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Essay / Analysis of Othello as a tragic hero
Jealousy is like a poison, the effects may be minor at first, but the result is always unpleasant. Ironically, Othello's jealousy leads him to want to poison Desdemona. His jealousy and Iago's manipulation in this passage are what lead to the final events of the play's descending action. In fact, the passage uses several literary devices such as dramatic techniques, characters, and themes to gradually lead the reader toward the end of the play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The dramatic techniques in this passage are important because they give the reader a preview of what will happen next. An example of a dramatic technique used in this passage is the foreshadowing of Desdemona's death. When Othello says, “Yes, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight for she shall not live!” » (IV, i, 178-179), he informs the reader that Othello no longer wants Desdemona to live. Another example of foreshadowing in this passage is when Iago says, "And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker." You'll hear more by midnight. »(IV, i, 206-207), which suggests that he will try to kill Cassio. Another dramatic device used in this passage is hamartia, a Greek word meaning fault or error. Othello's hamartia in this passage is that he believes that Iago and Cassio were having a conversation about Desdemona, and he was eventually overcome by his jealousy. As a result, he vows to murder Cassio and Desdemona. In fact, the first line of this passage is "How shall I murder him, Iago?" » (IV, i 167), which proves that he wants to assassinate Cassio. Othello's mistake in this passage is the reason Desdemona dies because he believes he finally has enough proof that she is unfaithful, even though he is wrong. Characterization is the last literary device used in the passage. Since this passage takes place in the descending action of the play, the characters generally do not develop further but rather stick to their current characteristics. In this passage, Iago shows concern for Othello when he tells him the news about the handkerchief. He tries to side with Othello by saying things that are true to Othello's thoughts, such as "She's the worst of it all." (IV, I, 188), and “Oh, it’s filthy in her!” (IV, i, 197) to further convince Othello that Desdemona is bad for what she has done and that what he decides to do will be justified. Characteristics of Othello also appear in this passage, particularly his love for Desdemona. Even though he suspects Desdemona of cheating on him and is angry with her, he still speaks of her as if she were innocent. For example, in lines 184-187 of Act IV Scene I, Othello says "Hang her!" I'm just saying what she is: so delicate with her needle, admirable musician! Oh, she will sing of the wildness of a bear! Of such high and abundant spirit and invention! » (IV, I, 184-187). This tells the reader that Othello is angry because such a perfect person is capable of deceiving him and that is why Othello hesitates when he strangles him later in the play. Iago's deceptive nature is also present in this passage. Towards the end of the passage, Iago displays his false loyalty to Othello by providing Othello with ideas by saying “Do it not with poison; strangling her in her bed, even the bed she contaminated. » (IV, i, 203-204) which benefits him while gaining Othello's trust by telling him “And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You'll hear more by midnight. » (IV, I, 206-207). Iago's deceptive nature leads others..