The Tragedy Of Othello By William Shakespeare - 2324 Words

â€Å"Tragedy is an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions† (Kennedy Gioia, 2016, p.858). This definition of tragedy, given by Aristotle, has proven invaluable for literary critics. It has been used for centuries to determine which plays can be labeled â€Å"tragedy,† and which fail to qualify. According to Aristotle’s definition, Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice can only be considered an Aristotelian tragedy if Othello can be classified as a â€Å"tragic hero†, if the play evokes both pity and fear, and if it is enhanced through both rhythm (meter) and†¦show more content†¦858). Othello, though a commoner, is a valued and respected warrior whom many highly depend upon (Shakespeare, trans. 1992, I.ii.36-38). The Duke, himself, holds Othello in high esteem and sends for him first in a time of war (I.iii.50-51). This, in itself, gives Othello a pedestal from which he can fall. The tragic hero is not only meant to be superior in position; he must also have a superior morality (Kennedy Gioia, 2016, p. 858). This works in Othello’s favor, for what he lacks in title, he makes up for in character. As evidenced by his skill as a warrior and harrowing background, Othello is a man of significant courage and perseverance (Shakespeare, trans. 1992, I.iii.130-70). Desdemona further acclaims his character when she declares that she â€Å"fell in love with his deep graces in spite of all the external reasons that might have been expected to keep them apart† (I.iii.249-60; Golden, 1984, p. 147). In other words, despite his race, it was Othello’s virtue that won Desdemona’s heart. Even at the play’s denouement, after Othello has been cunningly deceived into both murdering his wife and plotting Cassio’s death, Cassio still grieves the late Othello, insisting he was â€Å"great of heart† (Shakespeare, trans. 1992, V.ii.371- 72). However, perhaps most telling of Othello’s noble character is what Iago – the antagonist who adamantly abhors Othello – says about his