Tragedy In Shakespeares Othello - 1519 Words

â€Å"Tragedy is an imitation not just of a complete action, but of events that evoke pity and fear.† The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle gave the classic theory of tragedy a distinguishable definition. There are various elements included in a tragedy, making it both successful and enjoyable. From the dramatic plot to the audaciousness of characters that create intensity, every element is necessary to construct the classic tragedy. This can be observed through action as seen in Shakespeare’s Othello. Shakespeare’s play Othello, most closely resembles the Greek philosopher’s theory of tragedy that achieves Aristotle s four unities (simplify this sentence): Hamartia, Peripetia, Anagnorisis and Catharsism. With Shakespeare adapting Aristotle’s†¦show more content†¦...my ancient; a man he is of honesty and trust†¦ To this conveyance I assign my wife. The irony from this line lies in Othello s mistaken belief of his ensign, his â€Å"mo st trusted Iago†, who is already plotting against him for his own means. After witnessing Iago s conspiracy with Roderigo at the abolition of Othello in the previous act, the reader immediately sees Iago s villainess, however in innocence, Othello is blinded to it and by it. From this we see, as in many tragedies, the tragic hero s flaw is not actually a defect in itself, but rather an excess of a virtue. With Hamartia being used to provide the tragic flaw throughout the play it provides the audience an interest that is induced due to Othello’s hamartia, which progresses throughout the play. Peripeteia provides a point of shock and dismay in a complex plot, providing the tragic plot surprise and emotional complexity. In Othello, the peripety occurs in the mere middle of the play. Othello is slowly deceived by Iago s rhetoric, persuasiveness and imagery, yet in this scene the transition occurs. Iago says Indeed with emphasis, where after Othello replies: Indeed? Ay, indeed. Discerns t thou aught in that? Is he not honest†. Iago keeps using rhetorical emphasis to corrupt Othello, Honest, my lord? Think, my lord. Othello who is of a feeble character and easily persuaded replies, Think, my lord! By heaven, he echoes me, / As if there wasShow MoreRelatedThe Tragedy of Shakespeares Othello558 Words   |  2 PagesWilliam Shakespeares play The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice provides an intriguing perspective regarding matters related to race, envy, and treachery. Othello is a powerful and influential Moorish general in the Venetian army, Desdemona is his wife, much younger than him and the reason for which the general is hated, and Iago is Othellos seemingly trusted lieutenant. 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