What makes a work of literature a tragedy? Is it a subjective matter? The answer is no; in literature, there are very strict guidelines, written by Aristotle, as to what characteristics define a tragedy. These characteristics are as follows: a hero with a "tragic flaw;" a wicked character or society that bring about the downfall of the hero; and a specific mistake on the part of the hero for which he suffers and dies. In comparing Shakespeare's Othello and The Merchant of Venice based on Aristotle's definition of tragedy, it is clear that Othello is the greater tragedy. While Othello and Shylock could both be considered flawed "heroes," Othello possesses a far more nefarious villain, and results in greater suffering.

According to Aristotle, a tragic hero is a man who is neither completely good nor evil, but who possesses a chronic shortcoming. This "hamartia", or flaw, eventually brings...