Elements Contributing to Othellos Role of the Tragic...

Elements Contributing to Othellos Role of the Tragic Hero What is a tragic hero? A tragic hero is the protagonist in the play who usually is faced with some opposing force whether internal or external. In order to be a tragic hero, one has to have the following characteristics: (1) be a nobleman, prince, or person of high estate; (2) have a tragic flaw, and a weakness in judgement; and (3) fall from high to low estate. These can be seen in Shakespeares Othello which discusses the downfall of a noble man because of his flaws that are not actually defects in itself, but rather the excess of a virtue. All throughout this paper, I will discuss how Othello was being said as a nobleman and how his attributes became his tragic flaws†¦show more content†¦He said, Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them†¦ (I.ii.60). At this point in time, Othello is not afraid to face Brabantio eventhough he knew that Brabantio is furious with him for allegedly seducing his daughter, Desdemona, through witchcraft. He treated the si tuation in an even-tempered manner in a way that his self-confidence is not tattered. He did not engage in bloody fight but instead he talked with Brabantio in peaceful means. This shows his great respect to Brabantio not only because he is his father-in-law but also because Brabantio is a noted senator in Venice. And this also shows his great knowledge in handling difficult situation. But when he discovered about the so-called unfaithfulness of Desdemona through Iago his confidence crumbled into pieces. He was enveloped in insecurities and pitying himself like hes too old for Desdemona and hes a dark man, not only because he is black, but also because theres a dark spot in his inner self. Another positive attribute that brings out his flaws is his generous trust. At first, Othellos trust is with Desdemona. In fact, he had second thoughts in Iagos statement. He told Iago that he needs proofs of Desdemonas unfaithfulness in order for him to believe on what hes saying. Othello said to Iago, I do not think but Desdemonas honest:(III.iii.241) This only shows that Othello at this time doesnt believe Iago. But when OthellosShow MoreRelatedDesdemona from Othello Essay example1358 Words   |  6 Pagesthat she is not meant to be liked, merely pitied for her misfortune as a tragic victim (commonly defined as someone who dies due to the faults of others). Throughout Othello, Desdemona is presented as pure and innocent – in regards to this, Auden’s comment is unusual as Desdemona is seldom criticised; indeed many critics are complementary, giving her titles such as ‘gentle Desdemona’. Desdemona is a victim of both Othello’s jealousy (the ‘green-eyed monster’) and Iago’s malevolence. However, as