MovieChat Forums > Othello (1996) Discussion > Was Othello Really that Great?(spoilers)

Was Othello Really that Great?(spoilers)

posted 9 years ago by chantells
3 replies | jump to latest

I saw this movie in High School, and thought it was pretty good. However, was Othello really that great? After all, he did slap Desdomona in the face when they were arguing and he was accusing her of infidelity. I know how long ago it was, but still do you think that showed he was her more as property, then anything else? Think he really loved her? I remember the scene, but not exactly Desdomona's reaction too it. But she may have acted like she thought it was okay. Thoughts? Think Othello lacked self-confidence, and that's why he thought he had to hit his little wife?

[–] sparker21 9 years ago

Othello was a successful general and battlefield commander. Men like that don't lack self confidence. His mistreatment of Desdemona was a result of his jealousy, this hero's fatal flaw.

[–] chantells 9 years ago

Thanks. Makes sense. I guess Othello couldn't control himself when he got mad, and lashed out.

[–] gargarie 9 years ago

Agreed. The great tragedy of the play is that Othello's rage, pricked by Iago's hatred, overcomes all his noble qualities and destroys the hero and the woman he loves.