Assignment question:
This Shakespeare essay requires you to consider the notion of the ‘fatal flaw’ which is so often applied to tragedy. The concept, Greek in origin, argues that a tragic hero ‘falls from grace’ because of a basic flaw in his character. This is reflected in many of Shakespeare’s tragedies e.g. Macbeth’s is ambition, Hamlet’s is indecisiveness and Othello’s is jealousy. In this Shakespeare essay you are also being asked to make a judgement as to ‘how far’, i.e. to what extent, Othello’s propensity to jealousy influences his tragic end.
Advice on answering the assignment
In this Shakespeare essay you should focus on two things:
- The idea of the fatal flaw and how it is applicable in this case
- The connection between Iago and Othello and how the former uses the latter’s weakness against him.
Following the standard five paragraph structure, this essay should be structured in the following way: - The introduction – addressing the idea of the fatal flaw and how far it is applicable in this case.
- The main body – three paragraphs each of which addresses a different aspect of the topic: in this Shakespeare essay, it would be useful to devote one paragraph to Othello himself, one to his relationship with Iago and one to how the idea of the fatal flaw contributes to Othello’s tragedy as much as do the evil machinations of his enemy, Iago. All of these should, of course, as with any Shakespeare essay, be supported by textual evidence and analysis.
- The conclusion – in this Shakespeare essay, you should focus in the conclusion on stating the extent to which you feel Othello’s jealousy is the ‘agent of his downfall’ since the question asks you directly to address this.
Sample essay response
Introduction
The concept of the ‘fatal flaw,’ rooted in Greek tragedy, posits that a tragic hero falls from grace due to a fundamental weakness in their character. This notion is central to many of Shakespeare’s tragedies, where protagonists like Macbeth, Hamlet, and Othello meet their tragic ends due to inherent flaws such as ambition, indecisiveness, and jealousy, respectively. In Shakespeare’s “Othello,” the titular character’s susceptibility to jealousy plays a critical role in his downfall. This essay will explore the idea of the fatal flaw, its application in Othello’s case, and the intricate relationship between Othello and Iago, focusing on how Iago exploits Othello’s jealousy to orchestrate his tragic end. By analyzing textual evidence and character dynamics, this essay aims to determine to what extent Othello’s propensity for jealousy is responsible for his demise.
Othello’s Fatal Flaw: Jealousy
Othello, a Moor and a respected general in the Venetian army, begins the play as a noble and confident leader. However, beneath his composed exterior lies a latent susceptibility to jealousy, which becomes his fatal flaw. Othello’s jealousy is not immediately apparent; rather, it is gradually revealed and exacerbated by Iago’s manipulative schemes. From the outset, Othello’s position as an outsider in Venetian society and his deep love for Desdemona create an underlying insecurity. This insecurity, combined with his trust in Iago, sets the stage for his tragic fall.
Othello’s jealousy is first ignited by Iago’s insinuations about Desdemona’s fidelity. Iago’s ability to plant doubt in Othello’s mind is evident in Act 3, Scene 3, where he says, “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” This metaphor vividly illustrates the consuming nature of jealousy, foreshadowing Othello’s descent into irrational suspicion and rage. Othello’s initial response to Iago’s hints is cautious, but as Iago provides more ‘evidence,’ Othello’s jealousy spirals out of control, leading him to forsake reason and trust.
The evolution of Othello’s jealousy is marked by his increasing obsession with Desdemona’s supposed infidelity. This obsession culminates in Act 4, Scene 1, where Othello, consumed by jealousy, loses his composure and strikes Desdemona, declaring, “I will chop her into messes! Cuckold me!” Othello’s transformation from a dignified general to a man driven by uncontrollable jealousy underscores the devastating impact of his fatal flaw. His inability to overcome his jealousy ultimately leads him to murder Desdemona, an act that seals his tragic fate.
Iago’s Manipulation of Othello’s Jealousy
Iago’s role in Othello’s downfall cannot be overstated. As the antagonist, Iago masterfully exploits Othello’s fatal flaw, using his cunning and intimate knowledge of Othello’s character to orchestrate his ruin. Iago’s motives are multifaceted, including jealousy, resentment, and ambition, but his primary method is the manipulation of Othello’s jealousy.
Iago’s manipulation begins with the strategic planting of doubt. He uses insinuation and circumstantial evidence to convince Othello of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. In Act 3, Scene 3, Iago’s cunning is evident when he tells Othello, “Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.” This suggestion, coupled with Iago’s feigned reluctance to speak ill of Cassio, heightens Othello’s suspicion. Iago’s deceitful nature is further highlighted by his use of Desdemona’s lost handkerchief, a token of love from Othello, which he plants in Cassio’s possession to serve as ‘proof’ of the affair.
Iago’s psychological manipulation is relentless. He preys on Othello’s insecurities and amplifies them, pushing Othello towards irrational conclusions. Iago’s ability to feign honesty and loyalty allows him to gain Othello’s trust, making his lies more convincing. This trust is crucial, as Othello’s belief in Iago’s honesty blinds him to the truth and leads him to question Desdemona’s fidelity instead.
The dynamic between Othello and Iago is central to the tragedy. Othello’s tragic flaw makes him vulnerable, but it is Iago’s manipulation that activates and exacerbates this flaw, driving Othello to his doom. Iago’s malicious actions transform Othello’s latent jealousy into a destructive force, showcasing the interplay between a tragic hero’s inherent flaw and the external influences that exploit it.
The Fatal Flaw and Othello’s Tragic End
The interplay between Othello’s fatal flaw and Iago’s manipulation is key to understanding Othello’s tragic end. While Othello’s jealousy is the immediate cause of his downfall, it is essential to consider how this flaw interacts with external factors, particularly Iago’s schemes. The tragedy of Othello lies not only in his inherent weakness but also in how this weakness is manipulated by Iago, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Othello’s jealousy, though a significant factor, does not operate in isolation. It is Iago’s incessant machinations that bring Othello’s flaw to the forefront, demonstrating the complexity of Shakespearean tragedy. The tragic hero’s downfall is often a result of both internal flaws and external pressures. In Othello’s case, his jealousy is inflamed by Iago’s deceptions, creating a lethal combination that drives the narrative towards its tragic conclusion.
The tragic dimensions of Othello’s story are further compounded by his realization of his mistake. In Act 5, Scene 2, after killing Desdemona, Othello discovers the truth about Iago’s treachery and Desdemona’s innocence. His exclamation, “Then must you speak / Of one that loved not wisely but too well,” encapsulates his tragic awareness. This moment of anagnorisis, or tragic recognition, heightens the pathos of Othello’s fall, emphasizing the interplay between his fatal flaw and Iago’s manipulation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Othello’s tragic end is a result of his fatal flaw of jealousy, intricately manipulated by Iago’s cunning schemes. While Othello’s propensity for jealousy makes him vulnerable, it is Iago’s exploitation of this flaw that drives the plot towards its devastating conclusion. The interplay between Othello’s internal weakness and the external manipulations of Iago underscores the complexity of Shakespearean tragedy, where the downfall of the tragic hero is a product of both personal flaws and external forces. Ultimately, Othello’s jealousy is the primary agent of his downfall, but it is Iago’s malevolence that activates and magnifies this flaw, leading to the tragic culmination of the play. Through this lens, the tragedy of Othello reveals the profound impact of a fatal flaw when manipulated by external evil, resulting in the inevitable fall of a noble hero.
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