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 who to trust: his new wife or honest Iago. By Othello believing those falsehoods, it causes him to lose trust and question his wife, Desdemona. Even though at this time Othello has no reason to believe him, Iago said to him, Look at your wife, observe her well with Cassio (Shakespeare, 609), as if to tell him if you do not believe me, see for yourself. 1. In Shakespeares Othello, as a General of the Venetian army, Othello meets these criteria, as his mistake is to trust honest Iago and convince himself that revenge upon Desdemona will lead to honour and success. It is for this reason that he accepts Iagos story of Cassios dream as the ocular proof even though Iago admits Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream; Othello immediately reacts: Ill tear her all to pieces! Othello 's tragic flaw is often identified as jealousy, and he is indeed a jealous man.. Iago planned to avenge his jealousy at Othello by misleading him; however, it is an error of judgment on the part of Othello. He gets trapped. 3. However this line implies that Othellos doubt in Desdemona were the result of racial insecurities, and whilst they could be singular to him, the prejudices that existed against Moors in the Elizabethan era, and in the play suggest otherwise. Such animalistic metaphors emphasise the low opinion that Elizabethans had of Blackamoors, which may have been the root of Othellos downfall. Write His discourse immediately calms the tension. With this state of mind and inner tormenting, he ends up killing his wife. 10 minutes with: A Mans Character Is His Fate to What Extent Is Othellos Own Character? Ill see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; (3.3.220-21); Although Othello initially asks Iago for some real proof before believing the allegations on his wife to be true, in the end he still fails to realize that the handkerchief was not evident enough in proving Desdemona to be an unfaithful, First, Roderigo saw Iago as a friend and helped him advance his relationship with Othello. At first Othello responds calmly: Why dost thou ask? (3. There is no option but to weep over the loss. ' To what extent is Othello's own character the cause of his downfall? Where Bradley excuses Othello's behaviour Leavis blames him. He is introduced as a seven-year-old orphan, probably an Irish famine immigrant. Introduction But he later realizes that Iago trapped him into his. Henry James uses, Lavinia Penniman predominantly for the comic relief derived from her unrealistic romantic scheme, her extensive hyperbole, and deceitfulness. 1. What is the cause of Othello's downfall? Shakespeare builds upon this manipulation through the motif of turning, as Iago vows to turn her virtue into pitch (2. Othello has been caught between his best friend Cassio and his wife, Desdemona. Iago is an ensign, denied promotion by Othello, is jealous of the promotion of his junior soldier. The, he kills himself. Othello 's motives was ironically flawed where even in Desdemonas death does she remain loyal, Nobody; I myself. The play has been considered as one of his greatest works as a poet. SouthPark, Suite 1200, In Act 1, Othello diffuses a situation in which multiple combatants had already unsheathed their weapons. He convinces Othello that his young wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him. Heathcliff through out 'Wuthering Heights' is a very secluded character. The Downfall of Othello - 1687 Words | Essay Example - IvyPanda Iago the arch villain in the play made Othello believe that his wife Desdemona and his lieutenant Michael Cassio were having an affair. Othello experienced the recognition that comes with ironic tension and realised that he has unjustly murdered Desdemona, who he promised to always love and trust, in an act of tragic, Othello is a nobleman who respects everyone around him, especially his wife, Desdemona who he loved oh so dearly. In a rage, Othello stormed into Desdemona's room and murdered her in her bed. Therefore, Desdemonas murder becomes an act of sacrificial love: A murder which I thought a sacrifice (5. Othello was blind to the truth because his mind was filled with jealousy and rage. Similarly, the unconventionality of Othellos marriage to Desdemona rebelled against Elizabethan ideology, being contrary to nature as critic Karen Newman put it, which presented an obstacle in itself. Othello turns from calm to a raging cauldron of jealousy. This leads Iago to manipulate Othello and cause his tragic downfall. On the other hand, it can be argued that Othellos downfall was not his own doing. Get expert help in mere Othellos peripeteia occurs when he decides to trust Iago; however, the audience are surprised at this decision, as it is unclear what has changed his perception of Desdemona so that he condemns her as that cunning whore of Venice (4. . She falls in love with Othello, the War Hero a hero who is no stranger to danger. cnr. Some critics are of the opinion that it is jealousy that has clouded his judgement thus, and argue that this must be his hamartia. Iago is envious of Othello and it appears that he makes it his goal to destroy the happiness the others. Explore more free examples on similar topics. Since Othello focused on the negative possibility, instead of being open to a positive possibility, and since hedonism was evident in himself and