othello caused his own downfall
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. He uses many devices to put false accusations into Othellos head. 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. Downfall of Othello: A tragic hero has to be virtuous and a morally blameless man. Alternatively, it is equally possible that although Othello had many flaws, it was Iago who acted as a catalyst by exposing them, thus causing Othellos downfall. A mans character is his fate. In Act 1, when warned by Brabantio that Desdemona may also deceive Othello, Othello retorts passionately: My life upon her faith! However Iago further manipulates Othello into thinking she should suffer as, In the tragedy Othello by William Shakespeare, it illustrates how easily one can be filled with poison and be manipulated in such little time. C. Bradley (1904) Shakespearian Tragedy, New York: Palgrave Macmillan Beard & Kent (2008) AQA AS English Literature B, Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Marian Cox (2003) AS/ A-Level Student Text Guide, Othello, William Shakespeare Oxfordshire: Phillip Allan Updates http://www2. [] this denoted a foregone conclusion (3.3 427-429). Write Similarly, Desdemona reflects many of Othellos positive qualities. 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. Iago's amassment of jealousy and hatred begins at the start of the story when Othello's choses to promote Cassio rather . 433). Moreover, Othello throws a fit in act four and falls into a trance. 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. 1584 words Bibliography 1 = http://www. To What Extent Is Macbeth Responsible for His Own Downfall. 350), in the same way that Othello turns Turk through the metaphor in his final speech, an turbaned Turk traduced the state And smote him thus (5. Get expert help in mere Othello is a moor, a black but honorable man, in Denmark. 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. html http://www. 3. 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. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. Alternatively, Iago incites jealousy within Othello and watches him erupt. 111). How far was Edward responsible for his own desposition in 1470? By continuing well assume youre on board with our om/content/elizabeth-i-motives-for-expulsion-of-blackamoors-from-london-a248507 A. A tragedy is the story of an individual whose downfall is brought about by specific defects in his character, tragic flaws. Lago is the Villain of the Tragedy Othello But to What Extent is he a Tragic Villain? Iago is an ensign, denied promotion by Othello, is jealous of the promotion of his junior soldier. Othello became increasingly angry with her when he thought she had lost the object in question. On the other hand, Desdemona is truly in love with him; she even accompanies him in the war out of love saying: That I did love the Moor to live with him and my hearts subdued even to the very quality of my lord. Othello, though a remarkable man indeed, begins to think that his wife does not love him in real because he is black. 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 . He was rumored to have had . The main reason is jealousy. Othello let his emotions stand in the way of logical thought and. During Act three scene four, Othello asks desdemona about the handkerchief that he gave her. He is introduced as a seven-year-old orphan, probably an Irish famine immigrant. This merits him the standards of a tragic hero. But the more evasive Iago is of such questions, the more it riles Othello and Shakespeare uses cosmic imagery when Othello swears such as By heaven, Ill know thy thoughts to demonstrate the value that Othello assigns to Iagos opinions. There is no option but to weep over the loss. In the first act, we find out how Othello perceives Iago when he says he is, "A manof honesty and trust. In the Turk war, Othello takes his wife along. Introduction In a rage, Othello stormed into Desdemona's room and murdered her in her bed. When having a conversation with Emilia about Desdemonas infidelity, Emilia becomes shocked that Othello does not trust her, asking That she was false to wedlock? to which Othello replies Ay with Cassio (5.2.142-143). Othello as a Tragic Hero and His Downfall - UK Essays you to an academic expert within 3 minutes. Scholars can use them for free to gain inspiration and new creative ideas for their writing assignments. Othello was so blinded with jealousy that he choses to believe Iago, his 3ed-in-command, over his love. In front of Lodovico, Othello uses phrases to discriminate women such as, she can turn and turn, and yet go on, and turn again (Act 4, Scene 1) and, if that the earth could teem with woman's tears each drop she falls would prove a crocodile (Act 4, Scene 1). The motif of blood that Shakespeare includes supports this: O, blood, blood, blood! How Othello's Jealousy LED Him to a Downfall - GradesFixer In Venetian society, attacking women is a serious violation against moral implications. 10 minutes with: A Mans Character Is His Fate to What Extent Is Othellos Own Character? Audience is shocked. Even though Iago tells Othello it is a dream, Othello believes that his wife cheated on him proclaiming, O monstrous! If it is solely Othellos hamartia which leads to his downfall, then it must be related to the change in his perception of Desdemona. 349-52), and is evidence of Iagos success in turning Othello from a General into an enemy of the state. Hence Lodovico states, this would not be believed in Venice (Act 4, Scene 1). He gets trapped. 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. Iago, tricks Othello into believing that his wife is being unfaithful to him. Then, what will be the role of adults ? Therefore, Desdemonas murder becomes an act of sacrificial love: A murder which I thought a sacrifice (5. Although Othello strikes Desdemona, he also consents with Iago to kill her. Othellos act of striking Desdemona reveals his insecurity and provokes his bestial and inhuman character. '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 . Iago is envious of Othello and it appears that he makes it his goal to destroy the happiness the others. Alternatively, Othellos impulsive and passionate nature could also have contributed to his downfall, as this may have been his hamartia. Essay. For example, when plotting, Iago refers to poison when he says: Ill pour pestilence into his ear (2. First, Iago seeks out Othello to give him false news of Desdemona having an affair with Cassio. 