It can be inferred from the text that Venice (and Cyprus) were extremely patriarchal at the time that the play took place. ... Secondly, Desdemona can be said to be a very brave person, who would not be afraid of death. ... As Venice was evidently even more patriarchal and socially conservative than we are today, it must have been even more taboo at the time of the play. ... This is a young woman speaking in front of established older gentlemen who control the city of Venice. ... She has plenty of courage, and no reason to fear death. ...

• Word Count: 1219
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

If every action is controlled by a hero's destiny, then the hero's death can't be avoided, and in a tragedy the sad part is that it could. Hamlet's death could have been avoided many times. ... Othello was too brave, too noble, and especially too proud to allow himself to be led back to Venice in chains. ... A tragic hero also must have free will or his fate would be decided for him, and his death could be avoided. ... He was brave, loyal, and intelligent, but he couldn't move on past one thing, which led to his death. ...

• Word Count: 1033
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

If every action is controlled by a hero's destiny, then the hero's death can't be avoided, and in a tragedy the sad part is that it could. Hamlet's death could have been avoided many times. ... Othello was too brave, too noble, and especially too proud to allow himself to be led back to Venice in chains. ... A tragic hero also must have free will or his fate would be decided for him, and his death could be avoided. ... He was brave, loyal, and intelligent, but he couldn't move on past one thing, which led to his death. ...

• Word Count: 1033
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School