Iago, Othello, a tragic hero in the Aristotelian tragedy, obviously fell from being a man whom the senators revered to a man who was wifeless and powerless and who committed suicide., With Iago being the sole manipulator and contributor to Othellos downfall, Othellos incomprehension towards Desdemonas loyalty played an equal part to the fall of the hero. Emilia then becomes enraged at Othello, who realizes that he was wrong about his opinion of Desdemonas disloyalty, and regrets killing Desdemona so much, Through his violent actions and language, Othello displays his irrationality and insanity. However, I believe this argument to be superficial, negating the wider context of Othello's world. Othello is solely responsible for his own downfall., Othello was a tragic hero with many good traits but he had one major flaw. Shakespeare's Othello is Solely Responsible for his Downfall Alternatively, Othellos impulsive and passionate nature could also have contributed to his downfall, as this may have been his hamartia. Othello's downfall is caused by his lack of character judgment, but it is also made possible by the villain Iago through his manipulative ways, his pre-built reputation, and his use of that reputation. PhDessay is an educational resource where over 1,000,000 free essays are collected. Order custom essay A Mans Character Is His Fate to What Extent Is Othellos Own Character? Othellos jealousy towards Desdemona and Michael Cassio eventually lead Othello to murder his love, Desdemona, and taking his own life at the end of the play., Othellos many shortcomings, from his insecurities, personality, and pride, were the ultimate reasons for his and Desdemonas downfall; Iago simply accelerated the process. The motif of blood that Shakespeare includes supports this: O, blood, blood, blood! When Edward VI became King in 1461, he had to deal with some unfavourable circumstances. For Aristotle a tragedy is to be serious having dignity and a protagonist of high esteem that experiences a reversal of fortune. 'A man's character is his fate. Othello is constantly aware of how different he is from everyone around him no matter how much they respect him and Iago was able to use this insecurity to his advantage and bring Othello to his downfall. Ergo, Othello is the tragic hero in William Shakespeares play, Othello, the Moor of Venice. Othello as a Tragic Hero and His Downfall - UK Essays Othello has also been viewed as a very sympathetic character. However, it is equally possible that Shakespeare has given Othello the fitness of character that Aristotle stated was an important feature of a tragic hero, as his true hamartia may be his value of the honour-shame culture which existed among European Elizabethan warriors, and is linked to the hubris common in tragic heroes. It might have been his fate to slay his wife but it was brought about by his own actions and thoughts. Downfall of Othello - Studybee.Net Othello was so blinded with jealousy that he choses to believe Iago, his 3ed-in-command, over his love. Iagos jealous and envious behavior destroys the lives of Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio. The hero suffers from some tragic error or hamartia which is primarily responsible for his downfall. In the beginning of the book, Othello was introduced as an influential general, but throughout the story, he begins to morph into an insecure, skeptical, self-conscious mad man. Othello represents the incompatibility of marriage that comes with some due to the complete fault of one, In the very end, Othello tragically dies alongside his wife. Do you feel the pressure of the essay deadline? Does Othello create his own downfall? The fact that Othello is so Othellos transition into becoming an insecure and jealous man takes his ability to think rationally away from him and strengthens his doubts which leads to him shattering his relationship with his wife, Desdemona. Downfall of Othello: A tragic hero has to be virtuous and a morally blameless man. The plays are similar in tragic downfall of main characters. Save time and let our verified experts help you. According to Aristotle's Poetics, a classical tragic hero should be renowned and prosperous, superior in some specific way, so that the reversal of fortunes or downfall, stirs up feelings within the audience of a greater intensity. 361), and some critics may argue that this rash decision to trust Iago is proof that Othello is impulsive, causing him to make foolish decisions. The reason for downfall of Othello in this play Othello written by William Shakespeare. Therefore, Othellos inexcusable behavior reveals his downfall and degression. Othello is distinguished as sympathetic because he suspects his wife is having an affair with his best friend, his handkerchief was stolen by Emilia, and he committed suicide for killing one of the people most dear to him., Desdemona reflects Othellos good qualities including his bravery, strength, and intelligence. 'Othello has only himself to blame for his own tragic - Medium As he commits the act of murder in love, this statement shows to a huge extent of Othellos incomprehension towards Desdemonas loyalty, where he commits murder not in hate, but in love, showing his blinded attitude towards his ever loyal wife. Dedicated to my beloved brother Shakeel Shahzad Javed and my Father Muhammad Javed. According to Aristotles Poetics, a classical tragic hero should be renowned and prosperous, superior in some specific way, so that the reversal of fortunes or downfall, stirs up feelings within the audience of a greater intensity. 