"Soft you, a word or two before you g./I have done the state some service, and they know't./ No more of that I pray you in your letters,/ When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate,/ Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak/ Of one that loved not wisely, bu too well;/ Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought,/ perplexed in the extreme;of one whose hand,/ Like the base Judean, threw a pearl away." (5.2 127)
Othello’s honor was the basis for all of his actions. His valor as a soldier and prestige as a leader all proceed from his honor. Othello killed Desdemona because he believed she committed adultery and ultimately stained his honor. When Othello was blinded to the truth by Iago he was guarded by his ignorance and could not be dissatisfied with his dishonor. When Othello learned of the truth he learned that he was defeated by the very occurrence he was trying to prevent, being dishonored. Othello’s honor was so precious to him that he would rather be cleansed be death than to live in a world where he was fundamentally defeated.
extenuate (5.2 127)- to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious
impediment (5.2 124)- obstruction; hindrance; obstacle.
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