For a tragedy to be effective, the audience must recognise in the hero, the vulnerable qualities of human nature. Discuss

Shakespeare uses Iago's jealousy as an example of circumstance acting against Othello. Iago perceives Othello's noble qualities "The Moor (howbeit that I endure him not), is of a constant, loving, noble nature" yet his selfish nature drives him "In following him, I follow but myself." Dramatic irony is used throughout the play; the phrase "Honest Iago" is employed as a dramatic technique motif recurring throughout the play. It is obvious that Othello trusts Iago extensively as he says during his first soliloquy "This fellow's of exceeding honesty and knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, of human dealings". Hence Othello is subtly manipulated by Iago "I hope you will consider what is spoke comes from my love" while slowly planting seeds of jealousy within Othello "beware my lord of jealousy." Further dramatic irony conveys Othello's suffering at the hand of circumstance. Manipulation of circumstance further drives Othello to madness "By heaven that should be my handkerchief" and this false proof drives him to madness aided unknowingly by Desdemona's constant promotion of Cassio's "this is a trick to put me from my suit". This serves to demonstrate the tragic series of circumstance conspiring against Othello amplified by Iago’s use of sexual imagery "naked with her friend in bed" "with her? With her, on her what you will". This combination of circumstance all occurring outside of Othello's control contribute to the tragedy, and contribute to the eventual catharsis.

Catharsis is the final quality of tragedy; Shakespeare gradually builds pity for Othello via dramatic irony. The audience sympathizes with Othello's situation, as he is mislead by circumstance "I will be hang'd if some eternal villain hath not devised this slander." Through Othello's standing in society, Shakespeare conveys to the audience a sense of fear at his downfall. His noble and controlled nature "put up thy bright swords for the dew will rust them" is juxtaposed with his madness "I would have him nine years a-killing." Through violent imagery, "I'll chop her into messes" Shakespeare demonstrates the change in Othello, prompting fear within the audience. Desdemona's naivety further demonstrates the depth of Othello's error "Alack, my lord what do you mean" causing further pity to arise within the audience. The audience feels fear at Othello's madness and yet pities him for he has been misled created by Othello’s painful cries, “O Desdemona, Desdemona Dead! O! O! O!” From the imagery of hell in Othello's speech, “Whip me, ye devils, from the possession of the heavenly sight!” it is clear that the hero has reached his ultimate doom and the effects of his trusting nature have taken their ultimate toll. The responder finds solace, however, in knowing that Othello does conquer the part of himself that has brought about the tragedy, shown in his soliloquy, "Speak of one that loved not wisely, but too well, of one not easily jealous but, being wrought, perplexed in an extreme...." It is in this that Othello comes to the realization of the tragic flaw of his naivety; and lack of wisdom that has led to the dreadful situation. However, as characteristic of tragedy, the hero has reached this realization too late, and he dies, giving emotional impact.

Othello's character is an essential quality of tragedy as it presents him in a position of esteem, making his downfall more significant. The flaw in his character is an essential quality of tragedy, as without this flaw, his downfall would not occur. Othello's downfall occurs due to circumstance, another key quality of tragedy. Because of this, Othello is seen as a victim of circumstance, leading to the eventual catharsis of emotions upon his death. In Conclusion, Othello is an effective tragedy as it implements the conventions of a noble man dying due to his fatal flaw.