'Othello' the 1995 adaptation movie of the play 'Othello' is known to be one of Shakespeare's more tragic plays, as it follows the tale of Othello, an army general, and his rise to power . The Othello's Downfall and Its Causes - GradesFixer The deed he is bound to do is not murder, but a sacrifice. 1584 words Bibliography 1 = http://www. 3. But Iago targets Othello's vulnerabilties. Such racial insecurities are highlighted in Othellos character throughout the play, and may be the reason behind the pains that he takes to impress people through his speech and experiences. A tragedy is the story of an individual whose downfall is brought about by specific defects in his character, tragic flaws. [] this denoted a foregone conclusion (3.3 427-429). Othello enters their bedroom and wakes Desdemona up from his sleep. Is Othello Responsible for His Own Downfall Book Analysis 2. Othello even labelled him honest Iago and allowed Iago to advise him on his wife. Lago is the Villain of the Tragedy Othello But to What Extent is he a Tragic Villain? Then, what will be the role of adults ? From the beginning of the play, she loves Othello with all her heart and so does he. Dr. Seuss once said We are all a little weird and lifes a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with. Othello experiences mixed feelings between these two characters. 301) and calls himself An honourable murderer. The audience is filled with catharsis when Othello, a splendid lover and a remarkable general, has come to know the truth only after his wife has been slayed by himself. Othello is a moor, a black but honorable man, in Denmark. 2. Copyright 2023 Studybee.Net. We dont find any moral flaw or defect in his character. Scholars can use them for free to gain inspiration and new creative ideas for their writing assignments. He wishes to avenge at Othello. There is a feeling of fear and pity for poor Othello. In addition, Othello also uses foul language that is inappropriate for a man with such high regards. Othello had seen the handkerchief with her at that time and he was being irrational about the situation and fussing over the missing handkerchief even though he had recently seen it. Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/a-mans-character-is-his-fate-to-what-extent-is-othellos-own-character-the-cause-of-his-downfall/, Run a free check or have your essay done for you, Hire experts, get original paper in 3+ hours. (2016, Dec 07). Othello may be the cause of his own downfall because he fails to understand that not all people are as good as he is and that everyone isn't out for the good of others. As a result, Lodovico questions Othellos true dignity by asking, Is this the noble Moor whom our full of Senate call all in all sufficient? (Act 4, Scene 1). During Act three scene four, Othello asks desdemona about the handkerchief that he gave her. Iago gets Desdemonas handkerchief given to her by Othello from Emilia and planted it in Cassios chambers to, Desdemona has been nothing but faithful to Othello and helpful towards Cassio. Metaphorical catharsis from watching tragedy gave the spectators a shared experience that bound them closer together. Even though soon after their marriage, he thought she was trustworthy: My life upon her faith! (1.3.289), he still believes she is guilty now because of his absence of trust in her. He is to save Desdemona from herself, not in hate but in honour; in honour, and also in love. is correct to a degree where it demonstrates the Othellos incomprehension. Othello's downfall began when he wholeheartedly trusted the wrong person, Iago. Othello expresses his inadequacy in speech; he compares himself to Cassio and finds that he. Is Othello the principal agent of his own downfall? - Medium As stated by McCloskey, Wounded pride, a feeling of personal injustice, and jealous suspicion coalesce into his master- passion of hate for Othello the Moor (25). Othello came to the conclusion that Desdemona did not have the handkerchief because she gave in to Cassio when she was having an affair. Othello emphasizes that he is going to kill her, and Desdemona asks him why. And no woman would love a blank man. Charlotte, NC 28210, The dynamic of Othello's character significantly changes as the play evolves. html William Shakespeare (2003) Othello Edited by Norman Sanders Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, A Mans Character Is His Fate to What Extent Is Othellos Own Character?. It was this combination that influenced Othello to make the fatal and mistaken decision that Iagos suspicions were correct and believe that his honour would be regained if he took vengeance upon Desdemona. Audience is shocked. First, Iago seeks out Othello to give him false news of Desdemona having an affair with Cassio. Such disastrous results are often triggered by the mistake of the tragic hero due to their tragic flaw or hamartia, which is often linked to hubris or excessive pride. Othellos act of striking Desdemona reveals his insecurity and provokes his bestial and inhuman character. 