This following term paper deals with generic definitions as well as with comic aspects in Othello, how they are entangled in the tragic action and how they serve to shape the tragedy. Firstly, I shall try to assign Othello to a specific category, namely tragedy. Therefore, Tragedy and Comedy will be clearly defined. In chapter 3, the play will be analysed in terms of its comic aspects. The focus is primarily put on the subject of love in Othello and secondly on the multi-layered character Iago. The aim of this chapter, as it is of the whole term paper, is to illustrate that the tragedy Othello contains comic features.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Tragedy Othello
- Definition of Tragedy
- Othello is a Classical Tragedy
- Comic Aspects in Othello
- Definition of Comedy
- Love in Othello
- The Comic Nature of Iago
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the presence of comedic elements within Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello, demonstrating that genre classifications are not always mutually exclusive. It examines how comedic aspects are interwoven with the tragic action, shaping the overall impact of the play. The analysis focuses on the definitions of tragedy and comedy, applying these definitions to Othello, and then investigating specific comedic features within the play.
- The blurred lines between tragedy and comedy in Shakespearean drama.
- The application of Aristotelian principles of tragedy to Othello.
- The role of love as a comedic element in a tragedy.
- The comedic function of Iago's manipulative character.
- The exploration of how comedic elements contribute to and shape the tragic narrative.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central argument of the paper: that Shakespeare's Othello, while classified as a tragedy, contains significant comedic elements. It discusses the complexities of genre classification and introduces the paper's methodology, which involves defining tragedy and comedy and then analyzing Othello for its comedic aspects, primarily focusing on the themes of love and Iago's character.
The Tragedy Othello: This chapter begins by defining tragedy using Aristotle's Poetics as a framework. It then argues that Othello fits the criteria of a classical tragedy, identifying Othello as a tragic hero with a fatal flaw (jealousy) that leads to his downfall. The chapter highlights Othello's noble status, his tragic flaw, and the audience's experience of pity and fear as crucial aspects of the play's tragic nature. It connects Othello's insecurity, stemming from his race, to his susceptibility to Iago's manipulations.
Comic Aspects in Othello: This chapter first defines comedy, contrasting it with tragedy. It then shifts to examine the comedic aspects in Othello, primarily through the lens of love and the character of Iago. The chapter discusses the passionate and sincere love between Othello and Desdemona, highlighting the obstacles they face, particularly those related to their ethnic differences, as a source of comedic tension. It also hints at the comedic aspects of Iago's manipulative and deceitful nature, suggesting its function within the tragic narrative. The chapter's analysis focuses on aspects that would have been considered comedic within the context of Renaissance comedies.
Keywords
Shakespeare, Othello, tragedy, comedy, genre, Aristotle, Poetics, tragic hero, tragic flaw, jealousy, love, Iago, manipulation, race, ethnicity, Renaissance drama.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Othello
What is the overall focus of this paper?
This paper explores the interplay of comedic and tragic elements in Shakespeare's Othello, arguing that genre classifications aren't always mutually exclusive. It analyzes how comedic aspects contribute to the play's overall impact.
What are the main themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the blurred lines between tragedy and comedy in Shakespearean drama; the application of Aristotelian principles of tragedy to Othello; the role of love as a comedic element; the comedic function of Iago's manipulative character; and how comedic elements shape the tragic narrative.
How does the paper define and apply the concepts of tragedy and comedy?
The paper utilizes Aristotle's Poetics to define tragedy, focusing on elements like a tragic hero with a fatal flaw, the audience's experience of pity and fear, and the hero's downfall. Comedy is defined in contrast to tragedy, though the specific definition used isn't explicitly detailed in the provided preview.
How is Othello characterized as a tragedy?
The paper argues that Othello meets the criteria of a classical tragedy by identifying Othello as a tragic hero whose jealousy (his fatal flaw) leads to his downfall. His noble status and the audience's emotional response of pity and fear further support this classification. The paper also connects Othello's insecurity, stemming from his race, to his susceptibility to Iago's manipulations.
What comedic aspects are discussed in relation to Othello?
The comedic aspects primarily focus on the passionate love between Othello and Desdemona, highlighting the comedic tension arising from their ethnic differences and the obstacles they face. Iago's manipulative and deceitful nature is also examined as a source of comedic effect within the tragic narrative, analyzed within the context of Renaissance comedies.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper follows a structured format: an introduction establishing the central argument; a chapter defining tragedy and applying it to Othello; a chapter analyzing the comedic elements, particularly focusing on love and Iago's character; and a conclusion (not detailed in the preview).
What are the key terms used throughout the paper?
Key terms include Shakespeare, Othello, tragedy, comedy, genre, Aristotle, Poetics, tragic hero, tragic flaw, jealousy, love, Iago, manipulation, race, ethnicity, and Renaissance drama.
What is the methodology used in this paper?
The methodology involves defining tragedy and comedy, using established frameworks such as Aristotle's Poetics, and then analyzing Othello to identify and explore the presence of comedic elements within the established tragic framework.
What is the significance of Iago's character in the paper's analysis?
Iago's manipulative and deceitful character is analyzed as a significant source of comedic effect within the overall tragic narrative of the play. The paper explores how his comedic function contributes to the shaping of the tragic events.
What is the significance of love in the paper’s analysis?
The passionate and sincere love between Othello and Desdemona is explored as a comedic element, particularly considering the comedic tension arising from the obstacles they face, especially those related to their ethnic differences.
- Quote paper
- Annika Klement (Author), 2016, Mixing of Genres. Comic Aspects in William Shakespeare's Tragedy "Othello", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/440900
