Character of Othello in Shakespeare for BA students

 

Character of Othello in Shakespeare

Othello is one among the great heroes in Shakespearean drama. He is a black Moor, thick lipped man. He is the most romantic figures among Shakespearean heroes. He is the greatest poet of all the heroes of Shakespeare’s tragedies. He is a man who has experienced countless dangers, hardship and struggle. He is a courageous man and is proud of his services. His life is filled with adventure and love.

Othello’s love for Desdemona is deep. His love for Desdemona is constant and noble. He has a great admiration for Desdemona. She is one in whom he has “garnered up his heart”. He is one of the great lovers in the literature of the world, the greatest lover in Shakespeare.  The beauty of Desdemona enchants and ravishes him.

When he stabs her with words, he burst out into tears and asks her to go away, “O Desdemona away! away! away! He believes that she has betrayed him and murders her in the bed. Othello has deep love for Desdemona. He lacks insight into the soul of the woman he loves. He is blind to the childlike purity of Desdemona.

Othello has adopted the Christian faith and follows it with sincerity. He believes in the immortality of the soul. He is a simple and straight forward person. He is too trustful. He listens to Iago throughout the play and believes him. He is a man whose jealousy is uncontrollable and results in tragedy.

He has the heroic qualities of courage and strength. He is dedicated to the soldier’s life of obedience and responsibility. Swinburn claims Othello “the noblest man of man’s making.”