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Reversal In Othello

1447 Words6 Pages

According to Aristotle, dramatic tragedy and epic poetry share several attributes, including a comparison in function, because tragedy evolves from the epic form (Kane, 2014). Aristotle classifies the most important amongst these elements are peripeteia, translated as “reversal,” and anagnorisis, translated as “recognition (Kane, 2014).” According to Chainani (2006), recognition is the change from ignorance to awareness, usually containing people coming to realize the identities of one another. In other words, recognition is when the character understands his/her circumstances and learns a lesson from his or her mistakes. On the other hand, reversal is defined as the change by which the main action of the story comes full-circle (Chainani, 2006). Specifically, reversal is when a character’s role is reversed. Recognitions and reversals are regularly used to cultivate character. Reversals are also used to improve the conspiracy of the focal point of the story. Writers use the reversal mechanism to assure that the main character or hero realizes what has happened throughout the story. Recognition compliments reversal. With Recognition, reversal is achieved. Reversal and recognition can also be used when the audience gains pity for the hero. According to Butcher, S. H. (2009), pity and fear is seen as a result of a mixture of reversal and recognition. …show more content…

Usually Othello is a calm and composed man. Obliviousness is more evident in Othello rather than tragic flaw. He simply makes the mistake of believing what Iago says, rather than doing some investigation for himself. At first Othello was a renowned leader who loved his wife dearly. But because of his jealous ways, he was gullible to believe Iago’s corrupted tales of Desdemona and Cassio. The greatest reversal in Othello began when Iago started to corrupt Othello’s thoughts. While, the greatest form of recognition is when Othello kills his

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