Character sketch of Othello in William Shakespeare’s famous
play “Othello.”
Othello was published in 1604 and its
material was borrowed from ‘Hundred Tales’ written by Giraldi Cinthiyo.
The story of the play is based on the disloyalty of husbands of and their
jealousies as given in the story-collection. Shakespeare has made changes in
the story and given it new colour.
Othello’s character analysis
Othello was a
noble moor. He came to Venice travelling from Egypt. He embraced Christianity
and Venetian culture. He served the Venetian army as the General and earned the
confidence of the duke of the Venice.
The
Shakespearean tragic hero generally belongs to a very high class. Hamlet,
Mackbeth, Antony, Julius Ceasar belong to the royal families. It is only Othello
who does not come to a high family. He is an Egyptian noble moor by birth. He
was made the General of Venetian army and sent to Cyprus to quell of Turks. He
is conscious of his greatness and the service he has done to the Venetian
state. When Iago asks him that if any loophole remains in his marriage with
Desdimona, Brabantio would try to wean his daughter from him. Othello says-
“My
service which I have done to signiory
Shall tongue out his complaints.”
No Shakespearean tragic hero is as
romantic as Othello. In spite of his black and unattractive look he is able to
hook a young and extremely charming damsel like Desdimonal. He used to visit
her house and narrate the stories of his adventures in order her ears. The love
between Othello and Desdimona was so unnatural that nobody could believe it.
She said to the unbelieving of his father ans Duke-
“I saw
Othello’s visage in his mind
And
to his honors and his valiant parts
Did
my soul and fortunes consecrate.”
A.C. Bradley
remarks, “Othello is……. But far the most romantic figure among Shakespeare,s
heroes.
In spite of
his greatness, there are several tragic flaws in his character .A.C. Bradley says “These
tragic flaws are the sources of danger in Othello’s character.” First, Othello’s
mind is simple compared to Iago’s cunning mind. Othello is not observant. His
nature tends outward. Thirdly, he is over credulous. He believes Iago blindly. Fourthly,
he suffers from the sexual jealousy. Iago being a good reader of human
character exploits these weaknesses of Othello to his own peculiar advantage
and leads them to dismiss Michael Cassio and put Desdimona dead for no valid
reason.
Othello was
thoroughly trustful. He put his entire
confidence in Iago’s honesty. This confidence was misplaced. Before all things,
Iago was honest to Othello. He trusted Iago so much that he leaved his wife
under the charge of Iago and Emilia before his departure to Cyprus. His blind
faith in Iago ruined him.
Othello,
being a soldier was a man of quick action. If he had delayed his murderous plan
the tragedy could have been averted. Had he listen the sane voice of Desdimona,
the destruction of precious lives could have been avoided. Desdimona told him that
she did not give her handkerchief to Cassio; he might have found it,he did not
delayed his action. She said-
“Kill
me tomorrow, let me live tonight.”
These
weaknesses of Othello caused his fall. Before his departure to Venice, he gave
a deep thought to what he had done with his sweet Desdimona and conclude his
murder of Desdimona was an act of honor killing. He said to Lodovico that he
was an Honorable murderer . Othello
being a moor, could not tolerate the disloyalty of his wife.
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