why is 'Othello' a tragic play?

Question

1. brief summary of the play
2. brief summary of Othello's past
3. relationship with Desdemona

Answer 1

In general usage, a tragedy is a play, movie or sometimes a real world event with a sad outcome. However, throughout much of Western thought, tragedy has been defined in more precise terms, following the precepts set out by Aristotle and based upon Greek tragedies: it is a form of drama characterized by seriousness and dignity, and involving a great person whose downfall is brought about by either a character flaw or a conflict with some higher power such as the law, the gods, fate, or society. It should be noted, however, that the definition of tragedy that Aristotle puts forward merely requires a reversal of fortune from bad to good (as in the Eumenides) or good to bad (as in Oedipus Rex). In academic or classical usages, it can also be spelled tragedy.

The play is a domestic tragedy revolving around five or six central characters. Othello's ill-placed trust in the villain Iago, resulting in his growing suspicion in his wife’s, Desdemona, infidelity with his lieutenant Cassio, which led to the ultimate tragedy.

The most basic aspects of symbology, that white signifies purity and black signifies evil – are repeatedly challenged in Othello. One example is in the character of Bianca. Her name in Italian means "white", yet, as Iago tells the audience, her name is again "but sign" of purity, as she is in fact "a housewife that by selling her desires buys herself bread and clothes" (Act IV, scene i, ll. 95-96). Ironically, just before Desdemona pleads with Othello that she is not a whore, Bianca too protests to an accuser that she is "no strumpet, but of life as honest/ As you that thus abuse me" (Act V, scene i, ll. 122-123)– leading the audience to realize that, just as with Desdemona, the only evidence anyone has that Bianca is a whore is Iago's word, and Cassio's (he calls himself a "customer," whore {Act IV, scene i, l. 117}).

Othello is a noble Moor, in the service of Venice.

Desdemona is wife to Othello and the daughter of Brabantio (also written as Brabanzio), a Senator.

Othello is commonly considered one of Shakespeare's great tragedies, and one of his finest works.

Answer 2

It's really a good play; you ought to give it a read sometime.