‘A Tragic hero must arouse some sympathy as well as a sense of loss at his parting’
In the light of this statement discuss the presentation of Othello in the play.
Key sections – chronologically
Details to include
Scaffolded opening sentences…
structured by play and by topic
Introduction – this essay question
General comment about the nature of
Aristotle’s notion that a tragic hero
requires you to consider the given
tragic heroes in literature
must gain the audience’s sympathy
definition of a ‘tragic hero’ and
through his failed potential is a
whether it can be wholly/partly
Reference to Othello, his demise, and traditional one in tragic literature.
applied to Othello.
the methods used to present him
In Othello, we see….
Establish the ways in which
Shakespeare initially engages
audience with his character – how is
he established as a hero?
Indication as to whether the statement
is true of him or not
 Iago’s racist remarks (imagery)
 Brabantio’s hatred
 His peaceful approach
 D’s love
 His reputation
(couplets/imagery)
 His ‘music’ – Act 1
(imagery/verse)


Shakespeare works hard in the
opening Act to establish a sense of
the heroic about Othello…..
…As we move into Act 2, we are
therefore aware that Othello is a
man of great potential – a hero who has the favour of the
audience.
It is in Act 2, that our sympathies
are truly aroused for this flawed
character…
Dramatic irony –I’s soliloquies
Break down of his control
(verse/imagery)
 Confusion of his role – conflict
between public and private
Thus, it is clear that Shakespeare
 His personal insecurities
has effectively created a hero –but
also a gullible human victim of
Iago’s manipulations who is no
longer in control of his fate.
Explore his demise – do we
Othello’s parting comes as a result
 Complete loss of control
experience a sense of loss at his
of his horrendous, potentially
(speech)
parting?
unforgivable, actions…..
 Murder of wife
 His final speech –is it a true
And yet, despite this, his final
redemption (‘magic’
speech reminds us that….
regained?)
Conclusion – is the definition
Generally, yes, although one might
Therefore, while we can appreciate
therefore true of Othello – is he truly argue that his final moments do not
Othello’s gullibility and
a ‘tragic hero’?
truly reflect the truth of his loss – has
foolishness are inherent
he fully captured his weakness? Does weaknesses in his character, we
his suicide redeem him?
can also see the tragedy in…
Establish ways in which sympathy is
aroused during the play – is this
done successfully?