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. 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. 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. 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. 3. Mrs Penniman is seen as a caricature, a caricature. However, it is important to consider whether Othellos ruin was the inevitable result of the defects in his character or whether there were other forces, outside of his control, which led him to his doom. There is a feeling of fear and pity for poor Othello. My 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. 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. 2. The play has been considered as one of his greatest works as a poet. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. Their marriage broke the natural order causing chaos and consequently, as in most tragedies, this chaotic force had to be destroyed for order to be restored. 88). To What Extent Is Othellos Downfall, the Result of His Own Character? 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. 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. 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. In actuality, Iagos wife, Emilia, stole the handkerchief from Desdemona when she accidentally dropped it on the floor. This causes pity and fear within the spectators. Explore more free examples on similar topics. In Act 3 scene 3, Shakespeare first suggests that Othello truly doubts Desdemona when he says, And yet how nature erring from itself- (3. The plays are similar in tragic downfall of main characters. cookie policy. Such animalistic metaphors emphasise the low opinion that Elizabethans had of Blackamoors, which may have been the root of Othellos downfall. Othello, The moor of Venice is a play that was written by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare's Othello is Solely Responsible for his Downfall Othello, after Iagos manipulations, seeks retribution on his beloved wife for allegedly having an affair. Othello's lack of judgment causes his downfall in that he chooses to trust Iago, even to the exclusion of others. They respect Othello his courageous and brave service to the army. Ultimately, one lie led to another and caused Othello to kill his wife and then resulted in him taking his own life. Therefore, Othellos inexcusable behavior reveals his downfall and degression. 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 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. How Far Was Edward Iv Responsible for His Own Deposition in 1470? Farewell, Commend me to my kind lord: O, farewell! showing her motive to protect Othello which such a realisation leads to his own death, I kiss 'd thee ere I kill 'd thee: no way but this; Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. showing his remorse and regret for, The titular character in Othello, was a villain who caused his own downfall because of his personality and actions. 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. 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. Is Othello the principal agent of his own downfall? - Medium The reason for downfall of Othello in this play Othello written by William Shakespeare. 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. 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. britaininprint. Othello was corrupted by his feelings of rage that he tried to find correlations with Desdemonas actions to prove that his assumptions were valid. Iago reveals Othellos insecurities, and prior to Iagos interference, Othello could control any situation. Othello 's tragic flaw is often identified as jealousy, and he is indeed a jealous man.. 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. The fall of Othello would be of high importance because it involves royal blood and may resultantly influence masses in general. Heathcliff through out 'Wuthering Heights' is a very secluded character. Soon afterwards, Iago is named as the man responsible for orchestrating the entire faade. Iago planned to avenge his jealousy at Othello by misleading him; however, it is an error of judgment on the part of Othello. He tragically fell from being the prestigious Moor to a murderous lunatic who believed in falsifications of his own wife. Type your requirements and I'll connect She had tried to tie the handkerchief on Othellos head some time prior to Othello interrogating Desdemona on the missing handkerchief. 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. 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. Othello has now become a general in the army. 1. 'A man's character is his fate. In fact, as with most tragic heroes, it is this decision which leads to his destruction. What is Othello's tragic flaw that causes his downfall? Othello came to the conclusion that Desdemona did not have the handkerchief because she gave in to Cassio when she was having an affair. 2. He plots against Othello and his wife. 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. 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. Othello has also been viewed as a very sympathetic character. In Act 1, Othello diffuses a situation in which multiple combatants had already unsheathed their weapons. There is a feeling of fear and pity for poor Othello. Othello has been caught between his best friend Cassio and his wife, Desdemona. " (I, i, 284) Othello does not . (3. Othello 's motives was ironically flawed where even in Desdemonas death does she remain loyal, Nobody; I myself. 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. 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. Edward had not executed. To what extent do we feel sympathy towards the character of Heathcliff? Othellos opinions of Desdemona cause problems in their relationships and also facilitates Othello to want to kill her. It makes us appreciate his character. Metaphorical catharsis from watching tragedy gave the spectators a shared experience that bound them closer together. 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. 