Othello-The Tragic Hero?
Discuss the claim that Othello has "All the qualities of a tragic hero"In my view, Othello is the perfect tragic hero. From the start, he has all the major traits for the protagonist. He starts with a high rank, being the general of the Venetian army putting him in a prime position for all of his power to be diminished 9He is also a Prince in his own country). His exceptional merit recognised by all characters (even Iago), in knowledge of war fair cause him to be admired and respected 'Keep up your bright swords'. Even though Iago does talk behind Othello's back he does respect him as the leading general. Othello is in a happy and prosperous situation, married to Desdemona, has just been promoted and is moving to Cyprus. He is also vulnerable to Iago. From the start we can already see Iago starting to gain control-making Othello vulnerable to temptation and error. So far Othello has all the makings of the 'Tragic Hero
Othello's lack of the particular quality judgement put him lower than Iago making him an easy target. He has all the qualities and lack of qualities needed for the role and has the hamartia (flaw) of a lack of judgement needed to make the antagonist (Iago) make him susceptible to error. His death can be seen from a courageous and honourable way as it is done through remorse for his own actions. Overall all of this evidence sums up to Othello being the tragic hero. Othello experiences much inner turmoil especially throughout Act 4 scene 1 "But-dost thou hear-most bloody". For starters Othello's downfall is very swift and unforeseen as the play only takes place over the course of two to three days. His death is also seen from the audience's point of view as necessary but it is still regretful that it had to happen. Othello is also alienated throughout the play in a few different ways. The final reasons for why Othello is the tragic hero all appear around the end of the play. All of this adds up to Othello being the 'Tragic Hero' (which all coincides with Aristotle's views on what makes the true 'Tragic Hero'). We find out he has intended Cassio and Desdemona to die but by the final outcome of the play we find Desdemona, Emilia, Roderigo and Othello dead.
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