Alternatively, Othellos impulsive and passionate nature could also have contributed to his downfall, as this may have been his hamartia. Henry James uses, Lavinia Penniman predominantly for the comic relief derived from her unrealistic romantic scheme, her extensive hyperbole, and deceitfulness. There is a feeling of fear and pity for poor Othello. Moreover, Othello throws a fit in act four and falls into a trance. How far was Edward responsible for his own desposition in 1470? 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. In addition, Othello also uses foul language that is inappropriate for a man with such high regards. 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. Othello experiences mixed feelings between these two characters. 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. Is Othello the principal agent of his own downfall? - Medium Sometimes it is hard to do all the work on your own. Othello was corrupted by his feelings of rage that he tried to find correlations with Desdemonas actions to prove that his assumptions were valid. Tragedy results in a catharsis, emotional cleansing or healing for the audience; this is achieved through their experience of pity and fear in response to the suffering of the character(s) in the drama. Othello is fully manipulated by Iago that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio. After Iago starts to interfere with Othellos relationship with Desdemona, Iago has control of Othello, since Othello regards the word of Iago as gospel. Othello's downfall Essay Example For FREE - New York Essays 2. 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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 . What is Othello's tragic flaw that causes his downfall? Othellos opinions of Desdemona cause problems in their relationships and also facilitates Othello to want to kill her. To What Extent Is Othellos Downfall, the Result of His Own Character? Leavis states that Othello is more responsible for his downfall than Bradley does. We dont find any moral flaw or defect in his character. To what extent is Othellos own character the cause of his downfall? 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. 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. Save time and let our verified experts help you. Get expert help in mere He convinces Othello that his young wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him. 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. 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. Iago reveals Othellos insecurities, and prior to Iagos interference, Othello could control any situation. 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 Sunday Read: 'The Spy Who Called Me' - The New York Times They respect Othello his courageous and brave service to the army. 3. 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. 229) because he thinks that being white, Desdemona would prefer a white man like Cassio to himself. 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. The main reason is jealousy. It was Nov. 3, 2017, and the target was Jos Manuel Villarejo Prez, a former government spy. 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. 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. This is mirrored by the transformation of Othellos language: formerly grand verse depicting his former successes becomes sinister and dark, with animalistic imagery of goats, monkeys, toads, and poisonous snakes, and diabolic metaphors for Desdemona such as fair devil, which liken his language to that of Iago. But he later realizes that Iago trapped him into his. Therefore, Desdemonas murder becomes an act of sacrificial love: A murder which I thought a sacrifice (5. Iago continually uses rhetorical strategies to manipulate others. Othello 's motives was ironically flawed where even in Desdemonas death does she remain loyal, Nobody; I myself. When Iago eventually suggests that Desdemona is dishonest, Othello trusts Iago to Give [him] the ocular proof (3. For example, when plotting, Iago refers to poison when he says: Ill pour pestilence into his ear (2. 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. Othello as a Tragic Hero and His Downfall - UK Essays 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. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. Essay. 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 is such a miracle how a baby is created in a mothers womb. 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 the cause of Othello's downfall? | MyTutor 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. 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. In Act 1, Othello diffuses a situation in which multiple combatants had already unsheathed their weapons. This reversal of fortune must be caused by the tragic heros hamartia, a mistake. When Edward VI became King in 1461, he had to deal with some unfavourable circumstances. Mrs Penniman is seen as a caricature, a caricature. 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. In the first act, we find out how Othello perceives Iago when he says he is, "A manof honesty and trust. 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. May their Souls rest in peace. It was his free will, though he does so in oblivion of the true state of things. (3. But Iago targets Othello's vulnerabilties. 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. 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. On the other hand, it can be argued that Othellos downfall was not his own doing. 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. By continuing well assume youre on board with our Iago is envious of Othello and it appears that he makes it his goal to destroy the happiness the others. 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. How Does Othello Cause His Own Downfall - 578 Words | Cram How Does Othello's Pride Lead to His Downfall 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 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. 3. Iago is an ensign, denied promotion by Othello, is jealous of the promotion of his junior soldier. 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. To What Extent Is Macbeth Responsible for His Own Downfall. (3. Iagos improbable suggestions because he was led by passion and impulse, being Perplexed in the extreme by rage, instinctively trusting Iago. suite101. USA. The hero suffers from some tragic error or hamartia which is primarily responsible for his downfall. SouthPark, Suite 1200, Need urgent help with your paper? Copyright 2023 Studybee.Net. 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. 1. 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. Shakespeare builds upon this manipulation through the motif of turning, as Iago vows to turn her virtue into pitch (2. 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. The knowledge which they have gained in. Ergo, Othello is the tragic hero in William Shakespeares play, Othello, the Moor of Venice. 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. Othello 's tragic flaw is often identified as jealousy, and he is indeed a jealous man.. Othello became increasingly angry with her when he thought she had lost the object in question. The hero suffers from some tragic error or hamartia which is primarily responsible for his downfall. Catharsis helps purging of excessive emotions from a person. 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. 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. This merits him the standards of a tragic hero. Soon after, Emilia finds Desdemonas dead body and realizes that Othello is the murderer. Othello let his emotions stand in the way of logical thought and. 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). 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. There is a feeling of fear and pity for poor Othello. 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. Othello's lack of judgment causes his downfall in that he chooses to trust Iago, even to the exclusion of others. Iago planned to avenge his jealousy at Othello by misleading him; however, it is an error of judgment on the part of Othello. Is Othello Responsible for His Own Downfall | FreebookSummary Monstrous! The Othello's Downfall and Its Causes - GradesFixer 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. A Man'S Character Is His Fate To What Extent Is Othello'S Own Character But that error is big enough to decipher his entire career and bring his downfall. Do you feel the pressure of the essay deadline? 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. 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). Dedicated to my beloved brother Shakeel Shahzad Javed and my Father Muhammad Javed. Such animalistic metaphors emphasise the low opinion that Elizabethans had of Blackamoors, which may have been the root of Othellos downfall. Shakespeare then uses dark and malignant imagery to show Othellos passionate rage with phrases such as Arise black vengeance and tyrannous hate! At first Othello responds calmly: Why dost thou ask? 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. 6000 Fairview Road, Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. 2. 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. 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! Similarly, Desdemona reflects many of Othellos positive qualities. During Act three scene four, Othello asks desdemona about the handkerchief that he gave her. Othello by Shakespeare had been a story that ended with a tragedy as both Desdemona and Othello die at the end. Cite In literature, a tragic flaw (or hamartia in Greek) is a trait that causes a character's downfall. The reason for downfall of Othello in this play Othello written by William Shakespeare. The motif of blood that Shakespeare includes supports this: O, blood, blood, blood!