Ambiguity, inconsistency and uncertainty in Othello The Bard of Avon has a true masterpiece in his tragedy Othello, but not without flaws. Contains minor defects, imperfections and negative aspects that detract less from the overall rating of the work. HS Wilson in his book of literary criticism, On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy, addresses the arbitrariness and inconsistency of the play: Although the action moves in a single line, without any of the intricate intertwining of parallels shown in the 'Hamlet's emotional scheme has, so to speak, two poles of concentration: growing horror at Iago's insatiable malice, pity for the suffering helplessness of his victims. These effects are safely achieved at the expense of a good deal of arbitrariness in platform manipulation and even character inconsistency [. . .] . (54) Let us consider some of Othello's “coincidences” or “accidents” that make us question his motivation and unity. For example, when in scene 2 Cassio's contingent arrives at the duke moments before the rowdy crowd led by Brabantio and Roderigo. Indeed there is more conflict and more interest generated by this coincidence – but is it realistic? Or seemingly arbitrary on the playwright's part? Another coincidence more vital to the drama is the dropping of the decorated handkerchief at just the right moment for it to become crucial to the plot: DESDEMONA. Let me just tie him up tight, by this time. It will all be fine. OTHELLO. Your napkin is too small; [He takes the handkerchief away and falls unnoticed] Leave it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. (3.3) For the most important test, place... in the center of the paper... to illuminate some parts and, at most, to contribute to understanding the sum of the parts. If Othello is not the most complex of tragedies, the problem of its overall form is still great, and those who aspire to a complete account of the creative relationship of all the parts must be satisfied if it seems generally to be moving in the right direction. (329) WORKS CITED Heilman, Robert B. "Wit and Witchcraft: An Approach to Othello." Shakespeare: Modern Essays in Criticism. Ed. Leonard F. Dean. Rev. Ed. Rpt. from The Sewanee Review, LXIV, 1 (Winter 1956), 1-4, 8-10; and Arizona Quarterly (Spring 1956), pp.5-16.Mack, Maynard. Everyone is Shakespeare: reflections especially on tragedies. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press, 1993.Wilson, H.S. On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy. Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1957.