Dimensions of Othello

The Dimensions of Othello the Tragic Hero How does one define a “tragic hero?” Aristotle illustrates such a character as an overall great person with very noble traits, but one who is not perfect. Many will look up to these tragic heroes; however each hero will have a specific flaw. This “tragic flaw” will ultimately lead to that character’s downfall. Also, these characters will often have the abilities to both recognize their tragic flaws in the end and also connect with the audience in some way. A classic example of a tragic hero that fits this description is Shakespeare’s character Othello in the play Othello. However, some say that the focus of the play is not the title character, and that Othello himself is too one-dimensional to be considered a true tragic hero. Critics also state that Othello’s unrealistic gullibility lessens the reader’s interest in the character’s suffering, thus removing any empathy. This, however, is not the case. This Venetian General shows a good majority of the typical characteristics of a tragic hero. The greatest tragic trait Othello possess comes from his flaws. While being an overall great person, Othello suffers from extreme gullibility and jealousy. These tragic flaws set Othello’s dreadful fate into play. The source of the majority of Othello’s sorrow comes from his immense gullibility and jealousy. Also, Othello relates to the audience through his actions in that he makes decisions that the average human can understand and sympathize with. Gullibility and jealousy are traits that many people possess, and both are easy to relate to. Though being a noble General, Othello makes mistakes that an ordinary person would commit, showing how human he can be. Ultimately, the General comes to the realization that such tragic flaws led to his downfall, and, while too late to change fate, understood and learned from the mistakes that were made. A tragic hero always discovers the source of all self-caused dread. Some say that Othello is