Othello Tragic Hero Essay

“A man doesn't become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall.” (Aristotle). Shakespeare’s, Othello, tells of Othello’s tragic downfall and how the flaws he possesses blinded him from seeing the truth. Othello is a noble character, and is highly respected for his social ranking and has a kind heart, however, his gullibility and insecurities rendered him jealous; which led him to his tragic death.

Othello’s nobility makes him a tragic hero. “The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, is of a constant , loving, noble nature, and I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona a most dear husband.” (Act 2,Scene 1). Although Iago holds hatred for Othello, he knows Othello is a person of good character and prove to Desdemona he is worthy of her

Othello lets Iago easily convince him that Desdemona was being unfaithful. “Now do I see ‘tis true. Look here, Iago, All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.’Tis gone. Arise, black vengeance.” (Act 3, Scene 3).Othello’s mind gets full of animosity and hatred towards Desdemona and Cassio, which clouds his judgement. “‘Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows that she with Cassio hath the act of shame a thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it.” (Act 5, Scene 2.) He’s easily driven by his jealousy and is blinded by his rage to see the truth. Othello’s insecurities also lead him to believe that Desdemona would have an affair. As the only black character, Othello is an outcast and feels that because of his race and age, Desdemona has every reason to want to leave him. “Haply, for I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation that chambers have, or for I am declined into the vale of years-yet that’s not much- She’s gone.” (Act 3, Scene 3). Iago takes advantage of his low self-esteem and uses it against Othello to put him into a depressed state. “Ay, there’s the point. As to be bold with you, not to affect many proposed matches of her own clime, complexion and degree..” (Act 3, Scene