Tragedy
English Lit: AQA A Level Othello, topic 1.2.3
Tragedy
In the past (particularly in the Greek and Roman Classical period, and in the Age of Shakespeare), tragedies often present the fall of high-status characters.
Tragedies
- In the past (particularly in the Greek and Roman Classical period, and in the Age of Shakespeare), tragedies often present the fall of high-status characters: for example, Kings, Emperors, Princes or Generals.
- This precisely matches what happens in Othello (Othello is a renowned general), so the play might be seen as a continuation of that tradition.
Status
- The idea was that with a high-status character, they have so much further to fall than a lower status character.
- In effect, they have more to lose, whether it is their reputation, a love, respect, command or power.
Tragic flaw
- The general idea is that one or more of the characters have a tragic flaw (something in their make up or character) that is problematical.
- Usually, another character (often a tragic villain) tries to find weakness or the main character’s flaw, and aims to exploit that.
Spiral of tragedy
- Once that tragic flaw has been identified, then very often the main character steps into a spiral of tragedy which they find it difficult to escape from.
- They tend to blame everyone else but themselves.
- This is precisely the case with Othello.
Tragedy
In most tragedies, chaos results because the main character makes a set of poor decisions.
Chaos
- Chaos results because the main character makes a set of poor decisions.
- These decisions not only impact upon them, but also wider society and other characters around them.
- The chaos reaches its climax when something happens which is impossible to change.
- Here, it is the killing of Desdemona.
Remorse
- Only then does the main character reflect on what they have done, and they gain insight into their experiences.
- They are usually filled with remorse and either are killed by a heroic figure or kill themselves because they can no longer face what they have become.
Society
- Once this character has been dispatched or removes themselves from events, only then can the wider society rebuild itself.
- Very often, the tragic hero will find themselves at odds with the society around them, so that they do not quite fit.
Iago
- Sometimes a character (like Iago) tries to rise too quickly in a society and pays the price for their ambition.
- Iago is a kind of ‘new’ man who appears to be unhappy with the conventional order of society and wishes rise through it as fast as possible.
Test yourself on Tragedy
What is Othello's rank within the Venetian military?
What event causes the chaos to reach its climax in Othello?
The Unfolding of Chaos in Tragic Plays