Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Othello and Aristotelian Tragedy. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This is a 7 page paper that provides an overview of "Othello". The argument is put forth that the play meets all the requirements of an Aristotelian tragedy. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KW60_KFothel2.doc
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
tragedy has more to do with narrative elements such as "tragic flaws" and a "sad ending" than the fundamental formal requirements that defined tragedy in the days of the Greeks.
If one makes determinations based on the definitional criteria of tragedy set forth by Aristotle, the "tragic" works of Shakespeare might well be seen in a different light altogether. This
paper will explore Aristotles definitions of tragedy and attempt to map them to Shakespeares "Othello" in an attempt to demonstrate that Shakespeares works are indeed "tragic" in a universal sense
that conforms to both modern western definitions, as well as those put forth by the Greeks. This paragraph helps the student provide a brief summary of Othello. In order
to understand how "Othello" matches the definition of an Aristotelian tragedy, one must be familiar with the work itself and the themes it works with. "Othello" tells the story of
a Venetian general, Othello, who undertakes to marry Desdemona, the daughter of a prominent political figure. Despite Othellos being an honorable figure, his marriage incites the fury of Roderigo, a
wealthy gentleman, who had had his own eye on Desdemona. Roderigo complains of his misfortune to Iago, one of Othellos soldiers, and Iago responds that he too is upset with
Othello for promoting another soldier, Cassio, over Iago, despite Iagos having greater combat experience. Consequently, Iago and Roderigo undertake a conspiracy to seek revenge on Othello to satisfy their respective
grievances, ultimately leading to the senseless death of virtually everyone involved. It can be tempting to label "Othello" a tragedy simply on the grounds of its morose narrative, but
in order to qualify as an Aristotelian tragedy, it is necessary for the work to meet a very specific set of criteria. Aristotle defined tragedy succinctly in his philosophical treatise
...