Tragic Flaws of Othello and Oedipus Rex

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The future is decided and determined for us by our actions and choices. Humans get to determine which path they desire to proceed along, even if it may seem like the wrong choice. The flaws that each human possesses also contribute to shaping our destinies. Just like in the tragic dramas, the hero of the play exhibits flaws that influence their demise and defeat. A tragic drama is defined as a drama where the hero, or the main character, is brought to devastation or to endure pain and distress. It is usually an outcome from one’s tragic flaw or weakness. The demise of Othello and the downfall of Oedipus are brought about from their own flaws. Othello’s reliance and dependence on the wrong person, jealousy, and low confidence would lead him to choose the wrong choices. Oedipus holds the flaws of stubbornness to accept the truth, acceptance of his fate and arrogance. Both heroes share the weakness of pride, which will bring them shame and losses. These flaws would unquestionably lead to their tragic endings. Pride is a fatal characteristic that is the major weakness of Othello and Oedipus. Not only did pride bring about the collapse of their lives, but brought death and agony to those that surrounded them. In Othello, Iago was toying with Othello’s pride (his major weakness). In doing that, Othello came to believe that his actions and choices are just and moral. Othello believed he was bringing Desdemona to “justice”, but it really was an act out of revenge. Othello was disappointed to hear that Desdemona is “cheating” on him with Cassio, who was the lieutenant of Othello. Iago and Othello, in cooperation, devised a plan to kill Desdemona: Iago: Do it not with poison. Stranger her in bed, even the bed she hath contaminated. Oth... ... middle of paper ... ...jealousy and poor judgement led him to trust the wrong people and determine the dreadful fate of others. Due to the choices Othello made, Desdemona and Emilia were murdered. Othello even killed himself after realizing that Desdemona truly loved him. It is very heartbreaking that tragic dramas must end in such a catastrophic way for the heroes. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. Othello. New York: Pocket Books, 1957. Print. Sophocles. “Oedipus Rex”. Elements of Literature. Orlando: Holt, Rhinehart and Winston, 2006. 199-262. Print. SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on The Oedipus Plays.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2002. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. . Java, Amy. “The Truth of Fate”. A Critical Analysis of “Oedipus the King”. HubPages, June 23, 2009. Web. 6 Dec. 2013. .

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