first performed, the author was already one of the most popular playwrights of his day and many of his best plays were already behind him. When Montano tries to break it up Cassio hurts him. It defines someone who is held in remarkably high esteem by the people of Venice. Othello holds a very respectable position among his peers. 4. According to Aristotle a tragic hero must be
How about getting full access immediately? Log in here. He then got Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio. from University of Oxford Ph.D. from University of Leicester.
2) Have a tragic flaw, and a weakness of in judgment; and
To what extent is Iago responsible for Othello's downfall? The sores and shame is a metaphor for the injustice he thinks Desdemona has done him in her infidelity. Yet we still see he loves her, O balmy breath, that dost almost persuade justice to break her sword. Iago serves as Othellos main attendant and is expected to get the promotion to lieutenant. Already a member? 2021, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-is-othello-s-tragic-flaw-that-causes-his-109515. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. Each features men of great power reduced to nothing. I think this takes some of the blame a way from Othellos actions. Othello is a play written by William Shakespeare. . Her cheating will cost him his reputation and make him a laughingstock among his men and the citizens of Venice. I durst my lord, to wager she is honest. The combination of his lack of confidence in navigating the intrigue and plots of court and people like Cassio and Desdemona and the fate that befalls him because of the sudden absence of an enemy combine to bring him to murder his beloved and then kill himself. Iago's deception is what drives the characters in Othello thereby compounding the belief of his responsibility for the outcome of this tragedy. For example, at the beginning of a scene Cassio is talking with Desdemona and Emilia but leaves as soon as Othello and Iago come near due to his admirable sense of propriety. Othello Is Responsible for His Own demise. Iago then pretends to be reluctant to tell Othello about Desdemona, Utter my thoughts! Insufferable--what, still alive? Iago feels that Cassio was chosen over him because he is more likable instead of earning it like Iago felt he had. Although this in itself is not wrong, it sets Iagos hateful mind in motion to plot for the perfect revenge. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. If he is not able to see the truth with his own eyes, he should not be able to enjoy the gift of sight. He is a twenty eight year old military veteran from Venice. Why does Othello go to Cyprus? He refuses to listen to Desdemona's explanations and protestations of innocence but again believes Iago. If he had even bothered to ask Desdemona if any of what Iago said about her was true, he could have seen what a distasteful man Iago really was and not have been fooled and driven to insanity and Desdemona could have at least justified herself properly. Why does Iago hate Cassio? that Othello is in love with Desdemona we see this from his poetic language, As truly as to heaven I do confess the vices of my blood, So we as a reader do not expect Othello to turn against her so easily. Such filth from him? Iagos use of black and white imagery degrades Othello and gives the impression that he has defiled the pure white ewe, Desdemona. During Act 1, Scene 3, the Duke and a few Senators are discussing issues around a table when Othello enters the room.
What is Othello's tragic flaw that causes his downfall? A tragedy is the story of an individual whose downfall is brought about by specific defects in his character, tragic flaws. This plan will make Iago the only person that Othello believes he can trust, and Iago will use this trust to manipulate Othello. Thus, Othello's downfall is due to a flaw in his character, his inability to identify the real enemy . Make after him, Poison his delight,
This adds to Othellos jealousy about Desdemona and so he keeps asking more questions about what Iago may know What dost thou say, Iago? This is significant in that the maintenance of social order was an extremely important aspect of Elizabethan society.
Othello essay plans Flashcards | Quizlet The thought of his wife, Desdemona, with another man nearly drives him crazy.
To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall? Despite the role of destiny and fate in Othello's life, he makes several independent decisions that lead to his downfall. Over the course of the play, Iago offers numerous reasons for him desiring revenge. Harold Bloom Iago is masterful at manipulating appearances and making what is seen appear to corroborate his own words. He came from humble origins and is a foreigner among the Venetians, yet he is considered brave and has earned his noble position through hard work and valor. He marries Desdemona against her father's wishes without fully considering the consequences. The ironic part about that is that iago said to othellobeware, my lord, of jealousy! What are the character flaws of Othello that enabled Iago to engineer his downfall in Shakespeare's Othello? He got Cassio drunk. Although Iago is evil he does display grit and mindset. Lie with her? However, Cyprus is an alternative to Venice. First of all, Oedipus is put to shame in front of his entire city because of his incestuous act of marrying his mother. This is all apart of Iago 's evil plan. $35.80 for a 2-page paper It is obvious that Iago had a large influence on Othello's downfall but we are all responsible for our actions therefore it could be that Othello's flaws in his nature led him to his own downfall and eventually to be held responsible for his own demise. Why does Iago think that Emilia has slept with both Othello and Cassio, and where in the play does he voice these suspicions? Iago plans to use Desdemona as a way to get under Othello 's skin. Sex and Sexual Stories in Othello, Iago's Alter Ego: Race as Projection in Othello, That's She That Was Myself: Not-So-Famous Last Words and Some Ends of Othello, The Adaptation of a Shakespearean Genre: Othello and Ford's 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, Theatricality and Textuality: The Example of Othello, Voice Potential: Language and Symbolic Capital in Othello, Act III, Scenes 1-4 Questions and Answers. * For example, Iago carried out a plan to make Cassio lose his job. After finding that his wife was faithful, he changes from the man we once knew. Bloom's Classic Critical Views
His title alone, Governor-General, exudes an air of nobility, confidence, and strength. It is obvious from the beginning. Women gained their status based on the position of either their father or their husband. Even though Othello loves Desdemona dearly, this tendency of men to want to control and the fear of losing runs deep within him. Oedipus character flaw is ego. Good signior, you shall command with years than with your weapons." Tragically, Othello's jealousy influences him to murder his wife and leads to his demise. Despite his remarkable eloquence and bravery . During Act 1, Scene 3, the Duke and a few Senators are discussing issues around a table when Othello enters the room. Assure thee,
Iago, the antagonist of the play Othello is one of those people who would do anything in order to get what he wishes. And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace
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