Example research essay topic: Othello As A Tragic Hero - 1,043 words

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... e demands for Ocular proof to provide evidence for Desdemona's disloyalty. F. R. Leavis considers a different theory; in opposition to Bradley's insistence that Othello was not easily jealous, he argues that jealousy is the basis of the problem, suggesting evidence in Othello's words: Haply for I am black / And have not those soft parts of conversation / That Clamberers have, or for I am declined / Into the vale of years (III. iii. 267 - 270) Leavis believes that this is a fully explicit expression of something he had already, pages back.

For me, it does become apparent earlier that jealousy is present in Othello's mind when he says, And yet how nature, erring from itself, (III. iii. 231) admitting suspicion about Desdemona and Cassio. However, for A. C. Bradley and I alike, this increasing emotion is through little fault of his own. Manipulative Iago is unquestionably responsible for Othello's jealousy, evident from his scheming use of repetition and questioning when selfishly provoking him to suspect Desdemona and Cassio: Othello asks, Is he not honest?

receiving Iago's reply, Honest, my lord? (III. iii. 103 - 104) who is deliberately avoiding the point and slyly prompting an increase of suspicion in Othello. For me, it is not jealousy, but Othello's susceptible mind that is his fatal flaw and his lack of self-awareness in this regard, as Iago cunningly uses it against him throughout the play to provoke and intensify natural emotions. Whether Othello eventually comes to recognise this fault is debatable; he undoubtedly realises his lack of judgement after discovering the truth about Iago, however it is questionable whether he truly understands his mistake. A. C.

Bradley considers Othello's murderous actions as necessary and even noble: The deed he is bound to do is no murder, but a sacrifice. He is to save Desdemona from herself, not in hate but in honour; in honour and also in love. This idea is evident from the play when Othello claims before murdering Desdemona that she must die, else shell betray more men (V. ii. 6), as from this he appears to be acting out of obligation rather than out of choice. This is supported by when He [smells, then] kisses her, conveying himself to be in genuine anguish. However, this is perhaps contradicted not long after as Othello claims that Had all his hairs been lives / My great revenge had stomach for them all (V.

ii. 73 - 74), portraying a passionate anger that conflicts greatly with Bradley's view that it was an honourable murder. F. R. Leavis believes that Othello has discovered his mistake, but there is no tragic self-discovery, which for me, is a rational statement to make, as Othello appears to be more concerned with his status and the amount of attention he is receiving, than truly recognising what he has done. This is clear from Act 5, in particular when Othello aggressively cries Behold, I have a weapon (V.

ii. 258) at an extremely inappropriate moment as though desperate to divert all the attention to himself. These words then advance into a speech in which Leavis idea that Othello has an element of self- dramatization becomes increasingly obvious: O cursed, cursed slave! / Whip me, ye devils, / From the possession of this heavenly sight! (V. ii. 274 - 276) For me, Othello demonstrates from these lines an over-exaggerated performance in order to provoke pity from the other characters to divert any initial disgust. However, it is perhaps reasonable to suggest that this dramatized speech is just a convention of the theatre rather than a true reflection of Othello himself. Later, Othello compares his actions to be Like the base Indian, [who] threw a pearl away (V. ii. 345).

Shakespeare could here be making reference to the ignorance of the Indians who were unaware of the value of their gold, therefore suggesting that Othello is aware of his wrongdoings. However, there has been much debate over whether Shakespeare meant Indian or Iudean here; the folio version states Iudean, which is perhaps significant as it could refer to Judas, Jesus disciple. Judas betrayed Jesus, similar to Othello's betrayal to Desdemona, and threw away a precious pearl. In a way, this supports that Othello does recognise his flaws, however for me, it strengthens Leavis view that Othello is dramatizing the situation, and contradicts Bradley's insistence that his grandeur remains almost undiminished as either way he is admitting to treachery. Although Othello is perhaps disliked by the audience at this point, for me, he undoubtedly stirs pity in the audience on numerous occasions throughout the play. When Othello first demonstrates his suspicions and jealousy in Act 3, Scene 3, it is conceivable that he begins to provoke a pitiful response from the audience.

This is suggested from his words proceeding from Haply for I am black (III. iii. 267), as he is evidently worrying about aspects of his character because of a false suspicion that Iago has manipulatively introduced to his mind, therefore the audience would most likely sympathize with him. A. C. Bradley agrees that our sympathy with him is hardly touched by any feeling of humiliation. For me, Iago's scheming attitude against Othello almost certainly triggers an emotional response.

However, it can be argued that any audience would be disgraced by Othello's vulnerability at this point, rather than pity his situation. Later, just before the death of Desdemona, Othello expresses that he must weep, / But they are cruel tears (V. ii. 20 - 21). F. R. Leavis would argue that here Othello is perhaps acting and has a preoccupation with his emotions rather than with Desdemona in her own right, however for me, he appears genuinely distressed, and certainly would cause the audience to express pity at this point.

Overall, for me, Othello undoubtedly demonstrates the main qualities which define a tragic hero: his downfall is undeniable from the dramatic contrast in his character between the beginning and end of the play; he conveys a flaw of vulnerability and in addition to this, eventually expresses a recognition of his lack of judgement, unquestionably provoking an emotional response from the audience on numerous occasions. Therefore, for me, Othello represents the idea of a tragic hero to a great extent.

Research essay sample on Othello As A Tragic Hero