Othello Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Othello - Essay Example In his final words, Othello confesses that he has â€Å"loved not wisely, but too well† (V, ii, 353). This insight goes a long way toward explaining Othello’s character. It is because of where he’s placed his love that he behaves the way he does. He is a hero because of his ability to act according to what love dictates and is brought to his ruin because of where that love had been placed. Generally, heroism refers to a character that embodies our concepts of what is good and noble in the human race (Vest, 2002). Othello is a good example of this as he has risen, through his own hard effort, from the pits of slavery to the General of the Venetian ships. â€Å"I fetch my life and being / From men of royal siege [rank]; and my demerits [deserts] / May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune / As this that I have reached [are equal to]† (21-23). In addition, the Duke himself calls upon Othello at times of great need as in â€Å"Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you / Against the general enemy Ottoman† (48-49). However, Othello’s nobility lies not just on the surface level of his position in society, but in his own moral judgment as when he is faced with an angry father and his warlike supporters: â€Å"Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them / Good signior, you shall more command with years / Than with your weapons† (59-61 ). It is thus in his love for Desdemona that his nobility shines through. In this statement, his nobility shines through as he defends his wife’s honor, acknowledges the respect owed to his elders and refuses to cross swords with them. All classic heroes also have an element of excessive pride, which contributes to their downfall as they become unable to discern truth from reality (McAlindon, 2002). Although it is harder to see in Othello because he is working to keep his speech humble, this same pride is