Who is Responsible for Macbeths Downfall? Jealousy is the most corrupting and destructive of emotions and is demonstrated throughout this drama by the protagonist, Othello. His perception and conclusions are replaced by fury and hatred. What is Iago's plan and purpose in act 1, scene 3 of Othello? Oedipus is presented with a series of choices throughout the play, and his arrogant and stubborn nature push him to impulsively make the wrong decisions, the decisions that ultimately lead him to his downfall. Othello isnt privy to all of the nuances and cultural ideals in Venice, which gives Iago another way to keep him in the dark and control his actions to some degree. Shakespeares usage of the common human characteristics illustrates the accurate depiction in creating each characters own downfall. While Othello is a noble and upstanding man with the experience of being a soldier, his ultimate downfall comes from the traits that go with those things. He did not ask for Iago to put those negative thoughts into his head, and he certainly did not plan to kill his wife. Othello is incharge of his own downfall - StudyMoose Aristotle said that "A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall." This statement is exemplified in Shakespeare's Othellowhere Othello as the tragic hero is to some extentresponsible for his own downfall. Iago carefully plans his every move and is able to arouse the curiosity of Othello without impetuosity. As the play progresses, we watch its vicious influence on the protagonist with compassion and error. He places his trust in Iago without realizing that his so-called friend is actually mistreating him. This is what makes Othello easily susceptible to Iagos schemes. The Shakespearean play Othello reflects the profound social contradictions of the Renaissance, and William Shakespeare develops the idea of ones ruling passion would falsely leading to the tragic path and creating misunderstandings between loved ones which will act as a double-edged sword that not only harms other but later on will harm oneself. It is evident, therefore, that Othello's faults and virtues, all that makes him human, played a large part in the demise of Desdemona and himself yet without Iago, there would have been no tragedy to speak of. In Othello, act 3, how does Iago make Othello jealous? As a result of, Othello or The Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare is a tragedy of race. (2016, May 06). Othello let himself be tricked by the lies of Ago, and so it was he who was responsible for his own downfall. No problem! Get access to our huge, continuously updated knowledge base. Analysis. In the end it was Othello that made his own choices with his own free will, and so it was justified when he had to pay for his mistakes, but the influence of Iagos manipulation cannot be denied. This is an unusual description of a man who murders his own wife. He Judges people by their exterior behavior but really does not know anything about their ulterior motives. At once the evil character of Iago is introduced and uncovers the hero's tragic flaw; ultimately that of naivet. How Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall - bartleby For instance, when Iago unveils to Rodrigo that he has a plan to attain Desdemonas affection for him, he in contrast dehumanizes Othello he reveals that If I the Moor I would not be Iago. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. Iago knows that Othello ignores flaws in people like Cassio, which is part of his motivation in getting Cassio drunk, and involved in an argument. (2018, Feb 02). Othello is a powerful, black general of the Venetian Army, evolved from humble beginnings. Blablawriting.com provide for you a wide variety of top-notch essay and term paper samples on any possible topics absolutely. So, he believes Iago, as a soldier believes in his men. Othello is Solely Responsible for his Downfall in Shakespeare's Othello Shakespeare understood human relationships very well, which makes this tragedy particularly poignant. he was easily manipulated, trusting the wrong people, and obsessed with desdemona. Retrieved 01:13, July 09, 2023, from https://www.writework.com/essay/extent-othello-responsible-his-own-downfall. "The Relationship Between Love and Hate in Othello" A.C. Bradley describes Othello as "by far the most romantic figure among Shakespeare's heroes"(Shakespearean Tragedy, 1). Othello may be the cause of his own downfall because he fails to understand that not all people are as good as he is and that everyone isnt out for the good of others. During that time black people were slaves which is why the racism in Othello was definitely racism and one of Iagos forms of control. Shakespeare creates a hero who does not fall under a racist stereotype, Othello is a nobleman, a decorated soldier, very well respected by his men (with the exception of Iago). Is Othello Responsible for His Own Downfall Book Analysis Othello is constantly aware of how different he is from everyone around him no matter how much they respect him and Iago was able to use this insecurity to his advantage and bring Othello to his downfall. Leadership Behaviors: What Makes an Effective and Responsible Leader? The more time that goes by, the more Iago manipulates Othello and this gives Iago more and more control over Othello as he gains Othellos absolute trust. The fact that Othello is so easilyjealous makes it easy for him to be manipulated, but does this make it his own fault? Expert Answers Susan Smith | Certified Educator Share No, Othello does not create his own downfall. By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. match. Heros, as courageous as they may seem, are just like any other person and go through flaws throughout their lifetime regardless of the extent of their situation. Does Othello create his own downfall? The fact that Othello is so Throughout the play Othello is reminded of his inferiority due to his blackness. This part of Othellos character makes him gullible and more susceptible to being mistreated by Iago. He is angry with Othello for promoting Michael Cassio, an officer with no real battle experience, to lieutenant over him. How does the tragic flaw of Othello cause his downfall in Shakespeare's Othello? In this essay, I have demonstrated why Othello could possibly take the blame for his own downfall. Every conflict in the play is incited by an attack on reputation. Clearly, Othello is guilty of misplaced trust--he believes a man whom he didn't feel was fit for the lieutenancy over his wife, and as you note, many factors contribute to the tragedy of the play. 707 Othello, much like any other human being, is in charge of his own destiny. It is known from