An Interpretive Analysis of Othello's Last Speech Anonymous College

Othello’s final speech explores his guilt over murdering Desdemona, as well as Othello’s own struggle with identity as a black Muslim in Venice. Before delivering his speech, Othello becomes convinced by Iago that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him. Othello, trusting Iago, is overcome by jealousy, and swiftly kills Desdemona. This is soon revealed by Emilia to be false, which results in her subsequent murder by Iago. Othello, beside himself with a flood of emotions and perplexity, delivers one final speech before he stabs himself to death. Throughout his speech, Othello seems to recognize his own jealousy, and it seems no Earthly penance could possibly be great enough to absolve him of his sins, in his own eyes.

Othello begins his final speech by mentioning his own service to Venice. He says, to nobody in particular, “ I have done the state some service, and they know’t - / No more of that (5.2 332-3).” He seems to be saying that he has done good things, which everyone knows, but that now those good deeds have come to a sudden end. It is from the very beginning of Othello’s speech that his internal struggle is introduced. His first inclination is to let those around him know that he will no longer offer his service to Venice....