Othello's Flaws

In all Shakespearean tragedies, the tragic hero must be destroyed by his own tragic flaw. In the play of Othello, Othello’s character changes dramatically from act one to act four. Othello’s tragic flaw destroys him and transforms Othello from the eloquent general to an irrational beast. In act one, Othello is introduced as a valiant, noble, and honoured soldier. Othello is a black, Muslim male who lives in a Venetian society. The people who live in a Venetian society are predominantly white and are arranged in a hierarchy. Considering Othello is of black race, he is placed adjacent to animals and he is therefore referred to as, “the Moor” (Act 1, Scene 1). Although Othello is discriminated and segregated, he manages to maintain his, “parts, …show more content…
Othello trusts the wrong people and mistrusts the one’s who are most loyal to him. In Act 3, he sets aside his noble, rational side and falls prey to Iago's manipulation. He believes Iago, “is of exceeding honesty, and knows all qualities, with a learned spirit” (Act 3, Scene 3). In contrast, Cassio and Desdemona are the, “[one’s] that truly [love] [him]” (Act 3, Scene 3) and are loyal towards him however, Iago’s manipulative character empowers Othello to doubt his loyalists. Although Othello is unable to see Iago’s true nature, the reasoning behind his poor judgment is his lack of self-esteem. Othello is heavily discriminated against and he therefore does not acknowledge his acceptance in Venetian society. He believes that he unworthy for the white society and as a result, he becomes suspicious in Desdemona. He is skeptical on whether or not, “her will, recoiling to her better judgment may fall to match [him] with her country forms” (Act 3, Scene 3). Thus, Othello’s first tragic flaw is trusting nature which is developed through his lack of self-esteem. Subsequently, jealousy sparks the tragic downfall of Othello. Although Desdemona and Othello seem to have an eternal relationship, Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello and he lets his jealousy consume him. Shakespeare describes jealousy as, “the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on” (Act 3, …show more content…
Through his violent actions and language, Othello displays his irrationality and insanity. Moreover, Othello throws a fit in act four and falls into a trance. He has been, “‘o’erwhelmed with [...] grief” (Act 4, Scene 1) and cannot, “confine [himself] [...] in a patient list”. In addition, Othello also uses foul language that is inappropriate for a man with such high regards. 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). As a result, Lodovico questions Othello’s true dignity by asking, “Is this the noble Moor whom our full of Senate call all in all sufficient?” (Act 4, Scene 1). Therefore, Othello’s inexcusable behavior reveals his downfall and degression. Furthermore, Othello commits the ultimate act of savagery by striking Desdemona. In Venetian society, attacking women is a serious violation against moral implications. Hence Lodovico states, “this would not be believed in Venice” (Act 4, Scene 1). Othello’s act of striking Desdemona reveals his insecurity and provokes his bestial and inhuman character. Although Othello strikes Desdemona, he also consents with Iago to kill her. However Iago further manipulates Othello into thinking she should suffer as