Othello: Genre & Dramatic Structure
Genre
Origins of Tragedy
Greek tragedies were based upon conflict. They depicted the tragic hero’s downfall due to
fatal errors (Hamartia) and ambition & pride (Hubris). Tragic heroes are essentially
destroyed by the consequences of their errors. Fate is also an element, often the
protagonist dies fighting against fate. Order is restored at the end of the tragedy, catharsis
(a purging of emotion has occurred. The outcome is pathos, pity felt by the audience.
Traditional tragedy and Othello
Othello fits into the classical mould. Othello is a high-ranking general whose hubris results in
crazed jealousy. Emilia preforms some of the function of the tradition chorus present in
Greek tragedies, as she makes perceptive comments about the play’s male characters.
Conflict & suffering in tragedies
Conflict is at the heart of the tragedy. Driven by envy, hatred and ambition, the characters
lead themselves into disorder and violence. The focus on conflict in Othello is more
concentrated than in Shakespeare’s other tragedies. For example, Romeo & Juliet has a lot
of focus on romance and love. The main example of conflict is in Othello’s mind. His jealousy
and insecurity turn him against himself. This internal conflict causes great anguish which
intensifies over that course of the play. It becomes clear by the end of Act 3 that Othello is
our tragic hero, meaning his death is inevitable. This creates a sense of foreboding
surrounding the protagonist. Despite elements of the play conforming to the format of a
classic tragedy, Othello is highly original. Shakespeare presents the first Black protagonist in
English drama, he also defies tragic convention by keeping the antagonist, Iago, alive.
Shakespearean Tragedies
In his tragedies Shakespeare explores the nature of good and evil, the disintegration of
families and the breakdown of law & order. In Othello, good (Othello) is pitted against evil
(Iago), and Othello and Desdemona’s marriage is destroyed against the backdrop of the
Turkish conflict. Shakespeare utilised the conventional format for the Jacobean tragedy, he
presents his tragedy in 5 Acts, with the climax in Act 3. The villain in Othello (Iago) holds all
the power. He is the agent of tragedy. Also, Dramatic irony is integral, it is used in Iago’s
plots throughout the play, and creates a constant tension which propels the story.
Love & Pity in Othello
Apart from conflict, the play is also driven by the nature of love, and how quickly this can
change to violent jealousy. In Act 1 Scene 3 the audience is brought on to Othello and
Desdemona’s side, due to the presentation of their true love, and the fact that this may be
threatened by Brabantio. As the play progresses, admiration for the couple turns to pity as
we see Iago’s lies destroy the relationship. From Act 3 onwards love is undermined by
mistrust, jealousy and violence.
Genre
Origins of Tragedy
Greek tragedies were based upon conflict. They depicted the tragic hero’s downfall due to
fatal errors (Hamartia) and ambition & pride (Hubris). Tragic heroes are essentially
destroyed by the consequences of their errors. Fate is also an element, often the
protagonist dies fighting against fate. Order is restored at the end of the tragedy, catharsis
(a purging of emotion has occurred. The outcome is pathos, pity felt by the audience.
Traditional tragedy and Othello
Othello fits into the classical mould. Othello is a high-ranking general whose hubris results in
crazed jealousy. Emilia preforms some of the function of the tradition chorus present in
Greek tragedies, as she makes perceptive comments about the play’s male characters.
Conflict & suffering in tragedies
Conflict is at the heart of the tragedy. Driven by envy, hatred and ambition, the characters
lead themselves into disorder and violence. The focus on conflict in Othello is more
concentrated than in Shakespeare’s other tragedies. For example, Romeo & Juliet has a lot
of focus on romance and love. The main example of conflict is in Othello’s mind. His jealousy
and insecurity turn him against himself. This internal conflict causes great anguish which
intensifies over that course of the play. It becomes clear by the end of Act 3 that Othello is
our tragic hero, meaning his death is inevitable. This creates a sense of foreboding
surrounding the protagonist. Despite elements of the play conforming to the format of a
classic tragedy, Othello is highly original. Shakespeare presents the first Black protagonist in
English drama, he also defies tragic convention by keeping the antagonist, Iago, alive.
Shakespearean Tragedies
In his tragedies Shakespeare explores the nature of good and evil, the disintegration of
families and the breakdown of law & order. In Othello, good (Othello) is pitted against evil
(Iago), and Othello and Desdemona’s marriage is destroyed against the backdrop of the
Turkish conflict. Shakespeare utilised the conventional format for the Jacobean tragedy, he
presents his tragedy in 5 Acts, with the climax in Act 3. The villain in Othello (Iago) holds all
the power. He is the agent of tragedy. Also, Dramatic irony is integral, it is used in Iago’s
plots throughout the play, and creates a constant tension which propels the story.
Love & Pity in Othello
Apart from conflict, the play is also driven by the nature of love, and how quickly this can
change to violent jealousy. In Act 1 Scene 3 the audience is brought on to Othello and
Desdemona’s side, due to the presentation of their true love, and the fact that this may be
threatened by Brabantio. As the play progresses, admiration for the couple turns to pity as
we see Iago’s lies destroy the relationship. From Act 3 onwards love is undermined by
mistrust, jealousy and violence.
