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What a laugh. In that body of criticism which cares about "tragic heroes" and whether particular characters fall into the definition of that term, everyone is always looking for the "tragic flaw" without which, we are told, someone cannot be a tragic hero. Therefore Macbeth is ambitious and Hamlet is "the man who cannot make up his mind". The characters are reduced to this one characteristic, and considered as one-dimensional as possible so they can fit the definition. Basically, "tragic hero" equals "one-dimensional."

But anyway, Othello is not as one-dimensional as all that. Yes, as the play unfolds he becomes more and more obsessed with the issue of whether his wife has been unfaithful to him. That's called character development. But right up until the end (well, Desdemona's end) he is struggling with his doubts (which he tells himself are proven) and with the genuine love he so obviously feels for his wife. I'd say that Othello may be not one-dimensional enough to be a tragic hero.

If you want a really one-dimensional Shakespearean character, check out Aaron in Titus Andronicus.

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Who said that a tragic hero could either be a nobleman or a common man?

Othello


What is the name of the author of Othello?

Othello was written by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare clearly views the events of the play as tragic. He seems to view the marriage between Desdemona and Othello as noble and heroic, for the most part.


What is the significance of Desdemona's handkerchief?

Desdemona's handkerchief in Shakespeare's "Othello" serves as a symbol of love, fidelity, and the tragic consequences of jealousy. Originally a gift from Othello, it represents their bond, but when it falls into the hands of Iago, it becomes a tool for manipulation and deceit. Iago uses it to convince Othello of Desdemona's infidelity, ultimately leading to Othello's tragic downfall. Thus, the handkerchief embodies the themes of trust and betrayal that permeate the play.


Whose fault was it for everyone dying at the end of the book Othello?

In Shakespeare's "Othello," the tragedy of the characters' deaths can primarily be attributed to Iago's manipulative schemes, which exploit the vulnerabilities and insecurities of Othello and others. Iago's deceitful nature drives Othello to jealousy and rage, leading to tragic decisions. However, Othello's own flaws, particularly his susceptibility to jealousy and his failure to seek the truth, also play a significant role in the unfolding tragedy. Ultimately, it is a combination of Iago's manipulation and Othello's tragic flaws that leads to the devastating conclusion.


What are the similarities and differences between Othello and Richard III?

Othello was the one being manipulated whreas Richard III was the one manipulating everyone. Both are tragic heroes

Related Questions

Who is Othello in shapespeare?

Othello is one of Shakespeare's tragic heros.


Who said that a tragic hero could either be a nobleman or a common man?

Othello


What is the name of the author of Othello?

Othello was written by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare clearly views the events of the play as tragic. He seems to view the marriage between Desdemona and Othello as noble and heroic, for the most part.


Who is the betrayer of the moor?

In Shakespeare's play "Othello," the betrayer of the Moor is Iago. He orchestrates a series of manipulations and deceitful actions that lead to Othello's tragic downfall.


Who are some tragic heros in literature?

Macbeth Hamlet King Lear Othello to name a few


What are the similarities and differences between Othello and Richard III?

Othello was the one being manipulated whreas Richard III was the one manipulating everyone. Both are tragic heroes


Do you agree that Othello is a domestic tragedy?

Certainly. It is a tragedy, as the characters we sympathize with end up dead. It is domestic, because the locus of the tragic events is the marriage between Othello and Desdemona.


How do Roderigo and lago stir up trouble in Othello?

In Shakespeare's "Othello," Roderigo and Iago conspire to create chaos by exploiting Othello's insecurities and manipulating the emotions of those around them. Roderigo, in love with Desdemona, is easily led by Iago, who uses Roderigo's feelings to provoke Othello and create jealousy. Iago cleverly plants misinformation and sows distrust between Othello and his wife, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. Their actions intensify the play's themes of manipulation and betrayal, driving the plot toward its tragic climax.


Is Desdemona a tragic hero?

Tragic hero: A character with a fatal flaw who is brought down from status as a result of fate or their own insecurity. They normally suffer more than they deserve but by the end of the play the audience will their demise.Desdemona could be argued to be a tragic heroine, Othello is the main tragic character but Desdemona is brought down from her status and eventually killed because of Othello's jealousy and Iago's interference. She has flaws: you could say she is too good, she trusts too much and her promise to help Cassio leads her to her death. She also continues to love and stand by Othello even when she knows he will kill her. She has a tragic downfall which parellels Othello's, Shakespeare built up their romance to a high point at the beginning of act 2, and from then on Iago's plan comes into action and ruins everyting.


Why is the handkerchief significant to Othello?

The handkerchief in Shakespeare's "Othello" symbolizes love, fidelity, and trust between Othello and Desdemona. It is a token Othello gave to Desdemona, representing their relationship; its loss and subsequent misappropriation by Iago become pivotal in fueling Othello's jealousy and insecurities. The handkerchief ultimately serves as a catalyst for the tragic unraveling of Othello's trust in Desdemona, illustrating how manipulation and misunderstanding can lead to catastrophic consequences.


What is Othello finally beginning to realize at 5.2.205?

In Act 5, Scene 2, line 205 of "Othello," Othello begins to confront the tragic reality of his situation, recognizing the devastating consequences of his jealousy and misplaced trust in Iago. He realizes that he has been manipulated and betrayed, leading to the death of Desdemona, whom he loved deeply. This moment marks a profound understanding of his own flaws and the irreversible damage caused by his actions. Ultimately, Othello grapples with the weight of his remorse and the tragic outcome of his misguided decisions.


Who is the tragic hero in Macbeth?

In the beginning of the play Macbeth, Macbeth could be considered the hero. However, by the end, he has become the villain and Macduff has become the hero.