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Othello's lack of judgment causes his downfall in that he chooses to trust Iago, even to the exclusion of others. Throughout the play, Othello is fed lies from the antagonist of the story, Iago, but does not question his source of knowledge. It is such a miracle how a baby is created in a mothers womb. britaininprint. Iago, tricks Othello into believing that his wife is being unfaithful to him. He tragically fell from being the prestigious Moor to a murderous lunatic who believed in falsifications of his own wife. However, begrimed implies that both characters are stained, but as Desdemona is innocent, and Othellos inherited ethnicity determines his skin colour, the simile could relate to Iagos manipulation, and the darkness that he has brought upon the couple. Othello, after Iagos manipulations, seeks retribution on his beloved wife for allegedly having an affair. Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. you to an academic expert within 3 minutes. By watching the tragedy and feeling the strong emotions of fear and pity on behalf of the characters on stage, the spectator experiences a kind of cleansing of the soul. The exclamation here demonstrates the dedication and trust that Othello feels towards his new wife, but by Act 3, Othello is already beginning to doubt her: By the world,/ I think my wife by honest, and I think she is not (3. This merits him the standards of a tragic hero. Villarejo's name had been circulating in the Spanish press for years. 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. What is Othello's tragic flaw that causes his downfall? Only after when he realises that Desdemonas handkerchief was in Cassios possession did it allow the green-eyed monster to take possession of him, making him blind with hatred and revenge. 88). Othello has now become a general in the army. How Othello's Jealousy LED Him to a Downfall - GradesFixer How Far Was Edward Iv Responsible for His Own Deposition in 1470? Iago represents vice; Desdemona represents virtue, and Othello is easily tempted by the vice of, Although Desdemona could not provide an answer for Othello when she was questioned on the whereabouts of the missing handkerchief, it was still not a good enough piece of evidence for Desdemonas infidelity. Is Othello Responsible for His Own Downfall | FreebookSummary Iago was only successful because of Othellos hidden flaws, but equally Othellos flaws were deeply buried within him, allowing him to become a General of the Venetian army, proving that they were not fatal, but aroused by skilful manipulators like Iago. This conversation pushes Othello over the edge and ultimately ends in the death of Othello, Desdemona, and several others including Iagos own, When Desdemona misplaces Othellos prized handkerchief, he reacts harshly because he is unconfident about Desdemonas infidelity. The main reason is jealousy. 346), and then in the final scene, Lodovico summarises the 3 corpses as poisons sight, thus demonstrating the link between Iagos manipulation and the plight of Othello and those around him. In fact, as with most tragic heroes, it is this decision which leads to his destruction. Thesis statement: Although some people believe that it is quite hard to manage the future because of inevitable fate, there seem to be no doubt that the person and only. The flaw that I saw Othello have in Shakespeares play was Jealousy and eventually all of his Jealousy is turned in to hate. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them (1.2 59). Othello's downfall Essay Example For FREE - New York Essays In the Turk war, Othello takes his wife along. with free plagiarism report. He does not listen to what she has to say, and before he kills her, Desdemona asserts Since guiltiness I know not, but yet I feel I fear then Othello responds Think on thy sins (5.2.38-39), proving his disbelief of her honesty. Soon after, Emilia finds Desdemonas dead body and realizes that Othello is the murderer. Type your requirements and I'll connect 3. Edward had not executed. Othello admits to Emilia that he killed Desdemona, and when she asks him why, Othello tells her that Iago opened his eyes to Desdemona 's falsehood. Desdemona, the daughter of a senator, is in love with him despite the fact that he is black. Iagos improbable suggestions because he was led by passion and impulse, being Perplexed in the extreme by rage, instinctively trusting Iago. Othello, The moor of Venice is a play that was written by William Shakespeare. " (I, i, 284) Othello does not . For example, when plotting, Iago refers to poison when he says: Ill pour pestilence into his ear (2. A Man'S Character Is His Fate To What Extent Is Othello'S Own Character Sophocles is the author of Oedipus play, which has enjoyed audience and support from other scholars. Mr. Earnshaw brings him back to Wuthering Heights.. Iago, in Shakespeare's Othello, is a deceiving character because he tells lies in order to get what he wants. Monstrous! They respect Othello his courageous and brave service to the army. Essay. To What Extent Is Othellos Downfall, the Result of His Own Character? Finally, Iago deceived Emilia into giving him Desdemonas handkerchief. Iago: The Main Cause Of Downfall In Shakespeare's Othello html http://www. By continuing well assume youre on board with our Such imagery would have been significant to an Elizabethan audience, as they considered the colour white to symbolise purity and goodness, whereas black had strong connotations of the devil, evil and uncleanness, thus highlighting