Tragic Thresholds Revealed In Shakespeare's Othello

1414 Words3 Pages

The Shakespearean tragedy mold also unfolds in Shakespeare’s Othello. Othello’s reversal occurred when Iago attempted to persuade him that Desdemona was being unfaithful to him. Othello’s temper, in addition to Iago’s deception, is a driving force for the following events to come. One recognition that Othello had during the play was when he realized that Desdemona was not cheating on him and that Iago set this scenario up to create more tension after Othello did not comply to Iago’s wishes. This newfound knowledge would have completely changed the way Othello acted, possibly not resulting in Desdemona’s death. “Othello: Her name, that was as fresh as Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face” (Shakespeare). This quote represents how Othello believes that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio and how because of this, his reputation is …show more content…

During this tragedy, the reversal is at the end of the play when the third apparition comes true and the Birnam woods quite literally comes to Dunsinane Hill. The recognition in this play occurred towards the end when Macbeth realized that he took the witches apparitions the wrong way. This Macbeth’s hamartia is that he has the ambition and desire to fulfill the apparitions that the witches divulge at the beginning of the work - to beware of Macduff, not to worry about anyone born of woman, and he will be defeated if he sees the woods move to Dunsinane Hill. By Macbeth taking all the steps in his power to obtain more power, he gradually loses the power he has which results in his death. “Macbeth: I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on the other” (Shakespeare). This quote refers to how he has no valid reason to kill Duncan, but only to get more power. Macbeth’s hamartia is present so early on in the play that it is easy to watch his downfall since the reader knows what to

More about Tragic Thresholds Revealed In Shakespeare's Othello

Open Document