Comparing Macbeth And Othello

Representations of the Tragic Hero in Othello and Macbeth

One of the engaging elements of Shakespeare’s tragic heroes is that they are not monstrosities of virtue but rather people who are simultaneously accessible and elusive; they are made up of qualities and characteristics that we find within ourselves and other characters within the play while exhibiting an intensity that places them beyond our grasp. We come to realize that we have never known such a person (20). This quality of the tragedies and the heroic characters renders them accessible and sympathetic in a context of grandeur (the lives of powerful military leaders, kings and princes) that would otherwise be foreign to many of us. As a result, we can begin to understand and even in some cases empathize with the struggles
Excessive ambition as in the case of Macbeth, is by itself dangerous and sinister. Othello readily trusting and believing Iago is natural and expected. Iago has not given Othello any reason to doubt him or be wary of his suggestion of Desdemona’s infidelity. Rather, his indignation at being passed over for the lieutenancy suggests that Iago has been a committed and faithful ancient to Othello. Naturally we marvel at characters like Othello whose accomplishments are great and are the result, in part, of journey that has been arduous; Othello’s climb to the rank of General and the respect he receives has been earned by his successful negotiation of a process replete with daunting challenges that would prove too difficult for the rest of us. This is especially true considering the cultural and historical context of Othello. Also taking his virtues into account, the fall of Othello becomes difficult to accept because unlike Macbeth, whose fall stems from a trait that is well within his ability to