64) as he feels that else shell betray more men. Shakespeare builds upon this manipulation through the motif of turning, as Iago vows to turn her virtue into pitch (2. And no woman would love a blank man. Othello, filled with anger, asks Desdemona about the handkerchief he gave her. Monstrous! 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. . All Rights Reserved. 301) and calls himself An honourable murderer. 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). Henry James uses, Lavinia Penniman predominantly for the comic relief derived from her unrealistic romantic scheme, her extensive hyperbole, and deceitfulness. Iago: The Main Cause Of Downfall In Shakespeare's Othello Sometimes it is hard to do all the work on your own. The tragedy of Othello, written by William Shakespeare, presents the main character Othello, as respectful, honorable, and a dignified man, but because of his insecurities and good nature, he is easily taken advantage of and manipulated by his peers and alleged friends. He interacts with people only to manipulate them, but most importantly. (3. 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. edu/home/bmcmanus/poetics. Iago the arch villain in the play made Othello believe that his wife Desdemona and his lieutenant Michael Cassio were having an affair. How Does Othello's Pride Lead to His Downfall ' To what extent is Othello's own character the cause of his downfall? Every Person Is an Architect of His Own Future, Each In His Own Way An Oddball Or An Outsider, Mrs Pennimans character is to some extent a mere caricature in Henry James Washington Square. To what extent is Othellos own character the cause of his downfall? Leavis states that Othello is more responsible for his downfall than Bradley does. 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! On the other hand, it can be argued that Othellos downfall was not his own doing. USA. Finally, Iago deceived Emilia into giving him Desdemonas handkerchief. 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. The deed he is bound to do is not murder, but a sacrifice. How Does Iago Corrup Othello in Shakespear's Othello, Beowulfs Fame, Fate and Destiny in His Life. Othello had a chance to at least give her the benefit of the doubt, but he does not. 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. Charlotte, NC 28210, Desdemona tells Othello many times that she lost it, but Iago has already manipulated Othello into thinking that she gave it to 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. 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. 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. Sophocles is the author of Oedipus play, which has enjoyed audience and support from other scholars. His fatal flaw in the play is presented to be his jealousy and this interpretation makes him solely culpable. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them (1.2 59). Instead, jealousy takes over him and suddenly He smothers her (5.2.82). Othello enters their bedroom and wakes Desdemona up from his sleep. This would fit the necessary consistency outlined by Aristotle, as the same passion and instantaneous response can be found in his reaction to Brabantio in scene 1 as in the later scenes, in his immediate reaction to Iagos suggestive statements. This however AC Bradley states, The Othello who enters the bed-chamber with the words, 'It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul ', is not the man of the Fourth Act. 1. 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The flaw that I saw Othello have in Shakespeares play was Jealousy and eventually all of his Jealousy is turned in to hate. A Man'S Character Is His Fate To What Extent Is Othello'S Own Character Shakespeare crafts Iago's evil characteristic through the way he manipulates others in order to carry out his plans and his unfit motivation for his maliciousness. When Edward VI became King in 1461, he had to deal with some unfavourable circumstances. What is the cause of Othello's downfall? | MyTutor With this state of mind and inner tormenting, he ends up killing his wife. Save time and let our verified experts help you. For Aristotle a tragedy is to be serious having dignity and a protagonist of high esteem that experiences a reversal of fortune. 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. 3. His discourse immediately calms the tension. In lines 330-447 in act 3 scene 3, Iago uses rhetorical. 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. 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. 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. He places more value on the opinions of this man as opposed to honest women, which ends up working out fatally for him. Is Othello Responsible for His Own Downfall | FreebookSummary In addition, Othello also uses foul language that is inappropriate for a man with such high regards. 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. From the beginning of the play, she loves Othello with all her heart and so does he. 3. 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. Othello even labelled him honest Iago and allowed Iago to advise him on his wife. May their Souls rest in peace. 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. 2. The dynamic of Othello's character significantly changes as the play evolves. Othello's downfall began when he wholeheartedly trusted the wrong person, Iago. Cite In literature, a tragic flaw (or hamartia in Greek) is a trait that causes a character's downfall. This is so in Act 2 Scene 1 where Desdemona professes her loyalty and love to Othello, And so much duty as my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord. Even though she professes her faith and loyalty to the moor, Othello is continually opened to Iagos poisons, leading him to question Desdemonas loyalty overtime to the extent where he calls her a strumpet in Act 4. 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). Ergo, Othello is the tragic hero in William Shakespeares play, Othello, the Moor of Venice. This leads Iago to manipulate Othello and cause his tragic downfall. Othello was blind to the truth because his mind was filled with jealousy and rage.
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