Othello Tragic Hero Essay

A “tragic hero” as defined by Aristotle is that the main character must go through four critical stages within the text. The phases that Aristotle states the character has to go through must completely lead to his or her own complete downfall. These four phases in which Aristotle states is: Perietia, Hamartia, Catharsis, and Anagnorisis. Lastly Aristotle states that the tragic hero must be a nobleman or a man of great stature. Yet by Othello having such positive aspects they are responsible for bringing out his flaws in character. His flaws include his all too trusting nature and his eventual insecurities in himself that arise in the form of jealousy for his wife Desdemona. These flaws begin to surface following his decision to select Cassio, as opposed to Iago, as his lieutenant. He did so because he
Othello falls prey to the ingenious Iago and willingly chooses to trust him rather than his wife, Desdemona, eventually work together to plot her death. This is mainly attributed to Othello 's high regard of Iago as a friend, as well as Iago 's manipulation of Othello 's insecurities involving both his place in Venetian society and within his marriage. His improving view of women also place further reason for Othello to trust Iago over Desdemona. Finally, it is the apparent "proof" that Iago provides Othello with concerning the alleged affair of Cassio and Desdemona that unmistakable sways all of Othello 's trust from Desdemona and into the vicious hands of Iago. From Act 1, Othello 's implied trust towards Iago is made clear. He holds firm belief and reliability in Iago 's statements and thoughts, confiding in him regularly. Yet by doing this Othello in terms as much is plotting his own downfall by confiding in the “trustworthy Iago.” Iago himself from the beginning of the play is plotting his revenge against the moor using Roderigo, Cassio, Desdemona, and Emilia as pawns in the revenge against