the wickedness in Othellos disposition. Moreover, Othello throws a fit in act four and falls into a trance. cookie policy. She had tried to tie the handkerchief on Othellos head some time prior to Othello interrogating Desdemona on the missing handkerchief. All Rights Reserved. Soon afterwards, Iago is named as the man responsible for orchestrating the entire faade. We see a great character, Othello, rising up in life and eventually bringing about his own downfall expressed in his own words of dismay: Where should Othello go? According to Aristotle, The change to bad fortune which he undergoes is not due to any moral defect or flaw, but a mistake of some kind like Othellos killing of his wife is based upon error of judgment and plotting by Iago. How Does Othello Cause His Own Downfall - 578 Words | Cram 111). In Act 3 scene 3, Shakespeare first suggests that Othello truly doubts Desdemona when he says, And yet how nature erring from itself- (3. Alternatively, Iago incites jealousy within Othello and watches him erupt. Instead, jealousy takes over him and suddenly He smothers her (5.2.82). Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. To what extent do we feel sympathy towards the character of Heathcliff? Queen Elizabeth complained in 1601 of the "great numbers of Negars and Blackamoors which are crept into this realm," 1 a feeling also expressed in the play when Othello is condemned as an old black ram (1. In the tragic play, Othello, William Shakespeare creates the true wickedness of the character, Iago, through his devious plans created to cause the demise of Othello. She is, indeed, Othellos fair warrior, and he is happiest when he has her by his side in the midst of military conflict or business. Hence Lodovico states, this would not be believed in Venice (Act 4, Scene 1). Othello chooses to believe Iago because he was swallowed by love and could not handle the thought of Desdemona ever, Othello is a Moor from Venice. Such ideals may be evidence that the couples ruin was inevitable, as to an Elizabethan audience, they symbolised the unnatural, chaotic force which must be overthrown. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. The fall of Othello would be of high importance because it involves royal blood and may resultantly influence masses in general. Othello is angry and indecisive about whether or not Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio based on where his handkerchief is: Fetch me the handkerchief. I believe Othellos downfall was proceeded by his own character, although I feel that Iago had a part in it too., Iago is able to manipulate his victims with his clever use of language. In a way Bradley is right as Iago was very good at manipulating Othello yet Leavis also makes valid points because Othello truss Iago more than he does his wife.There have been many opinions from . In the first act, we find out how Othello perceives Iago when he says he is, "A manof honesty and trust. It could be argued that the ultimate downfall of Othello is due to his hamartia. In actuality, Iagos wife, Emilia, stole the handkerchief from Desdemona when she accidentally dropped it on the floor. Shakespeares use of cosmic imagery when Othello swears illustrates the magnitude of Othellos resentment at his own hesitation, as his judgement is usually impulsive, as in Aleppo, (5. While many people would be quick to call Othello a good person who was manipulated by, Othello quickly became jealous and furious when the thought of Desdemona sleeping with Cassio was presented to him by Iago. USA. Othello became increasingly angry with her when he thought she had lost the object in question. Othello had a chance to at least give her the benefit of the doubt, but he does not. They even elope and marry. He has been, oerwhelmed with [] grief (Act 4, Scene 1) and cannot, confine [himself] [] in a patient list. There is a feeling of fear and pity for poor Othello. What is the cause of Othello's downfall? | MyTutor edu/home/bmcmanus/poetics. Therefore, this can be used as evidence that Othello was only convinced by. To What Extent Is Macbeth Responsible for His Own Downfall. Either way, possible flaws like these suggest that Othellos downfall was his own doing as such traits may have driven him to trust Iago and murder Desdemona, actions which in his anagnorisis led to extreme suffering, and caused him to commit suicide. Similarly, the black and white imagery of virtue and pitch is repeated by Othello himself when referring to Desdemonas reputation: begrimed and black/As mine own face. 64) as he feels that else shell betray more men. 3. In a final attempt to convince Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful he presents the evidence of the handkerchief, a marriage gift from Othello to Desdemona, to be in the possession of Cassio, the one Othello suspects of cheating with his wife (III, iii, 447-449). The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. He uses many devices to put false accusations into Othellos head. om/content/elizabeth-i-motives-for-expulsion-of-blackamoors-from-london-a248507 A. Othellos vulnerability to those around himfrom pressures of being a black man in a white society, to his all-trusting naivet in a man who despised him, to his clouded judgment and rash behaviour with his final confrontation of Desdemona; drove him to the brink of insanity and was the cause of his death.