Othello Tragedy and Critical Interpretations

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice is one of William Shakespeare’s most powerful plays. It tells the story of Othello, a Moorish general in Venice, and Desdemona, his wife.

Their marriage faces constant challenges, not only because of cultural differences but also because of manipulative people around them. The play explores love, trust, jealousy, and the destructive power of lies.

Othello and Desdemona’s Struggle

The main focus of the play is the relationship between Othello and Desdemona. Despite their strong love, Othello is influenced by others, especially Iago, who feeds him with doubts and lies. The story moves from a celebration of love to a heartbreaking tragedy, ending with Othello’s downfall.

Andrew Bradley’s View

Andrew Bradley, a well known literary scholar from the early 20th century, became famous for his influential book Shakespearean Tragedy (1904). In his analysis, Bradley described Othello as a deeply passionate lover who becomes dangerously obsessed.

He argued that Othello’s jealousy blinded him and pushed him toward irrational actions. To Bradley, Othello’s willingness to listen to Iago’s lies was like listening to the devil itself, a weakness that ultimately drove him to murder Desdemona.

Thomas Eliot’s View

Thomas Eliot, one of the most important poets and critics of the modernist period, also wrote about Shakespeare’s works. He believed that Othello was selfish and overly dramatic, especially in his final speech. Eliot argued that Othello focused more on how others would remember him than on the terrible crime he committed against Desdemona.

Frank Leavis’s View

Frank Leavis, a literary critic known for his close readings of English literature, offered yet another interpretation of Othello. Leavis saw him as a noble but flawed hero. He believed that Othello gave too much power to Iago and accepted his manipulation too easily. In this way, Othello’s downfall was not only Iago’s fault but also the result of his own weaknesses.

Conclusion

The tragedy of Othello has been read and interpreted in many ways. Bradley, Eliot, and Leavis each give different insights into his character, showing that Shakespeare created a complex figure who continues to spark debate. Whether seen as a passionate lover, a selfish man, or a noble hero undone by weakness, Othello remains one of literature’s most powerful tragic figures.

References

Pacheco An & Johnson Da (eds) 2010, ‘The Renaissance and Long Eighteenth Century’, London.