To what extent do Aristotelean tragic properties influence Shakespeare's Othello?

The classic Aristotelean tragic properties, as set out in his Poetics, are tools by which Shakespearean tragedy was shaped. For instance, they are heavily influential and prevalent in Othello, as this eponymous tragic hero clearly suffers greatly from hamartia, peripeteia, and later anagnorisis. Indeed, there are examples throughout the text which indicate the level Shakespeare was influenced by Aristotle: Othello, a man of nobility in both character and status, falls due to the Machiavellian nature of his confidant Iago. From this there are the consequences which spiral such as Desdemona's demise - an innocent woman who suffered under the hands of her lover, Othello's death, and the unnecessary but clearly tragic death of Emilia.

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Answered by Thomas H. English Literature tutor

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