Othello Freedom Essay
Othello’s Tragic Fall
A Shakespearean tragic hero becomes tragic through a series of occurrences, which change him for the worse. This character must follow a certain pattern, beginning with complete control, the emergence of a fatal flaw, the loss of reason or some other precious item due to the flaw, enlightenment of the hero’s actions, and dramatic irony, which must be felt after the hero’s demise. In Shakespeare’s pitiful play, Othello, Othello is undoubtedly a tragic hero through his characteristics at the start of the play, his tragic flaw, and ultimately, his ascension to enlightenment before his death. At the start of the play, Othello is a man of dominance, articulacy, and valor; these characteristics are common in a Shakespearian tragic hero. For example, his persuasive character is seen after being confronted by Brabantio, Othello shows his power by responding, "Hold your hands, both of you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter" (1.2.80-83). Othello’s leadership shows fiercely here because he takes control of a situation that could have easily gotten out of hand. His ability to control any circumstance shows how domineering he can be; that, in turn, is another example of a heroic quality. Another important trait is his eloquence, and is seen when Brabantio confronts Othello about his elopement with Brabantio’s daughter, Desdemona; Brabantio has a group of his men find Othello and attempt a fight, but Othello simply says, "Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them" (1.2.9). Even during a moment of confusion and intensity, Othello keeps his level head and convinces Brabantio that a fight is unwise, avoiding any serious confrontation. Othello’s articulacy shows that he is a balanced and sane person at the beginning of the play. Another of Othello’s heroic qualities is his courage in himself, “Not I; I must be found / My parts, my title, and my perfect soul / Shall manifest me
A Shakespearean tragic hero becomes tragic through a series of occurrences, which change him for the worse. This character must follow a certain pattern, beginning with complete control, the emergence of a fatal flaw, the loss of reason or some other precious item due to the flaw, enlightenment of the hero’s actions, and dramatic irony, which must be felt after the hero’s demise. In Shakespeare’s pitiful play, Othello, Othello is undoubtedly a tragic hero through his characteristics at the start of the play, his tragic flaw, and ultimately, his ascension to enlightenment before his death. At the start of the play, Othello is a man of dominance, articulacy, and valor; these characteristics are common in a Shakespearian tragic hero. For example, his persuasive character is seen after being confronted by Brabantio, Othello shows his power by responding, "Hold your hands, both of you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter" (1.2.80-83). Othello’s leadership shows fiercely here because he takes control of a situation that could have easily gotten out of hand. His ability to control any circumstance shows how domineering he can be; that, in turn, is another example of a heroic quality. Another important trait is his eloquence, and is seen when Brabantio confronts Othello about his elopement with Brabantio’s daughter, Desdemona; Brabantio has a group of his men find Othello and attempt a fight, but Othello simply says, "Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them" (1.2.9). Even during a moment of confusion and intensity, Othello keeps his level head and convinces Brabantio that a fight is unwise, avoiding any serious confrontation. Othello’s articulacy shows that he is a balanced and sane person at the beginning of the play. Another of Othello’s heroic qualities is his courage in himself, “Not I; I must be found / My parts, my title, and my perfect soul / Shall manifest me