Othello Vs Julius Ceasar - A Tragic Hero
4 Pages 922 Words
William Shakespeare’s Characters, Julius Caesar (from Julius Caesar),
and Othello (from Othello) are tragic heroes. Both characters are ; [➊ a
person of significance who, because of a tragic flaw, is brought, through
hamartia, to a catastrophe which is met with courage.]
Caesar was an extremely successful Roman general who’s rise to power
was stemmed from the winning of battles. Caesar had the popularity and
support of the Roman citizens, so much support, in fact, that he was offered
the crown three times. Also, after Caesar was murdered the public insisted
that his death be avenged, and this was done by a type of small civil
war. This definitely suggests that Caesar was significant. In Othello, Othello
was a successful general. He was in command of all the forces in Venice, he
was in the position to promote Cassio to second in command. Othello is
proved to be the most valued member of Venace when
he is summoned to go direct the forces in Cypress, even before he was able to
go on his honeymoon with his new wife, Desdemona (O I iii 260-290).
A tragic hero must have a tragic flaw. Caesar’s tragic flaw was his over
confidence.
Ceasar was so popular among the people of Rome that the legend of Caesar
and his victories would live on forever. However, Caesar seemed to believe
that this made him immortal, when in reality he could be killed as easily as
any other man. Caesar shows this confidence early in the
play when he ignores the warnings of a soothsayer, who sais to Caesar,
“Beware the idles of March”. (J I ii 13-24) Othello’s tragic flaw was jealousy.
Othello shows obvious jealousy; when he is angry at seeing Cassio talking to
Desdemona (O III iii 34-60); in his reaction to Desdemona
misplacing the handkerchief (O III iv 50-108); and when Othello is sprung
into an epilepsy seizure after Iago tells him that Cassio...