Discuss Othello as a tragic character. Or, sketch the character of Othello.

Answer

Discuss Othello as a tragic character.

Or, sketch the character of Othello.

Othello (1622) is a masterpiece of William Shakespeare (1564-1616). The tragic hero in Shakespeare’s play “Othello” embodies the classic elements of the tragic character. Othello is out and out a tragic fellow from the classical viewpoint. Let’s delve into key aspects of Othello’s character in the context of Hamartia, Hubris, Peripeteia, Anagnorisis, Catharsis, and Nemesis.

Hamartia (Tragic Flaw): Othello’s tragic flaw lies in jealousy and insecurity. Despite being a respected general, he is insecure about his race and feels inferior compared to the Venetian aristocrats. The deceitful Iago easily manipulates him due to Othello’s insecurities about his race and the faithfulness of his wife, Desdemona. Othello’s hamartia is his exposure to jealousy, which leads him to commit irrational acts. This flaw is evident when Othello confesses, 

“Haply, for I am black

And have not those soft parts of conversation

That chamberers have.”

Othello is not  proud to be black, and he wants to be white because he thinks that  his servants are not showing him respect because of his skin colour.

Hubris (Excessive Pride): Othello’s hubris is evident in his belief in his own judgment and his overconfidence in his ability to control his fate. He believes himself to be a rational and honourable man. He believes himself incapable of being deceived. This pride blinds him to the manipulations of Iago. It causes him to dismiss Desdemona’s innocence without proper evidence. His hubris is displayed when he proclaims, 

“I know, Iago,

Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter.” 

The quote reveals Othello’s blind spot. On the other hand, Iago sets the stage for how Othello’s belief in Iago’s honesty will lead to disaster.

Peripeteia (Reversal of Fate): The turning point in Othello’s fortunes occurs when he wrongly believes Desdemona to be unfaithful and wills to kill her. This marks the moment of peripeteia, as Othello’s life