Othello and imposter syndrome

Abstract

Othello, the hero of Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name, is a general serving in Venice. By race, he is from Africa, and was sold as a slave. Although a general who commands soldiers who are mostly whites, he suffers from imposter syndrome, which is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their achievements and fear being exposed as an imposter. The article examines how this forms the chief drive for Othello, despite his apparent confidence, and shapes the course of the play towards tragedy.