Leavis's Critique of Othello (1937)
F.R. Leavis offers a critical perspective on Othello's character in his 1937 analysis. His views challenge the traditional interpretation of Othello as a noble tragic hero.
Highlight: Leavis refuses to believe in Othello's essential dignity and instead draws attention to his habit of self-dramatization.
Leavis argues that Othello fails to learn from his suffering and does not genuinely examine himself. He portrays Othello as someone who:
- Dies still acting the part of a battle-hardened, action-loving military man
- Relishes his own performance
- Remains unchanged throughout the play
Quote: "The tragedy doesn't involve the idea of the hero's learning through suffering."
Leavis suggests that Othello's purpose as a tragic hero differs from traditional interpretations. Rather than being a grand, godlike figure whose fall warns that anyone can falter, Othello serves as entertainment through his dramatic downfall.
Vocabulary: Coup de theatre - A sudden dramatic turn of events in a play.
Leavis interprets Othello's final moments as further evidence of his self-dramatization:
- The use of imperatives like "Whip me," "Blow me," and "Wash me" demonstrates a loss of control
- Exclamations like "Oh! Oh! Oh!" are seen as emotional outbursts
- Othello's third-person references to himself are viewed as tragically pathetic
Example: "Man but a rush against Othello's breast" is interpreted by Leavis as Othello being tragically pathetic and lacking remorse.
Leavis's analysis presents Othello as a character who suffers but fails to learn from his experiences, remaining essentially unchanged from beginning to end.
