How is Othello presented as a victim?

Firstly let's think about what this means. How does Shakespeare portray Othello? Is he consistent in this? How do the themes of Othello impact this presentation? What does it mean to be a victim?This is a play that is driven by ideas of race and in marking Othello out as different from the outset, Shakespeare creates a character who always has the potential to be a victim. However, Othello is not simply a victim of the wider plot. Othello is taken in by Iago's lies and is ultimately a victim of his trickery. Iago plays upon Othello's personality and exploits Othello's tendency to be overly proud. Ultimately, Othello's death is ultimately fitting but he is both a victim of Iago's designs and a victim of his own hand.

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Answered by Jennifer B. English Literature tutor

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