reading the play that Iago is the one who manipulates all three of them. If he had not been so Insecure then he would have been able to dismiss Sagos words, and he would have been able to say to himself that our love Is so strong and pure that she would never be able to hurt me this way. However, the Othello is too late to realize what hes done, and consequently this results in many lives lost, including his own. To what extent do you think is Iago responsible for Othello's undoing? In conclusion to Desdemona's actions, it appeals to the reader that the female character represents, Shakespeare is very well known for his inclusion of tragic flaws throughout the storylines of his novels. Roderigo's love for Desdemona was transformed into hate towards any man that he thought was loved by her. In actuality the only evidence that Othello has to prove her infidelity is the handkerchief that Iago places in Cassio's house, and of course the words of Iago, whom he believes he can trust. To what extent do you agree that Othello is responsible for his own tragic downfall? These insecurities act as extra motivation for Iagos actions. Iago knows his plan will work because of Othello's trustworthy nature. As Cassio says: Reputation,reputation,reputation! Lago, who may be considered as the villain of the play, is in a way responsible for all the tragic deaths in the play. to help you write a unique paper. About Ethnographic Research, The Attempt of Man to Understand His Own Culture, Cooked Meat Might Be Responsible for the Evolution of Homosapiens. Thus, I think that someone could validly argue that had it not been for stereotyping, Othello might not have fallen as he did. To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall? This eventually leads to jealousy and a questioning of his wife, Desdemona. Though the main character to make racist remarks in Othello is Iago, making him a representation of white supremacy. Iago absolutely hates Othello. We are all only human and are fallible - or as some would refer to it we endure 'original sin.' This is what makes Othello easily susceptible to Sagos schemes. It remains however a contentious issue - close reading of the play and the characters link below will help you form a view of your own: Men. That, they are not going to have - no matter how good and vital his soldiering. Even though Desdemona is a virtuous and innocent creature Othello still comes to believe that she is a whore who has slept with Cassio while married to him. Othello's downfall is a result of his many flaws being played upon by Shakespeare's most unforgiving, infamous villain; Iago. This jealousy takes over Othellos existence and Iago exploits these feelings by keeping Othello in the dark about the culture in Venice so that he never really knows what is going on. Latest answer posted April 06, 2020 at 3:38:13 PM, Explain this quote from act 1, scene 3 ofOthello: "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: she has deceived her father and may thee. Jump the queue with a membership plan, get unlimited samples and plagiarism results immediately! Is Othello Responsible for His Own Downfall | FreebookSummary Mr Rinkevics is known for his tough line on Russia and strong support for Ukraine. She knew whom she was marrying, and she chose Othello of her own free will. After finding that his wife was faithful, he changes from the man we once knew. As the play progresses, we watch it's vicious influence on the protagonist with compassion and horror. What do you think? To a large extent I believe that the provisional government was responsible for its own downfall due to the fact that they had to share power with the soviets and their perilous decision to continue fighting in the First World War. 2. He is a character of high stature who is destroyed by his surroundings, his own actions, and his fate. It was a view of resilience and of To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall? His destruction is essentially precipitated by his own actions, as well as by the actions of the characters surrounding him. and then Add to Home Screen. If he had notbeen so insecure then he would have been able to dismiss Iagos words, and he would have been able to say to himself that our love is so strong and pure that she would never be able to hurt me this way. If Othello believed that Desdemona was completely devoted to him, he would not ever have killed her. His Jealousy literally drives him mad. This illustrates, Iagos true nature that he holds prejudice and hatred for Othello by referring to him as a Moor, it proves that he only views him as substandard. Othello Is Responsible For His Own Downfall | Term Paper Warehouse After finding that his wife was faithful, he changes from the man we once knew. Nowhere in that quote does Shakespeare mention Macbeth saying, I, living in the 21st century, would be inclined to agree with the above statement, but a 17th century audience might be more likely to disagree due to an increased belief in the supernatural - therefore I believe that the question that needs to be asked is, to what extent is Macbeth responsible for his, How far was the Provisional Government responsible for its own downfall? Desdemona would never even think of cheating on Othello, and confirms this in Act 4, Scene 3 when she says, "Beshrew me if I would do such a wrong for the whole world." Iago is, of course, mostly responsible for the tragedy because had he not manipulated almost every scene, then the tragic events most likely would not have occurred. How do the terms pride, racial bigotry and jealousy cause the tragedy in othello? Shakespeares Othello explores the defective weaknesses in different characters that ultimately lead to their own downfall. Dont waste Your Time Searching For a Sample. But Iago targets Othello's vulnerabilties. If Othello believed that Desman was completely devoted to him, he would not ever have killed her. Iagos plan is to cause Michael Cassio to fall out of Othellos good graces. Later in the play, Iago goes on to say If she had been blessed, she would never have loved the Moor (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum WRAC ). Iago does this because he knows that Desdemona is one of Othellos only weak spots. All rights reserved. Reputation. Sex and Sexual Stories in Othello, Iago's Alter Ego: Race as Projection in Othello, That's She That Was Myself: Not-So-Famous Last Words and Some Ends of Othello, The Adaptation of a Shakespearean Genre: Othello and Ford's 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, Theatricality and Textuality: The Example of Othello, Voice Potential: Language and Symbolic Capital in Othello, Act III, Scenes 1-4 Questions and Answers.