Othello essay - how does the ending of the play fulfil the audiences expectations of some of the conventions of tragedy?

[whatwhatwhat_]

I really need some help getting some ideas together for this essay, I have no idea how to start it If anyone has any advice it would be gratefully receieved! :).

[factor-fiction]

If you haven't read the play then you should do so asap.
But there will be study books that address this. You can also get ideas from a google search.
eg this site lists some of the conventions of tragedy in Shakespeare plays.
http://www.docstoc.co...nventions-of-Tragedy/

[jno]

Shaakespeare tragedies are mostly about the fall of great men through flaws in their own character rather than the random actions of the gods (as in Greek drama) or just chance. So Othello's problem is generally seen as his jealousy. And the fact that he's an idiot who'll believe any rubbish he's told, imho, and you wonder how anyone so dumb could ever become a great general... but maybe you shouldn't put that in an essay.

[ladyalex]

Isn't it strange how people see things differently.
I have always thought that it was the envy of Iago that drove the play. Iago is envious of Cassio and to a lesser extent of Othello too.
Othello is lacking in self-confidence, doesn't really think he deserves to have such a beautiful wife as Desdemona, then easily convinces himself , with lots of help from Iago, that Desdemona does not love him and has betrayed him. Proof positive to him that he is not worthy. Then comes his anger at her, as she is the proof of his failing as a man, so she has to die.
So I'd agree that one of the conventions of tragedy is that the tragic hero must die because of his flaws, but I'd say Othello's flaw was inability to believe in himself and his abilities rather than jealousy.
Hasn't really answered your question, but I'm sure you'll find the link that factor 30 directed you to very useful. As well as reading the play, I'd try to watch it either on stage if possible or on DVD. Shakespeare is pretty dry on the page, but well acted or even moderately well acted, it really comes alive.
Good Luck.

[dothawkes31]

yes the tragic hero has to die and the death has to be through a misunderstanding that is obvious to the audience, in Othello iago is the tool Shakespeare used to carry the story from one of jealousy, intrigue and plotting revenge to the final tragedy that could not quite be foreseen. The hankerchief in this instance was Iago's weapon of choice, but his deep seated prejudice of The Moor are at the root of it all, whether power or control were his goals or not, and remember that the original audience would have identified and perhaps been convinced of Iago's righteousness in it all,

[jno]

the Orson Welles version is good and available on DVD.