Does Othello Love Desdemona

Othello, artfully composed by William Shakespeare, is a tragedy with clearly defined motives and relationships in comparison to his other well-renowned works such as Hamlet. Iago the main antagonist is dead set on ruining Othello’s life while remaining at large. On the other hand, Hamlet shifts from motive to motive and his most tragic characteristic is in return his indecisiveness. The relationship between Othello and Desdemona is one of the most debated of the play. However, the dramatist leaves us clear evidence to determine the overall authenticity of their love. At the beginning of the play, Othello appears to be impeccable. When the two afflicting parties meet Othello’s he says coolly, “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them” (Oth.1.2.59). This in turn stops the ensuing conflict from occurring. This brings to attention the great abilities the Moor possesses when it comes to military matters. The war with the Turks ends sooner than expected after he arrives further indicating his effectiveness as a military general, however, later on in the play

Before he smothers Desdemona he says, “Ah balmy breath, that dost almost persuade / Justice to break her sword! One more, one more. / Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, / And love thee after…” (Oth.5.2.16-19). He does love her because he hangs in the balance as to whether he should kill her he says “One more, one more” (Oth.5.2.17) He hesitates to kill her even though the odds appear to be in Iago’s favor. Othello has to escape the claws of jealousy and is surprisingly calm yet intense in his words and actions. He truly believes that Desdemona has betrayed him and the only way he can respond is with death he can no longer bare the emotional pain of seeing her this way. His military experience contributes to the conviction he has committing such an act. He shuts off his feelings similar to how he would have to cope in