Othello in his last soliloquy does not address the true nature of the Tragedy at hand, only that of deceit. Othello blames not his rashness or judgment faults, but rather condemns his hand for the dreadful sin he commits, “of one whose hand…threw a pearl away”. Othello evidently believes that an evil force has taken over him, replacing the good Venetian within him, “where malignant and a turbaned Turk beat a Venetian and traduces the state.” He is not willing or able to see his faults are exploited by Iago and used against him. It is clear that Othello never has any complete sense of tragic recognition. This is shown with the line, “of one not easily jealous…” it is clear to the audience that Othello has jealous character traits which are expressed after poor evidence, “set on thy wife to observe”. Therefore in correlation to Othello’s final soliloquy it is evident that Othello not understanding the nature of the tragedy only allows the value and explanation of his speech to be minimal..”
Othello can be seen as the foolish one, the “flawed and self regarding” man and Iago as the “worldly realist”. Iago’s easy manipulation of Othello, “That moor…will be tenderly led by the nose as asses are”, suggests many qualities which contribute to the Othello’s incomplete perception of the events he has suffered, leaving his statement minute in the explanation of the Tragedy. Othello is easily influenced to become another person and allow his submerged faults and insecurities emerge,” set on thy wife to observe.” This quote displays Othello’s chaotic state of mind, asking Iago to literally spy on his wife. In the final soliloquy we see the mention of love, “loved not wisely, but too well”, this explains the tragedy again to a very small extent as it is true Othello did not love wisely, but neither did he love too well. His love for Desdemona was too consumed with passion, contrary with faith. The trust and ‘friendship’ with Iago was valued higher than the value of his relationship and word of his wife. Othello’s poor judgment and rashness eluded him to trust Iago so vastly without wisdom. This issue truly questions Othello’s character and the subject of his manipulation, therefore his view and explanation of the tragedy would once again be dubious.
In addition, the intriguing fact that Othello does not give Desdemona a chance to justify or explain her actions reflect the level of love for his own ‘perfect soul’. Displaying and egotistic value, “my parts, my title, and my perfect soul…shall manifest me rightly”, distorts his vision of the events as also shown in his last soliloquy “I have done the state some service and they know’t”. Othello is essentially stating he has performed many great serviced for Venice, yet his superior commanding skills leave an absence of various character traits such as trust and therefore the ability to truly love. Othello also displays the nature to boast at his own achievements “where I spake of most disastrous chances”. He demonstrates a side that agrees with Iago’s perception of him. Othello’s personified language ‘greedy ear’ also shows that his usage of language is very exaggerated, suggesting a boastful character. A character that would be very confident of his own judgments, with only small proofs to ponder upon. Therefore, with some manipulation from Iago, Othello did not trust or allow opportunity for Desdemona to prove her innocence, not loving her ‘wisely’, but also not loving her ‘too well ’ as she was assumed guilty upon minuscule proofs and suspicions, enhanced with Iago’s opportunistic nature. This again concludes that Othello’s understanding of the tragedy is incomplete, leaving his soliloquy inadequate in the explanation of the tragedy.
The context of his marriage which is based on story telling and pity, “she loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them”, also question their relationship. Living in a heavily racist society of Venice society would also lay surface to Othello’s insecurities, insecurities of a ‘proper’ Venetian man such as the handsome Cassio conversing in a relationship with Desdemona. Therefore the statement “of one not easily jealous”, does not explain the character of Othello correctly. Yes Othello is a gullible character, but he is overtly jealous only believing Iago’s word e.g. “they dare not show their husbands…”, with the supporting evidence of ‘proofs’. This jealousy is further proved by Othellos contradictory words and actions. At the beginning of the play he states “ I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove”, while he becomes angered at the mere thought of his wife deceiving him, “Is’t possible?-Confess? Handkerchief ? O devil!” .Othello is so uncomfortable with himself only lies seem plausible to him. This fault which was once submerged has risen from the depths of Othello’s mind, becoming a target for Iago to exploit and use against him. This lack of self-assurance in Othello contributes to the success of Iago’s manipulation, which leaves Othello distorted about the truth. Therefore, Othello’s last soliloquy can only be reliable to a minimal extent in explaining the tragedy.
In conclusion, Othello’s closing soliloquy only explores one aspect of the tragedy, the issues through Othello’s perspective and not that of an observer of the overall play. Consequently his statements lack the understanding of the tragedy as one influenced by the deceit of Iago, but also the self-deceit of Othello himself.
Kyriakos Dramountanis
