Then he stabs himself, falls onto the bed, and dies. He speaks of how he wants to be remembered, then stabs himself, kisses Desdemona, and dies. Othello succumbs to Iago's assertions so easily because he is an emotionally weak man. In William Shakespeare’s Othello, the characters of Iago, the two-faced character, Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant at the start, and Othello, the “Black Moor” and the protagonist of the play, show just how important one’s reputation can be. Othello doesn’t want to be remembered as an evil murderer. Lodovico questions Othello, gives more proof of Iago's guilt, and announces that Othello will be returned to Venice for trial. Other Discussion Questions (Back to Top) A critic said: "You could strike out every reference to [Othello's] black skin and the play would be essentially the same. The character of Othello is comparatively simple, but, as I have dwelt on the prominence of intrigue and accident in the play, it is desirable to show how essentially the success of Iago's plot is connected with this character. London: MacMillan and Co., 1919. Iago warns Othello about Brabantio’s anger, but Othello is confident in his own strength and in his love for Desdemona…. Othello's trouble is that he is an outsider. Soft you, a word or two before you go. These traits are greatly admired among characters of Othello including Iago who admits that Othello is “of a constant loving, noble nature [and] will prove to Desdemona A most dear husband” (2.1.290-292). Act 1, scene 3 The duke and the senators discuss the movements of the Turkish fleet and conclude that its target is, indeed, Cyprus…. To others, it can be an illness that they cannot cure. Othello loved his wife so much that he couldn’t bear her perceived betrayal. A stronger man would ignore Iago and trust in Desdemona, or even take Desdemona's side of the story into account. He does this through a series of suggestions and hesitations that entice and implant images into Othello's head that lead him to his own demise. Lecture on Othello - Othello's Jealousy. Othello’s Farewell Speech. Lodovico takes charge, giving Othello's house and property to Gratiano, his next of kin by marriage. Who is the black main character in a play by William Shakespeare? From Shakespearean Tragedy by A. C. Bradley. As he is about to be led away, Othello asks for a chance to say "a word or two." ... Because he does not want to end up as the jealous person of the story, he said, “of one not easily jealous”, meaning that if he get jealous it has to be a big deal where everyone easily gets jealous and not only himself. Othello, watching his world unravel, asks the men to remember him clearly, his good points and his bad, as "one that lov'd not wisely, but too well." Othello into believing that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with Cassio. Othello’s last speeches are dignified, but they lack purpose and he does not seem to have a full understanding of all that has happened.He uses the first speech to condemn himself and his ghastly deed; this is more than likely a reaction of anyone who has come to the realization that they have wrongfully killed a loved one. Unfortunately, he was and is remembered, and he was a person who didn't want to participate in this activity, but he did. Othello’s nobility is quite evident, however, he does have traits that can be viewed as tragic flaws. How does Othello want to be remembered?