Moreover, Othello throws a fit in act four and falls into a trance. 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. 1. 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. Soon after, Emilia finds Desdemonas dead body and realizes that Othello is the murderer. A mans character is his fate. Such animalistic metaphors emphasise the low opinion that Elizabethans had of Blackamoors, which may have been the root of Othellos downfall. This leads Iago to manipulate Othello and cause his tragic downfall. Therefore, Othellos inexcusable behavior reveals his downfall and degression. In the first act, we find out how Othello perceives Iago when he says he is, "A manof honesty and trust. Othello became increasingly angry with her when he thought she had lost the object in question. (2016, Dec 07). 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. Monstrous! 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. In Act 1, when warned by Brabantio that Desdemona may also deceive Othello, Othello retorts passionately: My life upon her faith! Although Othello strikes Desdemona, he also consents with Iago to kill her. His focus in negativities, such as heavily viewing the possibility of his wife being unfaithful towards him instead of earnestly focusing on the positive possibility that Desdemona, his wife, is actually remaining faithful towards him, and the abundant hedonism in the play, such as his drastic desire for vengeance and knowledge and the desire of Iago, led to Othellos downfall. How Does Iago Corrup Othello in Shakespear's Othello, Beowulfs Fame, Fate and Destiny in His Life. My mind misgives (3.4.85) which further qualifies how unsure of Desdemona he is. 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?. With this state of mind and inner tormenting, he ends up killing his wife. The main reason is jealousy. Audience is shocked. 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. In the Turk war, Othello takes his wife along. Othello experiences mixed feelings between these two characters. It was Nov. 3, 2017, and the target was Jos Manuel Villarejo Prez, a former government spy. Metaphorical catharsis from watching tragedy gave the spectators a shared experience that bound them closer together. The fall of Othello would be of high importance because it involves royal blood and may resultantly influence masses in general. To what extent do we feel sympathy towards the character of Heathcliff? 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. 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. Iago continually uses rhetorical strategies to manipulate others. Othello proved his own villainous ways through his actions, which becomes apparent to the audience and other characters within the play. (3. Iago the arch villain in the play made Othello believe that his wife Desdemona and his lieutenant Michael Cassio were having an affair. 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. 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. 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. Othello's downfall Essay Example For FREE - New York Essays edu/home/bmcmanus/poetics. Save time and let our verified experts help you. 3. Cite In literature, a tragic flaw (or hamartia in Greek) is a trait that causes a character's downfall. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. Then, what will be the role of adults ? Iago then convinced Cassio to drink, which lost Cassio the respect of Othello and the position he held. 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. Othello has also been viewed as a very sympathetic character. Throughout the play, Othello is fed lies from the antagonist of the story, Iago, but does not question his source of knowledge. 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. He is introduced as a seven-year-old orphan, probably an Irish famine immigrant. Othello let his emotions stand in the way of logical thought and. 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. No, Othello does not create his own downfall. Read More 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. 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. 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. These changes are evidence of the vital role of Iago in Othellos downfall, suggesting that Othellos flaws, although numerous, may not have been fatal. Audience is shocked. 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. 229) because he thinks that being white, Desdemona would prefer a white man like Cassio to himself. To what extent is Othellos own character the cause of his downfall? [] this denoted a foregone conclusion (3.3 427-429). Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them (1.2 59). 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. This causes pity and fear within the spectators. 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. 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. It could be argued that the ultimate downfall of Othello is due to his hamartia. Villarejo's name had been circulating in the Spanish press for years. Write Othello as a Tragic Hero and His Downfall - UK Essays They respect Othello his courageous and brave service to the army. All Rights Reserved. Othello had a chance to at least give her the benefit of the doubt, but he does not. 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. It can be argued that the shame induced by the idea of his wifes unfaithfulness results in his downfall, which Shakespeare expresses through animalistic imagery: I had rather be a toad/ And live upon the vapour of a dungeon/ Than keep a corner in the thing I love/ For others uses. 1129 Words 5 Pages Superior Essays Read More The Jealousy Of Destruction In Shakespeare's Othello The biggest part in the story that jealousy is shown is in the ending, mainly because this is were Othello kills his wife because of Iago 's trickery. 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. 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). Therefore, Desdemonas murder becomes an act of sacrificial love: A murder which I thought a sacrifice (5. 111). Iago: The Main Cause Of Downfall In Shakespeare's Othello 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. What is Othello's tragic flaw that causes his downfall? Othello 's motives was ironically flawed where even in Desdemonas death does she remain loyal, Nobody; I myself. 3. 64) as he feels that else shell betray more men. The plays are similar in tragic downfall of main characters. 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. Henry James uses, Lavinia Penniman predominantly for the comic relief derived from her unrealistic romantic scheme, her extensive hyperbole, and deceitfulness. 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. 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. Desdemona tells Othello many times that she lost it, but Iago has already manipulated Othello into thinking that she gave it to Cassio. 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 creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. 