Othello describes himself as "one that loved not wisely, but too well." Is this how we might judge him?

Othello describes himself as "one that loved not wisely, but too well," which infers that his love is so intense, passionate and fulfilling that he has a dramatic weakness for making mistakes. Othello is a man of action, often makes quick and irrational decisions, enters his loving relationship under false pretences and has his own conflicting identities as well as being self-deluded, which ensures that he is judged as "one that loved not wisely, but too well."Othello is a man of action and as a result, is extreme in whatever course of action he chooses. Othello's extreme haste and resolve is best evidenced when he sorrowfully exclaims "Nay, that's certain; but yet the pity of it, Iago! O, Iago, the pity of it Iago!" a sorrowful cry for his belief that he has committed himself to action and although he wants to change his course of action, feels bound by a duty to act upon his previous statements.

From the Library of Congress: TITLE: Thos. W. Keen...

Illustration of Othello and Iago

Othello and Desdemona in Venice, 1850, oil on wood...

Othello's inability to falter on what he believes to be binding statements, gives proof to his capacity for loving too well, for he is so extreme in his actions that when he chooses to love Desdemona he loves her with such an intense passion, that he loves her too well. Further evidence of Othello's extreme devotion to actions comes when he exclaims, "'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death: even then this forked plague is fated to us when we do quicken," likening the fate of Desdemona to death, such is the strength of fate and his duty to act. Othello loves Desdemona with a similar passion and dedication which is why he loves Desdemona too well.

Othello did not love Desdemona "wisely," for he was unable to understand that his original love was not adequate to be sustainable. On the...