The first act of Othello is important in setting up not only the plot of the play, but the 'Othello's' characteristics. Act one gives an insight to 'Othello's' character and the opinions of the people he is surrounded by. This is informative for the audience as it will help their understanding of 'Othello's' actions later in the play. Shakespeare establishes different components of 'Othello's' character in act one. We first learn that he is the conventional tragic hero who is portrayed through his actions and words. Through the attitudes of surrounding characters, we detect that he is an outsider because of his ethnicity, however in act one the audience sees he is able to rise above the racism which shows his nobility. We also discover his love for 'Desdemona,' who loves 'Othello' for his struggle, which reinstates his heroism. 'Othello's' goodness does not always work for him. The vice character of this play 'Iago' deceitfully plots against him for both personal and professional reasons, which results in 'Othello's' fate in the end of the play.cocb cbr secbcbw orcb cbk incb focb cb!
To be a tragic hero, Shakespeare has to intelligently introduce the qualities of a 'Othello' in act one that makes him a tragic hero. "From year to year - the battles, sieges, fortunes/ That I have passed." 'Othello' has fought against the Turks in a war, which he has proven to be quite successful in saving Venice, therefore making him a hero. The characters that he is encircled by, in either a crude or proud manner comment upon his heroism. Iago negatively states 'Othello' is "horribly stuffed with epithets of war." Although this is said disapprovingly, it shows the characters that dislike him notice 'Othello's' heroism of fighting in the war. The Moor is called "Valiant Othello" by the duke, and it is this epithet that reinforces 'Othello's' heroism. From the lack of response of this, the audience is given an insight that 'Othello' remains modest and humble towards the comments given to him. In act one 'Othello' is also shouted at by 'Brabantio' because 'Othello' has secretly eloped with his daughter 'Desdemona.' "O thou foul thief! Where hast thou stowed my/daughter?" Shakespeare uses the term "foul thief" to describe 'Othello,' and it is a significant in showing how 'Brabantio' feels toward 'Othello.' However 'Desdemona' was not stolen from her father, she fell in love with 'Othello's' struggle, which shows irony because a thief is someone bad, but 'Othello' is filled with goodness. In 'Brabantio's' rage of anger, 'Othello' still remains calm and collected, which is seen through his actions and words. This is another quality in 'Othello' which contributes to 'Othello's' heroism, and greatness. Act one also introduces the audience to 'Othello's' authoritative side. "Keep up your swords, for the dew will rust them." This portrays 'Othello' to be an impressive and powerful speaker. The power of his words is re-established in act one scene three when he speaks in defence of his elopement with 'Desdemona.' "she loved me for the dangers I had passed,/ And I loved her that she did pity them." The audience witnesses 'Othello's heroism through his words of romance. It is also in this speech where the audience hears about the self-less acts 'Othello' has experienced. "Of hair-breath scapes i'th'imminent deadly breach/ Of being taken by the insolent foe/ And sold to slavery." 'Othello' speaks how he has fought against enemies and that he has suffered slavery, which again is another sign slavery. 'Othello's' heroism can be questioned and has been done so by critics. Leavis (1952) says "the stuff of which he is made begins at once to detonate and show itself unfit." Leavis has said that 'Othello' is too trustworthy and gullible which is his flaw. Bradley (1904) opposed to this and has positively criticised that 'Othello' is the "most romantic figure" of all Shakespeare's lovers, as well as the most noblest of all Shakespeare's heroes. Indeed 'Othello' is very noble and honest, therefore in my opinion he fulfils the label of a hero. However these characteristics does not always work for him. Along side with the noble characteristics, comes the gullible nature, and this is the early signs of 'Othello's' flaws, which leads me to contemplate if 'Othello' really fulfils the heroism label. Act one is important in establishing the qualities of 'Othello' that gives the title tragic hero. It introduces his personality so that in the latter part of the play we can interpret the reasons behind his actions and witness his character development. Durkheim enveloped sanjaychopra's realism .
