Othello #7

     The play becomes tragic for Othello promptly after he realizes that he murdered his innocent and loving Desdemona. Othello's ultimate weakness is that he relies too heavily on justice and his honorable reputation to guide his actions. When Desdemona is still sleeping, Othello whispers, "O balmy breath, that dost almost persuade/ Justice to break her sword" (5.ii.16-7). An internal battle is consuming Othello. On one hand, her beauty is tempting him to refrain from murder, however, in order for justice to prevail, Othello believes she must be slain. When the evil truth about Iago has been revealed, Othello grievously remarks how,  "For naught did I in hate, but all in honor" (5.ii.294). For the honor of their marriage and the honor of the men he believed she would cheat on, Othello implemented his own form of justice. Hearing the truth is heartbreaking for all of the characters to witness, and the reader is left wondering if Iago meant for the truth to be discovered in order to inflict maximal pain and suffering onto the characters involved. Iago targeted Othello's weaknesses to take advantage of him and manipulate the situation. Before he commits suicide, Othello says that he saw "in Aleppo once,/ Where a malignant and turbaned Turk/ Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,/ I took by the'throat the circumcised dog/ And smote him thus" (5.ii.351-5). The reader is not sure if these actions ever occurred, but one can see how this relates to the battle fought within Othello. Iago was able to bring about the Turkish side in Othello, with its brutish and cruel nature. This persona is able to dominate over Othello's reasonable and logical side which is portrayed in Venice. His actions devastate the citizens of Venice and insult his own sophistication and intelligence; therefore, Othello finds it imperative to take his own life. Othello ends tragically, and almost every character is left miserable, heartbroken, and defeated.