Othello V.ii.1-24

            Before Othello kills Desdemona, he sees her sleeping and must mentally prepare himself for the murder. He repeats to himself, “It is the cause, it is the cause” (5.2.1). The repetition hints at Othello’s uncertainty. He knows that he must kill Desdemona in order to stop her unfaithful actions, and he is determined to keep this “cause” in mind so that he will follow through with murder. Othello must focus on her supposed infidelity because everything else about Desdemona is perfect. By starting the monologue with a reminder of the cause, Othello establishes that the only reason for murdering Desdemona is her infidelity. This view of Desdemona will color the way he looks at her for the rest of the monologue; he must make himself see her as unfaithful. As much as Othello tries to hate Desdemona, he cannot ignore her beauty. He decides not to “shed her blood, / Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow” (5.2.3-4). Othello cannot bear to mar Desdemona’s outward image of purity even in her death. This decision can be interpreted in multiple ways. If Othello were particularly vindictive, he may leave Desdemona’s outward appearance intact so that she would forever remain deceptively pure on the outside with evil in her core. However, perhaps Othello cannot bear to destroy her body because he is still in love with Desdemona, and although he must kill her, he still wants to preserve her beauty. Indeed, Desdemona’s beauty has a profound effect upon Othello. Looking at Desdemona, Othello says, “O balmy breath, that dost almost persuade / Justice to break her sword!” (5.2.17-8). Just seeing Desdemona wavers Othello’s resolve because she appears so sweet and innocent. Othello obviously does not want to murder Desdemona, and the only reason keeping him on track is the knowledge of her infidelity. He comments, “So sweet was ne’er so fatal” (5.2.22). Othello is still trying to reconcile Desdemona’s supposed actions with the purity of her appearance. In order to murder her, Othello must completely believe the lies he has heard about her. Comparing Desdemona to the light he carries, Othello says, “But once I put out thy light, / Thou cunning’st pattern of excelling nature, / I know not where is that Promethean heat / That can thy light relume” (5.2.10-13). Unlike a candle that can be relit, Desdemona cannot come back to life after Othello murders her. Othello recognizes the finality of his action, so he makes sure to fully convince himself that this is the correct course of action. Othello uses many conjunctions and commas to break up the sentences in his monologue, establishing a logical flow of ideas that convince him to keep on his course of action. Othello believes that he must kill Desdemona, and he will follow through with his choice.