V.ii.1-27 Soliloquy

Othello opens Act five Scene two with a soliloquy. In this soliloquy he attempts to make a final justification for murdering Desdemona. Othello does not want to change his mind on the issue; he repeats to himself, "It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars. It is the cause" (V.ii.1-3). The repetition of "the cause", the reason for murder (her supposed infidelity), must be drilled into Othello's mind. This is Othello's last attempt to convince himself of Desdemona's guiltiness, he has to ensure that he is killing out of honor and justice; he does not want to kill due to jealousy. Othello states "Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men" (V.ii.6). He uses reason to justify his decision. If Desdemona betrays her father and Othello alike, she is bound to betray more men. The only way to end her reign is by death. The goal of Othello's soliloquy is to ultimately justify the killing of his wife. He wants to be sure that he is killing justly and not out of jealously.