Why Is Othello Considered a Tragedy?

Othello is a play written in 1603 by William Shakespeare. It focuses on the manipulation of Othello, a Moorish general, by Iago, his ensign, to fulfil his revenge. Othello is considered to be one of the ‘Four Great Tragedies of Shakespeare’, but some content whether it is in fact a tragedy or just has tragic elements. To determine whether Othello is a tragedy, one would have to look at the conventions of the genre, as defined by Aristotle.

The first convention of tragedy is the initial nature of the protagonist always being one of nobility and honour. It is only later in the play that the faults in their character begin to show. In Othello, Othello displays these characteristics. Iago describes him as “Is of a constant, loving, noble nature” (2.1.285) and other characters refer to him with titles such as “Valiant Othello” (1.3.48). He displays this character himself when, confronted by Desdomona’s father and a group of armed men, he says “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them” (1.2.58). Shakespeare has painted a very clear picture of the man Othello was at the beginning of the play, one of nobility and honour. This matches the conventions of a tragic work.

The second convention is that the protagonist must be a focal point of or within their society. Othello also meets this requirement as he is not only the general of the Venetian army, but also a black Moor living within Medieval, Christian Venice. His importance in the Venetian state is shown when the Doge says “we must employ you against the general enemy Ottoman.” (1.3.48) In regards to race, Iago says to Brabantio “you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse.” (1.1.115) He is making a racist slur against Othello, displaying the anti-black mindset of the era. Brabantio goes on to support this when he says to the doge “to fall in love with what she fear’d to look on!” and “Against all rules of nature,” (1.3.98/100). This shows that Othello was prominent in Venetian society for both his race and his position in the army, following the conventions of tragedy.

The third convention is the flaw in the protagonist’s character. In Othello’s case, he has two prominent faults, naivety and jealousy. The naivety of Othello displays itself in his questioning of Desdomona over her fidelity. After being verbally abused by Othello, she asks “Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?” (4.2.69) Despite her obvious ignorance, not once does Othello tell her what he is accusing her of exactly, he just continues to abuse her. Iago talks of how he is going to exploit the fault of Othello’s in the line, “And will as tenderly be led by the nose As asses are.” (1.3.394) This displays his naivety as he has taken Iago’s word to be truth, regardless of what others say. Othello’s