In the context of Othello, this is not such a reassuring notion because Othello and Iago represent the worst that man can be. The reality of this fact allows us to look upon Othello is disgust and with caution. These two men are known by their first names worldwide not because they are nice but because they are the farthest from it. They are human and they are evil and this combination forces us to see humanity, warts and all. Alvin Kernan agrees with this notion adding that when Shakespeare wrote Othello his "knowledge of human nature and his ability to dramatize it in language and action were at their height" (Kernan xxiii). We love Shakespeare because we can relate to his characters - even if they frighten us.
Works Cited
Bradley, a.C. Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. New York: Penguin Books. 1991.
Heilman, Robert. Wit and Witchcraft in Othello." Shakespeare: Modern Essays in Criticism. Dean, Leonard, ed. New York: Oxford University Press. 1977.
Kernan, Alvin. Introduction: Othello. Kernan, Alvin, ed. New York: Signet Classics. 1963.
Shakespeare, William. Othello. Kenneth Muir, ed. New York: Penguin Books. 1968.
Stoll, Elmer. Source and Motive in Macbeth and Othello." Shakespeare: Modern Essays in Criticism. Dean, Leonard, ed. New York: Oxford University Press. 1977.
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