The Hero And Victim In Shakespeare's Othello

Who is Othello? What makes Othello the hero and victim of the play Othello? William Shakespeare created Othello to be a very complex and important individual in his play Othello. In the beginning, Othello is an outsider but deemed powerful and wise, then he lets Iago plant jealousy and make him suspicious. In the end, he comes to a realization and is ashamed, remorseful, and genuinely upset. His love and passion for Desdemona and his insecurities lead him to be easily influenced into jealously and aggression. Othello was a general of defense in Venice, but his race causes conflict and those around to judge him. Unlike the rest of the characters in Othello, Othello is continuously labeled as “the Moor” (I.i.39), mentioning his “thick-lips” (I.i.66) hinting that he is darker skinned, being from North Africa, which is unaccepted in

While being discriminated against, Othello is also admired and respected due to his bravery and his leadership skills impressed the Duke and senators of Venice. His reputation for being courageous, good in battle, and making smart decisions get him the position of General. Many were unhappy with this decision and still see Othello as just moor Othello is also temperamental and passionate, which leads him to aggression and jealousy. Though he is a noble and well respected General, he is insecure of himself, “Haply for I am black. And have not those soft parts of conversation. That chamberers have, or for I am declined. Into the vale of years” (III.iii.263-265). He thinks Desdemona would leave him because he is black, because he is different, and therefore not good enough for her. Iago keeps filling Othello’s head with false accusations of Desdemona cheating with Cassio and because Othello is so vulnerable due to his insecurities, he is