Othello refers to himself as ‘an honourable murderer’ who has done ‘naught .. - NSC English HL - Question 12 - 2024 - Paper 2

Othello considers himself an ‘honourable murderer’ due to his deeply ingrained sense of honour. Throughout the play, his actions are driven by this sense, as he attempts to uphold his integrity and protect his reputation, especially in relation to Desdemona.

Initially, Othello's love for Desdemona is portrayed as absolute. Their marriage is built on mutual respect, creating a foundation of admiration and trust. Othello’s pride in Desdemona's fidelity highlights his character’s integrity.

However, as doubts surface regarding Desdemona's loyalty, Othello's insecurities come to the forefront. Iago exploits these vulnerabilities, causing Othello to question Desdemona's fidelity. Othello’s belief that she has been unfaithful ultimately leads him to conclude that he must act as judge and executioner, justifying his violent actions as necessary to restore his honour.

His decision to kill Desdemona reflects the tragic flaw in Othello’s character—his misguided belief in his honour as justification for murder. In Othello’s mind, he sees himself as a victim of circumstance, claiming that the act of killing Desdemona is an act of honour. He believes he is driven by love overshadowed by jealousy when, in fact, his actions are rooted in manipulation and betrayal. In executing Desdemona, Othello fails to recognize the true nature of honour, instead displaying attributes of self-deception and tragic misunderstanding.

Furthermore, Othello's sense of honour is compounded by his military background where deeds are often measured by loyalty and reputation. His misguided perspective leads him to interpret his actions as noble, ignoring the moral implications of murdering an innocent.

Ultimately, Othello's view of himself as an honourable murderer is fundamentally flawed. His actions contradict the ideals of honour, as he succumbs to jealousy and manipulation, leading to tragic consequences. Thus, while he aims to restore his honour, he causes irrevocable harm, indicating that his justification is a tragic rationalization rather than a true reflection of honour and nobility.