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Marni
04/12/2025
English Literature
AS/A-Level: Othello Grade 9 Essay
418
•
4 Dec 2025
•
Grade 9 AS/A-Level Essay: Exploring Othello
Marni
@marni
1 / 3
Othello's Early Virtue - Hero or Pretender?
Right from the start, Shakespeare presents Othello as someone you'd definitely want on your side in a crisis. He's a tragic hero who begins at the top before his spectacular downfall - that's just how tragedies work.
When Iago tries to undermine him early on, Othello stays completely cool under pressure. His confident declaration "My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly" shows he genuinely believes in his own virtue and valour. Sure, it might sound a bit arrogant, but he's got the confidence to back it up.
The real test comes when Brabantio accuses him of witchcraft for marrying Desdemona. Othello's response? Basically "put your swords away lads, they'll only get rusty." His measured language and self-control are genuinely impressive here.
Key Insight: Othello's most admirable moment might be when he insists Desdemona speaks for herself in court - pretty progressive for the 1600s!
What makes Othello particularly admirable in Act 1 is how he handles the Duke's court. He doesn't just defend himself; he gives Desdemona a voice, which shows real respect. His famous line "She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them" reveals a romantic who's earned his reputation through genuine military prowess.
The Tragic Fall - When Heroes Become Villains
Once the action moves to Cyprus, everything changes dramatically. Without the civilised structure of Venice, Iago's manipulation starts working its poison, and Othello's weaknesses get brutally exposed.
His trust in Iago (the very man he overlooked for promotion) shows terrible judgement. From the moment Iago mutters "I like not that," Othello's insecurities and jealousy take over completely. The man who once spoke with such dignity now threatens to "tear her all to pieces."
Shakespeare creates a stark contrast between Othello and the Duke. Remember how the Duke listened to both sides in Act 1? Now Othello only listens to Iago's lies. His beautiful earlier speeches about love being "the fountain from which my current runs" become disgusting images of "foul toads."
Critical Point: The public striking of Desdemona marks the point where any remaining admiration for Othello completely dies.
His cruel murder of Desdemona is the final nail in the coffin. He actually believes he's being honourable - an "honourable murderer" dispensing justice. When he hesitates, he blames her "balmy breath" for almost making justice break its sword. This level of self-deception is utterly repulsive.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Grade 9 AS/A-Level Essay: Exploring Othello
Marni
@marni
Ever wondered whether Othello is actually a hero worth admiring? This analysis digs into Shakespeare's complex tragic protagonist, examining how his apparent virtue and bravery at the start dramatically crumble under Iago's manipulation.
Othello's Early Virtue - Hero or Pretender?
Right from the start, Shakespeare presents Othello as someone you'd definitely want on your side in a crisis. He's a tragic hero who begins at the top before his spectacular downfall - that's just how tragedies work.
When Iago tries to undermine him early on, Othello stays completely cool under pressure. His confident declaration "My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly" shows he genuinely believes in his own virtue and valour. Sure, it might sound a bit arrogant, but he's got the confidence to back it up.
The real test comes when Brabantio accuses him of witchcraft for marrying Desdemona. Othello's response? Basically "put your swords away lads, they'll only get rusty." His measured language and self-control are genuinely impressive here.
Key Insight: Othello's most admirable moment might be when he insists Desdemona speaks for herself in court - pretty progressive for the 1600s!
What makes Othello particularly admirable in Act 1 is how he handles the Duke's court. He doesn't just defend himself; he gives Desdemona a voice, which shows real respect. His famous line "She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them" reveals a romantic who's earned his reputation through genuine military prowess.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Tragic Fall - When Heroes Become Villains
Once the action moves to Cyprus, everything changes dramatically. Without the civilised structure of Venice, Iago's manipulation starts working its poison, and Othello's weaknesses get brutally exposed.
His trust in Iago (the very man he overlooked for promotion) shows terrible judgement. From the moment Iago mutters "I like not that," Othello's insecurities and jealousy take over completely. The man who once spoke with such dignity now threatens to "tear her all to pieces."
Shakespeare creates a stark contrast between Othello and the Duke. Remember how the Duke listened to both sides in Act 1? Now Othello only listens to Iago's lies. His beautiful earlier speeches about love being "the fountain from which my current runs" become disgusting images of "foul toads."
Critical Point: The public striking of Desdemona marks the point where any remaining admiration for Othello completely dies.
His cruel murder of Desdemona is the final nail in the coffin. He actually believes he's being honourable - an "honourable murderer" dispensing justice. When he hesitates, he blames her "balmy breath" for almost making justice break its sword. This level of self-deception is utterly repulsive.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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Most popular content: Character Analysis
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user