The Tragic Form

Othello, as the tragic hero, is a man of high status and noble character, whose tragic flaw (hamartia) leads to his downfall. His jealousy, manipulated by Iago, drives the plot toward its tragic conclusion.

• High Status: Othello is a respected general, admired for his military prowess.
• Hamartia: His jealousy and trust in Iago become the catalysts for his tragic fall.
• Hubris: Othello's pride prevents him from seeing the truth about Iago and Desdemona until it is too late.

The epistemological crisis in Othello revolves around the conflict between appearance and reality. Othello's inability to discern the truth leads to his tragic decisions, as he relies on Iago's deceitful words rather than his own judgment.

• Appearance vs. Reality: Iago's manipulations create a false reality for Othello, leading him to mistrust Desdemona.
• Misinterpretation: Othello misinterprets events and actions, contributing to his tragic errors.

The concept of catharsis refers to the emotional release experienced by the audience as they witness the tragic events unfold. In Othello, the audience feels pity for the protagonist and fear of the consequences of his actions, culminating in a moral lesson.

• Pity: The audience sympathizes with Othello, despite his flaws, as they see how Iago's manipulations lead to his tragic end.
• Fear: The play evokes fear by illustrating the destructive power of jealousy and the consequences of misplaced trust.
• Moral Lesson: The tragedy serves as a warning about the dangers of letting emotions cloud judgment.