Othello: Act V scene II lines 1-24

Othello's final soliloquy in Act V scene ii overtly displays his transformation from a composed and confident leader to an irrational thinker dictated by his emotions. Although it appears Othello is sympathetic to the murderous act he is about to perform, constantly kissing Desdemona and complimenting her smooth, white skin, he is in no way shape or form the same character he was at the beginning of the play. Othello even goes on to explain his motives, proclaiming that "she must die, else she'll betray more men" (V.ii.6). Othello seems to be dictated by his own emotions, especially that of vengeance stemming from Iago's false inquiries of adultery between Desdemona and Cassio. Originally in the novel, the audience perceives Othello as an incredibly gifted leader who uses concepts of diction, syntax, and decision making to successfully command an army and influence a nation. The nature of Shakespearean tragedies tell us about Othello's ultimate downfall, but when and where this unquestionable demise occurs is unclear until reading Act V scene ii. Othello's passion for Desdemona is still fairly strong and in tact; however, the juxtaposition of Othello's passion and his ultimate intentions highlight Othello's transformation as a character. One would expect a calm and composed leader to arrive at a rational conclusion that does not involve murder and "cruel tears" (V.ii.23). However, his love for Desdemona is clearly overshadowed by his emotions, which eventually lead him to kill his love and ultimately himself. Othello's downfall as the protagonist of a Shakespearean tragedy is plain and clear cut. There are nearly no distinguishable similarities between Othello as a composed leader and Othello as an emotion-driven tyrant who resorts to acts of murder in order to restore order and authority.