301) and calls himself An honourable murderer. 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. Order custom essay A Mans Character Is His Fate to What Extent Is Othellos Own Character? We dont find any moral flaw or defect in his character. ' To what extent is Othello's own character the cause of his downfall? Iago planned to avenge his jealousy at Othello by misleading him; however, it is an error of judgment on the part of Othello. 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). 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. What is the cause of Othello's downfall? | MyTutor '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 . In Act 1, Othello diffuses a situation in which multiple combatants had already unsheathed their weapons. The play has been considered as one of his greatest works as a poet. Othellos act of striking Desdemona reveals his insecurity and provokes his bestial and inhuman 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. At first Othello responds calmly: Why dost thou ask? For Aristotle a tragedy is to be serious having dignity and a protagonist of high esteem that experiences a reversal of fortune. This is the height of pity and awe. 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). Misunderstanding was his fault. cnr. 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. 3. Even though Iago tells Othello it is a dream, Othello believes that his wife cheated on him proclaiming, O monstrous! To What Extent Is Macbeth Responsible for His Own Downfall. Iago is envious of Othello and it appears that he makes it his goal to destroy the happiness the others. 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. My Consequences Of Othello's Downfall - 1486 Words | Cram When Edward VI became King in 1461, he had to deal with some unfavourable circumstances. How Far Was Edward Iv Responsible for His Own Deposition in 1470? How Othello's Jealousy LED Him to a Downfall - GradesFixer 'Othello has only himself to blame for his own tragic - Medium 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. When Iago eventually suggests that Desdemona is dishonest, Othello trusts Iago to Give [him] the ocular proof (3. 2. 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. The hero suffers from some tragic error or hamartia which is primarily responsible for his downfall. Instead, jealousy takes over him and suddenly He smothers her (5.2.82). The Downfall of Othello - 1687 Words | Essay Example - IvyPanda Mrs Penniman is seen as a caricature, a caricature. His discourse immediately calms the tension. Explore more free examples on similar topics. suite101. Othello, after Iagos manipulations, seeks retribution on his beloved wife for allegedly having an affair. 3. The knowledge which they have gained in. 3. This reversal of fortune must be caused by the tragic heros hamartia, a mistake. Othello turns from calm to a raging cauldron of jealousy. 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. Is Othello the principal agent of his own downfall? - Medium We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. His fatal flaw in the play is presented to be his jealousy and this interpretation makes him solely culpable. She had tried to tie the handkerchief on Othellos head some time prior to Othello interrogating Desdemona on the missing handkerchief. 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. How far was Edward responsible for his own desposition in 1470? Sophocles is the author of Oedipus play, which has enjoyed audience and support from other scholars. 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. Type your requirements and I'll connect 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. 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 expresses his inadequacy in speech; he compares himself to Cassio and finds that he. Copyright 2023 Studybee.Net. 88). How Does Othello's Pride Lead to His Downfall Therefore, this can be used as evidence that Othello was only convinced by. Othello was corrupted by his feelings of rage that he tried to find correlations with Desdemonas actions to prove that his assumptions were valid. Soon afterwards, Iago is named as the man responsible for orchestrating the entire faade. In Venetian society, attacking women is a serious violation against moral implications. 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. 1584 words Bibliography 1 = http://www. What is the cause of Othello's downfall? net/shakespeare/study_tools/race. 2. Hence Lodovico states, this would not be believed in Venice (Act 4, Scene 1). 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). Charlotte, NC 28210, Downfall of Othello - Studybee.Net USA. (3. Othello came to the conclusion that Desdemona did not have the handkerchief because she gave in to Cassio when she was having an affair. This merits him the standards of a tragic hero. 6000 Fairview Road, The flaw that I saw Othello have in Shakespeares play was Jealousy and eventually all of his Jealousy is turned in to hate. If it is solely Othellos hamartia which leads to his downfall, then it must be related to the change in his perception of Desdemona. By Othello believing those falsehoods, it causes him to lose trust and question his wife, Desdemona. Some critics are of the opinion that it is jealousy that has clouded his judgement thus, and argue that this must be his hamartia. The reason for downfall of Othello in this play Othello written by William Shakespeare. 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. But Iago targets Othello's vulnerabilties. cookie policy. There is no option but to weep over the loss. In a rage, Othello stormed into Desdemona's room and murdered her in her bed. 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. In fact, as with most tragic heroes, it is this decision which leads to his destruction. with free plagiarism report. Finally, Iago deceived Emilia into giving him Desdemonas handkerchief. It makes us appreciate his character. In addition, Othello also uses foul language that is inappropriate for a man with such high regards. 349-52), and is evidence of Iagos success in turning Othello from a General into an enemy of the state. 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. Othello emphasizes that he is going to kill her, and Desdemona asks him why. After Iago starts to interfere with Othellos relationship with Desdemona, Iago has control of Othello, since Othello regards the word of Iago as gospel. Essay. Iago's amassment of jealousy and hatred begins at the start of the story when Othello's choses to promote Cassio rather . From the beginning of the play, she loves Othello with all her heart and so does he. Do you feel the pressure of the essay deadline? 389). Othello, filled with anger, asks Desdemona about the handkerchief he gave her. Iago planned to avenge his jealousy at Othello by misleading him; however, it is an error of judgment on the part of Othello. 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. 2. The hero suffers from some tragic error or hamartia which is primarily responsible for his downfall.