Act V brings the tragedy of Othello the Moor to a close. While there is tremendous loss and sorrow, the plot is nicely wrapped up. There is an interesting moment between Othello and Desdemona when Othello asks her to confess her sins. It brought my mind the idea of a person confessing their sins to a priest. Othello ‘s actions represents the horrors of pride and prejudice  that can be found in Venetian society. As Othello states in line 65 onwards,

Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin.
For to deny each article with oath
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.

At this moment, we understand as readers that Othello will not be stopped nor will he spare Desdemona. His act is that of which is required of him, purely for the sake of his honor. Othello found no love in what he did and is stll in love with Desdemona. If it had been any other story, Othello would have not killed Desdemona. But in this tragedy, characters stay true to their nature.

1) How do you think the Venetian upper class reacted to the events that transpired?

2)What is your take on Othello’s last words on lines 395 onwards? How does he feel about himself?