Othello

What is Othellos emotional state as he delivers this speech? What has bought him to this state?

Act II, Scene 3

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When Othello addresses his wife before a crowd of other people in this scene, his words are all of a financial nature. The words "purchase" and "profit" make it seem like Othello is trying to make his diction suitable for the crowd listening to him, and his tone is also less personal and more declarative. Othello's self-consciousness is apparent in these words to Desdemona, and self-consciousness is a theme that has much to do with how Othello regards himself, and his marriage. It seems in situations like this one that Othello is more interested in keeping up appearances than in showing love for his wife; indeed, he does love her, but he seems unable to allow his love to inhabit a private, personal sphere, apart from his public life and image.

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http://www.gradesaver.com/othello/study-guide/section2/