William Shakespeare s' Tragic Play 'Othello'
Character of Othello
Othello is a complex character. It is
not easy to understand him. Swinburne says, “Othello was the noblest man of man
s’ making.” But T.S Eliot speaks unavoidably for him. Othello is a man of great
stature and a man of qualities though he has many weak points in his character.
Bradley and Leavis have different viewpoints
about Othello s’ character. Bradley says that Othello is a perfect and noble
character and he is totally blameless. He is of the view that hating Othello is
not justified. Leavis says it is wrong to say that Othello s’ tragedy is caused
by Iago. These are Othello s’ shortcomings and weak points of his character
which lead toward his own tragic end. His love for Desdemona and his egoistic attitude
caused his tragedy.
Leavis says that Othello is an egoist.
This egotism is seen in his callous treatment Barbantio. He has spent his most
of the time in war fighting against the enemies. He is unaware of the typicality
of life. He becomes too much possessive in love. Othello s’ egotism is intense enough
for Iago to plan is intrigue quite successfully.
Othello is a romantic character. His
racial treatment shares in his tragedy. His roaming in the vast deserts, his
war stories and his exploits, his experiences of slavery and his participation
in the wars and battles makes his the most romantic figure among Shakespeare s’
heroes. He is not only a romantic figure, his whole nature is romantic.
Othello s’ character is full of tragic
flaws and shortcomings. His romanticism and weaknesses become the cause of his tragedy.
He is a man of rapid temperament, his hasty decision making power causes his
tragedy. He is not observant and is quite incapable of introspection. Emotions
excites his imagination and possesses great openness and truthfulness of
nature.
Othello s’ too much trust on Iago
causes his tragedy. Iago works against and conspires against Othello. He starts
breaching in Othello-Desdemona s’ love. Not knowing the fact Othello shows his
complete trust on Iago. Othello has been convinced of Iago s’ knowledge and
wisdom of human relations and personalities and their nature.
Othello is easily trapped by others.
He is trapped easily by Iago. He loves Cassio, but his confidence in him is betrayed.
He loves Desdemona and his love in her is also seemingly betrayed by her.
Summing up the discussion, we can say
that thug Othello is a man of great character, yet he has some weaknesses which
cause his tragedy. Despite his weak points he is a worth loving and is a
character of great stature.
No comments:
Post a Comment