Othello is a blend of brilliance and frailty; he is a commander in the Venetian armed services. Despite being an immigrant from Africa, he has earned this position through military skills. He possesses courage, intellect, command ability, and the confidence of his men. Othello is an exile who is bright and competent in military issues but uncomfortable socially (Shakespeare, 1991). He lives an intense existence, alternating between victory and terror. Because of his background and life history, he differs from the people around him, yet he embraces their faith, morals, and loyalty in Venice. More significantly, because of the hue of his skin, he is different; therefore, he is continuously among but separated from other people.
Othello’s deeds and demeanor, virtue, and bravery are all excellent. Admittedly, he is a fallen hero, and his place in the tragedy necessitates that he starts in a state of magnificence before suffering his terrible fall. Shakespeare establishes Othello’s distinctiveness early in the play by emphasizing his hero’s military strength and courage before documenting his hero’s slide as he falls into anarchy. Othello loves Desdemona, and by killing her, he refuses happiness, heightening the misery. Iago’s genuine Machiavellian achievement is that he forces Othello to take accountability for his demise.
Othello is handsome at first, but as the tale progresses, he becomes increasingly repulsive. His embarrassment and the public striking of Desdemona, as well as his ruthless murder of her, are all too horrible for him to comprehend at his last judgment. When he hits her, there are echoes of his courage and morality in Lodovico’s disbelief that he could have misunderstood Othello’s nature so drastically by considering him good. Nonetheless, these reminders only serve to amplify the disgust felt at Othello’s behavior. It’s also tough to like a man who strangles his wife and considers himself an honorable killer.
Reference
Shakespeare, W. (1991). Othello:[1622]. Oxford Text Archive Core Collection.