Othello's Soliloquies: a Window into The Tragic Downfall

The soliloquies in Shakespearean drama are powerful tools that allow the audience to understand more about the innermost thoughts and feelings of the characters. In the tragedy of Othello, the main character's soliloquies offer deep insights into his inner conflict, which ultimately leads to his downfall. In this essay, I will analyze the soliloquies in Othello to demonstrate how they contribute to the overall themes of the play.

The First Soliloquy

The first soliloquy comes at the end of Act 1 Scene 3, shortly after Othello has just married Desdemona. In this speech, Othello reveals both his love for Desdemona and the beginnings of his mistrust of her. He says, "But that I love the gentle Desdemona, / I would not my unhoused free condition / Put into circumscription and confine / For the sea's worth" (1.3.260-263). Othello is saying that he loves Desdemona above all else, and that he would not give up his freedom for anything except her. However, this line also foreshadows the idea that Othello will eventually feel confined and trapped by his marriage to Desdemona.

The Second Soliloquy

The second soliloquy that is particularly important comes at the end of Act 3 Scene 3, when Iago has just finished manipulating Othello into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful. In this speech, Othello is struggling with the idea that the woman he loves has been unfaithful. He famously says, "O, that the slave had forty thousand lives! / One is too poor, too weak for my revenge…" (3.3.453-454). Othello is so consumed by rage that he wishes he could kill Cassio (whom he believes Desdemona is sleeping with) forty thousand times over. This idea of excessive rage and disproportionate revenge sets the stage for Othello's eventual downfall.

The Final Soliloquy

Finally, the last soliloquy comes just before Othello kills Desdemona. In this speech, he reveals that he has finally come to understand the depth of Iago's manipulations. He says, "I look down towards his feet - but that's a fable. / If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee" (5.2.287-288). Othello has finally realized that his trust in Iago was misplaced, and that all of his previous actions were based on lies. This realization comes too late, however, and he goes on to kill Desdemona in a fit of rage.

Overall, the soliloquies in Othello offer a clear look into the protagonist's mind, and reveal the motivations behind his actions. Through these speeches, we see that Othello is a passionate and deeply emotional man who is also susceptible to manipulation and jealousy. These qualities ultimately lead to his downfall, making Othello a powerful and tragic figure in Shakespearean drama.