The play Othello offers both the tragedy of greatness and the tragedy of innocence. The tragedy of greatness occurs when we witness the downfall of a man who had greatness within his reach yet squanders his life due to his one fatal flaw. The tragedy of innocence takes place when two central characters, Roderigo and Desdemona, contribute to their own deaths because they are oblivious to the evil that is around them. The tragedy that is greater is the tragedy of innocence.

Othello's two main great aspects are his military career and his personal life; both of which are destroyed by the play's end. The two most innocent characters are killed because they are unable to sense when they are in danger. Roderigo allows Iago to manipulate him into doing all sorts of dangerous stunts while convinced that he will eventually benefit from his service. Desdemona is unaware...