Instant Access To 100,000+ Essays!

Othello Essay In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Othello is not a monster, but a tragic hero. This is a noble person of importance with a flaw in their character that leads to their downfall. Othello¡¯s flaws include racial insecurity, an over trusting nature and sexual jealousy caused by Iago. However he is a hero, proving himself a valiant general and devoted husband with many noble qualities. These are shown in Act I sc iii when he explains his love for Desdemona and Act II sc I upon reuniting with Desdemona. The killings of himself and his wife are out of honour and he redeems himself in the end, as shown in the final scene. Throughout the play, Othello is respected by the Duke and senators of Venice as a worthy general. The audience¡¯s initial impression of Othello is positive and is expressed through the other characters. For example, a senator remarks ¡®here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor¡¯ (I, iii, 47) upon his entrance. The Duke himself also goes on to describe Othello as ¡®valiant Othello¡¯. (I, iii, 48) As a military man, Othello exhibits great dignity and self-control as he refuses to retreat before Brabantio. Furthermore, he treats Brabantio with respect and patience despite