What do you believe is Othellos tragic flaw, and how does it cause his downfall? Discuss specific sections of the play where Othellos tragic flaw is evident. Explain using evidence from the text and information from your research.
Select one of the prompts below:Option 1: Renaissance-Era Systemic Racism and SexismIn the article, Racism, Misogyny and Motiveless Malignity in Othello, Kiernan Ryan writes:Although he initiates and engineers its catastrophe, Iago is not the fundamental or sole cause of the tragedy, which could plainly have erupted in a similar form for the same reasons without his intervention. To grasp that fact is to pluck out the heart of Iagos mystery, which is dispelled by the [realization] that his malignity is not a monstrous deviation from the Venetian norm but its mirror image.Basically, even though Iago is often viewed as the character who causes the plays tragedy, Ryan argues that Iagos manipulations are successful only because of the systemic racism and sexism in his society (which not only infiltrates the society, but also Othellos view of himself). In a society less impacted by prejudice, Iagos manipulation wouldnt have been as successful. Do you agree or disagree with this assertion? Explain using evidence from the text and information from your research.Option 2: Othellos Tragic FlawAs youve learned in this class, Shakespeares tragedies feature tragic heroes who are brought down by hamartia (their tragic flaw). Its often said that Othellos tragic flaw is jealousy, while others argue that its something else (perhaps, another flaw that fuels his jealousy). What do you believe is Othellos tragic flaw, and how does it cause his downfall? Discuss specific sections of the play where Othellos tragic flaw is evident. Explain using evidence from the text and information from your research.RequirementsSupport your argument with evidence from the text and at least one scholarly article.Make sure your thesis is clear, specific, and arguable.Your paper should be 6-7 pages long.This essay should be in MLA format, double-space, in 12-point font, with one-inch margins.Dont forget your works cited page.