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.

TH

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

“The Fool knows that the only true madness is to recognise this world as rational.” How far is this an adequate explanation of King Lear?


Comment closely on ways in which the language and structure create the mood of the poem “Song” by Alun Lewis


Explore the ways in which Yeats presents his journey in ‘Sailing to Byzantium’


How do I make an effective analysis of a text?