Martin Luther's Struggle for Perfection in John Osborne's Luther

John Osborne's Luther tells the story of Martin Luther, a Christian reformer of the 16th century, who fails to achieve his required perfection. One flaw which hinders his striving for perfection is his arrogance. Moreover, scrupulosity is another flaw which emerges in Luther's character. Luther's arrogance and scrupulosity gives him the idea that he is a superior individual. His failure to fulfill his task of reforming the Church makes him a tragic hero. Luther's shortcomings …

…Finally, the inevitable imperfection associated with his humanity is finally made evident to him. Luther finally realizes that he cannot be that perfect being. Martin's flaws dictate that he cannot live up to those unbearable requirements. He finally understands humanity and its vices and how he cannot be exempt from it. His thought of his personal superiority produces an indelible stain upon his image that forever marks him as a revolutionary that never quite succeeded.