Othello a tragic hero Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Othello a tragic hero - Essay Example Othello is a valiant soldier, a Black Moor from Cyprus, who now owes allegiance to Venice, and has been elevated to a position of General and is the admired protector of the city. He has been raised to this position of eminence by the White Senators of the city who see in him the savior of the city. Othello has taken Desdemona, daughter of Barbantio, as his wife, with her will, and the father is grieved at this match of his white daughter to the black Moor, who he considers a foreigner despite his polished manners and exalted position. Iago, a soldier Othello trusts, but who is not chosen as his lieutenant, is jealous of Othello on two counts. One he presents as not being chosen as his rightful lieutenant, and second his own lust for Desdemonia whom he desired but was denied by Desdemona herself. Seeking vengeance, Iago spins a deceitful plot by tainting Desdemona as unfaithful and having an affair with Cassio, the lieutenant Othello had chosen in preference over Iago, and Othello fa lls into the trap. Othello dismisses Cassio from his service and when Desdemona pleads with Othello for his reinstatement, it merely serves Iago’s cause and firms up his allegation about her in Othello’s confused mind. Othello then confronts her with the accusation of unfaithfulness and refuses he plea of innocence and kills her. Iago had earlier used Emily his wife, who unwittingly aided him, but when realization dawns on her she tries to make amends and clarifies her role and that of Desdemona to Othello, but it is too late.