The Heroism of Othello - Book Report/Review Example

Othello is confident that his honor will save him. Othello seems trusting and is naive to believe that the innocent have no fear of being wrong. Othello says; He is without cunning and has underestimated Iago. He forgets that Iago has a grudge against him for ignoring him and promoting Cassio to be his commander. Iago correctly places Othello's weakness in his character when he says; Othello loves his fellow men by sharing his celebrations of victory and wedding. He gave a big party for all of Venice.

The news of this event is so important that there is a separate scene to announce that; Othello shows his generosity in sharing his wealth with all without prejudice or discretion. This strength is his weakness that Iago has seized to use against him time after time. Iago has recanted repetitively; If Othello is wrong in trusting Iago, Cassio is also wrong too. Cassio does not realize that Iago schemed to get him drunk and agitated enough to fight with Roderigo in Act 2, Scene 3. Othello does not think the matter over nor investigate the circumstances but immediately humiliates Cassio by favoring Iago's word over his and removing his station as a lieutenant officer.

It seems difficult to blame Othello for being so trusting on Iago when Cassio is also totally deceived by him. Clearly, Othello is wronged. Othello wants to kill Desdemona because he desires to prevent her from receiving it. s not think the matter over nor investigate the circumstances but immediately humiliates Cassio by favoring Iago's word over his and removing his station as a lieutenant officer. It seems difficult to blame Othello for being so trusting on Iago when Cassio is also totally deceived by him.

Clearly, Othello is wronged. Othello wants to kill Desdemona because he desires to prevent her from deceiving more men by her so-called adulterous behavior. He has loved her well but not loved her wisely in exercising his will of death over her. He thinks that by killing her, he will preserve whatever light or virtuousness that is left in her. Othello says;"If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,I can again thy former light restore,Should I repent me: but once put out thy light,Thou cunning' st pattern of excelling nature,I know not where is that Promethean heatThat can thy light relume.

"(Act 5, Scene 2).Othello shows that he still loves Desdemona in spite of what he thinks she has done. He wants to limit the damage to her inner shine (light) because he loves her. He does not wish Desdemona to injure more men because he loves his fellow mankind as well as Desdemona. Othello is a hero because he is brave enough to admit his mistake in killing Desdemona. He says that he kills himself in the same way as he killed Desdemona, after being kissed. He means to pay penance by his act of killing and by dying in the same way too.

Cassio confirms the magnanimity of Othello's heart by saying that Othello was 'great of heart'. (Act 5, Scene 2). Othello is a great hero whose biggest fault lies in his trust in Iago.