Examples Of Judgement In Othello

Is it possible that had Othello had better judgement, the situations of his story would have differed? It is safe to believe so. Humans have a habit of making poor decisions when it comes to choosing friends and companions, take Caesar for example. He was literally stabbed thirty-seven times in the back by those he trusted as friends. Othello’s first error was trusting Iago in general. His second was not believing the one that had been most true to him, his wife Desdemona. Othello was not the only one to make this mistake of poor judgement. Desdemona’s assumptions about what was causing her husband to be upset, and her quick defenses of Cassio only making the situation worse. To add insult to injury though, in the end Othello is unable to

Iago speaks with Cassio, Othello hidden nearby so that he might somewhat hear their words and see their actions. Using no names Iago commented Cassio about the woman who seemed to love him so much. Though Cassio is speaking of Bianca, Othello is convinced he is speaking of Desdemona. Othello listens in this delusion as Cassio tells of how much “She” dotes on him and loves him, giving gestures as examples and such which seem to convince Othello furthermore. Bianca enters later in the conversation, scolding Cassio about the handkerchief he had given her. This being the very same handkerchief that caused a fight between Othello and

Logically so each decision comes with a consequence as well. With his mind set Othello makes off to kill Desdemona. However, despite all the times he has cursed her name, he still seems convinced that she be cleared in her death. Insisting in Act 5, Scene 2, Lines 28-30 “If you bethink yourself of any crime unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace, solicit for it straight.” and in the very same act and scene Lines 32-34 “Well, do it, and be brief. I will walk by. I would not kill thy unpreparèd spirit. No, heavens forfend, I would not kill thy soul!” While he plans to kill her, he refuses to accept the chance of sending her to Hell. When Othello finally learned of what Iago had done, Iago killing his own wife Emilia for telling, he stabs him in revenge saying “ I look down towards his feet, but that’s a fable. If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.” (Act 5, Scene 2, Lines 299-300) though Iago does not die. When Othello’s blade is taken from him he refuses to apologize for this action, instead choosing to say “I am not sorry neither. I’d have thee live, for in my sense ’tis happiness to die.” (Act 5, Scene 2, Lines 302-303) Othello has accepted that death would be a far better choice than being forced to live with the knowledge of his own actions and chooses to take his life, saying in his final words. “No more of that. I pray you, in your letters, When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, speak of me as I am.