Othello has a variety of strengths in his dual roles as a man and as a leader of men. Those traits for which he is most recognized in Venice are those that make him an excellent military commander. Othello’s generalship is greatly respected due to his expensive experience fighting against the Turks. He has been a career warrior for decades, accumulating many tales that he then conveys to Desemona, regaling her with “the battles, sieges, fortunes, / That I have passed.” (1.3.132-133) It is also certain that his military career has been one of significant success, as he seems sure that “[m]y services which I have done the signiory / Shall out-tongue [Brabantio’s] complaints,” even against such a serious charge as stealing away a valuable virgin from a Senator’s household (1.2.18-19). These “services” are what endear Othello so greatly to the Venetian Senate, but the means by which his victories were achieved are his personal virtues of leadership. One of these is Othello’s great self-control. He is always slow to anger, and does not take rash action when leading his men. In the audience’s first view of Othello as a leader, during his confrontation with Brabantio, Othello is not provoked by the angry father’s insults, instead calmly inquiring “[w]hither will you that I go / To answer this your charge?” (1.2.85-86) Brabantio has outright impugned Othello’s honor, accusing him of sorcery, and yet he stays his sword and those of his men. He respects the Venetian rule of law and due process and volunteers to go to a trial, demonstrating his control of his emotions and setting an example for his men.
Othello has a separate and distinct set of strengths as a man. He does not flaunt his achievements as a leader, being “unawed by dignitari...
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...]e is much changed” (4.1.268). Still groping for a logical explanation of this barbarism, Lodovico asks, “[a]re his wits safe? is he not light of brain?” (4.1.269). Once again Iago answers cryptically with the elucidating remark, “[h]e's that he is” (4.1.270). With no enlightenment forthcoming, Lodovico can only think that what he has heard of Othello had been greatly exaggerated. Apparently this Moor is not so great a man after all, and all that Lodovico has left to say is that “I am sorry that I am deceived in him” (4.1.282).
Works Cited
Bradley, A. C. Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. 2nd ed. London: Macmillan, 1905.
Shakespeare, William. “Othello, the Moor of Venice.” Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Ed. Dana Gioia and X.J. Kennedy. 5th Compact ed. New York: Longman, 2007. 930-1038.
At the beginning of the play, Othello is in control. First of all, Othello has military control. Being a seasoned warrior, he is appointed by the Duke of Venice to lead the Venetian forces. This position entails a great deal of control; as general, Othello has the power to organize and order the Venetian forces at will. Secondly, Othello has control in dangerous predicaments. After discovering the harmful intentions of Brabantio, Othello shows confidence of his control in Act I, Scene 2, and relies on his credentials: "Let him do his spite. My services which I have done the signiory Shall outtongue his complaints" (1.2.18-20). When Brabantio arrives with his troops and both sides draw their swords, Othello demonstrates his control again: "Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them" (1.2.59). Through the whole ordeal, Othello remains an author...
Othello had a public perception of being a military man, and a courageous leader. “Valiant
There exists a kind of person who can be called by no other name than by “Magnificent Bastard”. They are masters of deception, bloody brilliant, unstoppable in achieving their goals even when it means grinding others into the dust, and yet they have such a flair, such a charming disposition, that they are often admired by even those who are wronged by them. Iago in Shakespeare’s play Othello is one such character. The audience may love or hate him, but either way they must admit that he commands the spot-light. In spite of this, the reason why Iago acts as he does is shrouded in mystery. Even when directly speaking to the audience about his motivations, Iago is not always truthful. In reality, while Iago derives great pleasure from manipulating others, his driving motivation throughout the entire play is his own jealousy; from being unrecognized for his greatness, to an impossible love for Desdemona, and of the virtuous characters all around him.
The European Renaissance forever changed the life of the contemporary individual. Explosive advancements in education, technology, and trade broadened geographic and mental horizons; however, in England these developments were paired with population crises of poverty and unemployment. In addition, the increased interaction with foreign cultures fomented by various commercial and diplomatic engagements gave rise to apprehension in English sensibility. Eventually, Christian England would attempt to reshape these ‘strangers’ in their image and modern racial tensions sprung forth. Recursion of the trope of race, under the guise of blackness, heathenry, or even femininity occurs extensively in literary tradition, and especially within Shakespeare’s oeuvre. “There exists in all literature an archetypal figure who escapes both poles of the classic definition – appearing sometimes as hero, sometimes as villain, sometimes as clown…[he] has been named variously the ‘shadow,’ the ‘other,’ the ‘alien,’ the ‘outsider,’ the ‘stranger.’” It is with this borderline figure, mired in ambiguity, that this investigation is concerned: primarily with the stranger as the Moor in Othello, the Welsh in Henry IV, Part 1, and the woman in both.
In the beginning of the play we see Othello as a strong character. His stature, tall, dark, African Moor, combined with his personal charisma, assist him in gaining the respect and allegiance of the Venetian people and senators. Since Othello has been a soldier all his life, he is seen as a very admirable man. His title alone, governor-general, presents an air of nobility, strength, and confidence. Othello’s title defines someone who is held in extremely high esteem by people of Venice. An example would be when the Duke and a few Senators are discussing issues around the table when Othello enters the room. It’s clear that Othello is held in admiration when, as he enters, one of the senators states “Here comes Barbantio and the valiant Moor” (I...
In Act three, Scene three, Desdemona agrees to speak to Othello in Cassio’s behalf) As Desdemona and Cassio discuss Cassio’s loss of rank and trust in Othello’s eyes. Iago brings to Othello’s attention the discussion taking place between Cassio and Desdemona. Iago knowing full well why the discussion is happening. Iago hints the pair seems to be spending a lot of time together. Iago plants the seed of doubt in Othello’s mind Othello begins to ponder the idea of whether Iago suspicions are true.
