In the tragedy, Othello, it has been widely controversial whether Othello is truly a “valiant” (1.3.47) hero with tragic flaws, or a robust general who is actually an aggressive coward. F.R. Leavis suggests that Othello “was responsible for his own downfall” (Warren, "Othello: York Notes for AS & A2"). While A.C. Bradley emphasizes “the newness of marriage makes his jealousy credible” (Warren, "Othello: York Notes for AS & A2"). Although Othello made irrational decisions, he was still a noble general who was blinded by jealousy and absolute passion. Throughout the play, Othello was referenced as “noble” numerous times from the loving Desdemona to the villainous Iago. It is one of most popular references-and most commonly used in Othello-along
…show more content…
R. Leavis claims that Othello has a tendency to be drawn toward “jealousy and possesses a weak character” (Warren, "Othello: York Notes for AS & A2"), it is evident through the traumatic manipulation Othello went through that he is not “weak” and that he is not necessarily drawn toward jealousy, but it is instilled in him from Iago’s devious words. Othello was never jealous until Iago planted the thought in his head that Cassio and Desdemona were sleeping together. Then, Iago would bring it up every minute he could to maneuver Othello into thinking it was true, and make him go mad. Warren proposes that “Iago is motiveless evil personified” (Warren, "Othello: York Notes for AS & A2"), when in fact, Iago is intentionally sabotaging Othello, and making him seem undignified and destructive. As Iago evokes a tragic flaw of Othello, it is merely a flaw, which should not be a representative of Othello as a whole, especially when it was aroused by the troublesome villain. Othello was the trusted leader of the Venetians and a valiant general, who won the war with the Turks and saved many. He was loved for his courageous life, and respected for his honesty and rationality. He is the tragic hero in Othello and what gives him that title is due to his hamartia of jealousy. Although by the end of the tragedy, he was seen as cruel and dastardly and was consumed with his hamartia of the “green eyed monster” (3.4.167), the occurrence of his flaw does not make him
R. Leavis claims that Othello has a tendency to be drawn toward “jealousy and possesses a weak character” (Warren, "Othello: York Notes for AS & A2"), it is evident through the traumatic manipulation Othello went through that he is not “weak” and that he is not necessarily drawn toward jealousy, but it is instilled in him from Iago’s devious words. Othello was never jealous until Iago planted the thought in his head that Cassio and Desdemona were sleeping together. Then, Iago would bring it up every minute he could to maneuver Othello into thinking it was true, and make him go mad. Warren proposes that “Iago is motiveless evil personified” (Warren, "Othello: York Notes for AS & A2"), when in fact, Iago is intentionally sabotaging Othello, and making him seem undignified and destructive. As Iago evokes a tragic flaw of Othello, it is merely a flaw, which should not be a representative of Othello as a whole, especially when it was aroused by the troublesome villain. Othello was the trusted leader of the Venetians and a valiant general, who won the war with the Turks and saved many. He was loved for his courageous life, and respected for his honesty and rationality. He is the tragic hero in Othello and what gives him that title is due to his hamartia of jealousy. Although by the end of the tragedy, he was seen as cruel and dastardly and was consumed with his hamartia of the “green eyed monster” (3.4.167), the occurrence of his flaw does not make him