Othello as He Saw Himself

Shakespeare's Othello includes the memorable tragedy of a husband's jealousy, a wife's innocence, and man's ability to manipulate any situation. In the play Othello, Othello sees the person that he is in many different ways. For example, in Act I, Othello states that he is "rude in speech and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace" (scene3.83-84). This indicates that he knows his limitations and he has accepted what he does for what he is. Also, Othello is strong and valiant, but also compassionate as shown in lines 169-170: "She loves me for the dangers I had passes, and I loved her that she did pity them" (act 1, scene 3). Othello shows that he can forgive and move on when he said "I'd whistle her off and let her down the wind to prey at fortune" (act 3 scene 3 lines 278-279). In writing this play, this line parallels to the action of a hawk that is released downwind so that it will not return. Similarly, Othello is saying that he would let go of Desdemona forever. This shows that he is humble and can admit defeat. Othello views himself in a very low position when he states: "O, now, forever farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!" (act 3 scene 3 lines 363-364). Also, this line suggests that he has resolved to do something and that his mind is committed to it. This shows that he is a determined man with very much self-motivation. Finally, Othello states: "Of one whose hand, like the base Indian, threw a pearl away richer than all his tribe" (act 5 scene 2 lines 356-358). This line compares Othello to an ignorant savage who could not recognize value. In saying this line, Othello sees the foolish man within himself in throwing away the pearl, Desdemona.