Othello

Is Othello a ‘noble hero’ brought down by ‘a devil of motiveless malignity’ or is Othello ‘flawed and self regarding’ and brought down by a ‘worldly realist’?




As is shown above, there have been many differentiating opinions of the two most inscrutable characters in Shakespeare’s history. As both these characters never fully reveal their true selves or their motives, it has always been difficult to determine their disposition from just the play as a source. Yet, despite this many scholars have brought forward their suggestions for the nature of both Iago's and Othello’s characters.




One of the first examinations into the true characters of these players comes from the nineteenth century, proposed by the scholars Coleridge and Haditt. This suggestion was that Othello was the character of innocence, whilst Iago was the ‘devil’ ultimately responsible.


From the first time and the first words we hear from Othello it is obvious to the audience that he has a natural patience with people, and seems to be a laidback character. His first line can be termed, as composed “Tis better as it is” is what Othello answers, when hearing that men have spoken bad words of him. Iago is the one to inform him of this and even suggests that he should fight them about it. Since these are Othello’s first words it would be quite easy to determine that he is a peaceful man, and it could be considered unrealistic that he could kill his own wife without some one to bring him down.


Othello’s love for Desdemona is shown quite precisely in Act 1, Scene 3, where Othello explains that he has not won Brabantios daughter through any witchcraft but with tales of heroic defeats. “ She had loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them”. Desdemona also portrays the intensity of her commitment in this scene “I saw Othello’s visage in my mind, and two his honours and his valiant parts” this shows that Desdemona is truly obedient to...