Othello- the Moor of Venice is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is believed to be written in 1603. It is based on the Italian short story Un Capitano Moro (A Moorish Captain) by Cinthio, a disciple of Boccaccio. It was first published in 1565. This work revolves around four central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, Desdemona; lieutenant, Cassio, and Iago. Because of its varied and current themes of racism, love, jealousy, and betrayal, Othello is still often performed in professional and community theatres alike, and it has been the basis for numerous films and literary adaptations.
This research will attempt to contribute to this expansive body of literature by bringing forth a new side of the picture. In this area, the research will essentially propose that the character of Othello holds secondary relevance. Primary relevance in the play is associated with the character of Emilia. This paper will attempt to question the perception that considers the character of Othello to be the tragic hero of Shakespeare's play Othello. In addition, the paper will attempt to highlight an alternative character in the play: Emilia; as the actual tragic hero of the play. In order to do so, the discussion will present examples from the play in an attempt to substantiate arguments and form clear arguments. The discussion will attempt to compare the presence of Emilia as the tragic hero of the play in comparison to the presence of the character of Othello as the tragic hero.
Analyses
There is an expansive body of literature that is present with regard to the play of Othello and its characters. Some researchers have chosen to analyze Othello; others have chosen to reflect on the relevance of different characters in the play. Others have chosen to highlight the presence of different themes in the play with regard to the manner in which modern day literature seeks inspiration from Othello.
Emilia as a Real Hero
It is only natural to consider the character of Othello as the tragic hero of Shakespeare's Othello. Modern interpretations of the play have helped to shed a new light on the subject, driving literature analysts to reconsider their opinion of considering the character of Othello to be the actual tragic hero of Shakespeare's play Othello (Gaskell, Pp. 89). The sympathy is generally directed towards the character of Othello. It is based on the apparent plot that Shakespeare has presented. However, a deeper insight and closer analysis tends to show a deeper picture. In light of this deeper analysis, it would not be incorrect to state that the actual tragic hero of Othello may not be the character of Othello. A closer look reveals that Othello may not be the tragic hero. This perspective is based on the fact that Othello was actually driven by blind anger and his blind anger led him to do ...