Tragedy is an intrinsically human concept; tragic heroes are damned by what they themselves do. Othello is not so much felled by the actions of Iago, but by a quality all people possess-- human frailty. Accordingly, Othello is not a victim of consequences, but an active participant in his downfall. He is not merely a vehicle for the machinations of Iago; he had free agency. Othello's deficiencies are: an insecure grasp of Venetian social values; lack of critical intelligence, self-knowledge, and faith in his wife; and finally, insecurity-- these are the qualities that lead to his own downfall.
Although he was portrayed by society’s point of view, Othello did have some respectable qualities. He was a Venetian general, so he had a high status among his people and was known to be a respectable, honorable gentleman. These characteristics could be seen in Act 1 when saying he’s not afraid to face Brabantio’s wrath as he confidently states “my services which [he has] done the signiory/ Shall out-tongue his complaints.” (1.2) and when Brabantio talks to the Duke, the Duke remarks that he thinks “[Othello’s] tale would win [his] daughter over.” (1.3). Othello’s status and respect can also be seen through Iago’s monologues and how people act around him like in Act 2 when everyone’s worried about Othello and they promise to “throw out [their] eyes for brave Othello,” showing respect and devotion to Othello. The contrast in how Othello’s personality changes throughout the book exemplifies the theme that no matter how high status one is or how respectable, all will be judged by their perception of them and
Othello is a man who is respected as a General in the Army. Brabanzio even considered him a friend. Thanks to Iago planting a seed in Brabanzio ear about his daughter, Desdemona, Brabanzio accused Othello of taking his daughter away from him by means of drugs or poision. Othello has fought on the battle-field and now finds himself on a very different kind of battle-field. He finds himself in a position of being forced to defend his honor, friendship and his love. There has been accusations made against Othello, so in a room filled with signors, masters, the Duke, and Brabanzio, Othello has a strategy of battlement in his own way. He tells the Duke to send for Desdemona, “Send for the lady to the Sagittary, And let her speak of me before her father” (1.3-115-116).
Othello is a combination of greatness and weakness, in his own words "an honorable murderer" (V.2, 295). He is the general of the Venetian defense forces, and, although a foreigner from Africa, he has won his post by his overall excellence in the field of war. Under pressure, he makes a great and inspiring speech. He has courage, intelligence, the skill of command, and the respect of his troops. When the colony of Cyprus is threatened by the enemy, the Duke and Senate turn to "valiant" Othello to lead the defense.
Even though he is angry with Othello, Iago admits that Venice doesn 't have a better military man. He tells Roderigo that Othello won 't lose his job over his marriage to Desdemona because the Venetian Senate can 't do without him. Later, the Duke tells Othello that he must leave for Cyprus immediately, even though he is newly married. The Duke says that the Venetians already have a good man in Cyprus, but "opinion, a / sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more safer / voice on you" (1.3.257-259). In other words, Othello 's reputation is such that no one will feel safe until he is on the job. Shakespeare makes it clear from the first act that Othello is a praised and highly respected
One of the first impressions gained of Othello is that he is a great war hero. Before much else is said of him, tales of his skill and valor in battle are illustrated and he is shown to be a great and famed warrior. He naturally possesses many attributes typically associated with soldiers. From the beginning Othello is noble, quick to act, judicious, trusting, and gives much weight to the importance of duty. These are all traits that serve to make him great at the beginning of the play, and later, ironically become key elements in his downfall. These aspects can be considered the internal causes of Othello’s tragic flaw. “Othello's nature is all of one piece. His trust, where he trusts, is absolute…. Love, if he loves, must be to him the heaven where either he must leave or bear no life. If such a passion as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-night incontrollable flood.” Othello is pure an...
The tragedy of Othello, written by William Shakespeare, presents the main character Othello, as a respectable, honorable, and dignified man, but because of his insecurities and good nature, he is easily taken advantage of and manipulated by his peers and alleged friends. The dynamic of Othello’s character significantly changes throughout the play. The contrast is most pronounced from the beginning of the play to its conclusion, switching from being calm and peaceful to acts of uncontrolled venomous rage. Othello’s motivation in the play appears to be his love and concern for his wife Desdemona, which ironically, ends up being his downfall in the end.
Othello is a man who comes from a hard life. In the time period the play is set in, racism is common and Othello is a target for it due to his dark skin. He fought in many battles and was put into slavery for a time. Now he is a high ranking General in the army. Othello, for all that he has been through, is also kind, caring, and trusting of those close to him. He cares and trusts his comrades and is loving and kind to his wife, Desdemona. Othello is also r...
Othello’s personality was shaped largely by war and his pride as a capable soldier. He was intelligent and strong enough to live through countless battles and lead troops into war with successful results. Even Iago, who hates Othello for passing him over for the lieutenant position, can not deny Othello’s noble yet naïve nature, which he explains to Roderigo, “The Moor is of a free and open nature” (Act 1 Scene 3 390). However, as Iago continually hints to Othello that his wife Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio, more of his negative personality traits begin to show up. Doubt, mistrust, jealousy and rage all grew with Iago’s hints and led him to believe that his wife had damaged his reputation by being unfaithful to him. In the beginning of Othello, Othello betted on his life that Desdemona loved him and would never betray him and by the end of Shakespeare’s story, he suffocates and kills his wife out of honor in order to preserve his reputation and sense of self. He killed her not only out of a sense of duty, but also because of how hurt and betrayed he felt about her perceived infidelity. Therefore, Othello represents the good and the bad side of human nature by being intelligent, loving, open, and honorable and the bad by doubting his wife, exhibiting jealousy, anger and