To what extent does Othello conform to the classical idea of tragedy?

Othello is probably the closest Shakespeare came to writing a tragedy which conforms to the Aristotelian interpretation of the form. Multiple tropes of classical tragedy may be found in the play. For instance, Aristotle claimed that a tragedy's protagonist must have a hamartia - a flaw which leads to their downfall. It could be said Othello's hamartia is the infallible faith he places in Iago. If Othello had at least once questioned Iago's judgement, then his downfall and the play's tragic climax could both have been averted, demonstrating that the character of Othello conforms to the classical idea of a tragic protagonist. 

Aristotle also claimed that a tragedy must contain a perepeteia - a sudden moment of realisation that catalyses the play's tragedy. In Othello, it could be said the perepeteia is when Othello finds Desdemona's handkerchief, and Iago subsequently tries to convince him of her disloyalty. This moment sees Othello's character change from one of civility and benevolence to one of vengefulness; a transition which results in the play's tragic end. 

JT
Answered by Joshua T. English Literature tutor

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