Othello by William Shakespeare is the tragedy of a general of the Venetian army, Othello. Well respected by many, but he played because of his insecurities. He is ultimately forced into a downward spiral emotionally that ends with the tragic death of his wife, whom he killed due to poor judgment, and his inevitable suicide. Othello's last words are immensely important to the rest of the text as they irrevocably construct an explicit image of Othello's genuine character, obsessed with reputation and how he needs to be remembered as a soldier who served for the state of Venice and not like a loving husband. struck by jealousy, even after his destruction and disappearance. Ultimately making Othello's last words fall within the universal theme of identity. Shakespeare conveys this final image by using powerful words and subtle literary devices to help better explain the bewildered multitude of thoughts in Othello's mind. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay These specific lines gradually expand from serving in Venice as an army general to the dramatic decline into betrayal of Venice. He begins to soften his actions by stating that "I have done the State a service, and they know it." actions. After saying this he quickly realizes that his actions should not be seen as less than they are as he says “Speak of me as I am; nothing to mitigate,” (V.ii.402) “Mitigate” being an archaic term for belittling a situation, emphasizes that Othello understands his wrongdoings and should be treated no differently than any other criminal. As Othello speaks, a form of motif that represents the human senses begins to appear at the end of his sentences as he says “Neither set anything with malice: then you must speak” (V.ii. 403) “Perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand” (V.ii. 406) and “Richer than all his tribe; of those who have subdued eyes, although not accustomed to the poignant mood" (V.ii. 408-410). The motif of the literary device is significant for this passage as it creates a recurring symbolic theme not only in this passage but throughout the play, Othello references the human senses and exemplifies how humans are all the same but emotions can drastically influence those same senses. Furthermore, Othello's use of repetition as he continues is an important form of anaphora as he states “Of one who loved not wisely but too well; Of one not easily jealous, but tormented” (V.ii. 404-405). His use of “of one” is a state of deliberate repetition that creates an artistic effect and greatly emphasizes those specific lines. The reader will involuntarily remember those lines as the last ones because of their rhythmic appeal through the use of repetition. The turning point of this passage is when Othello uses the word “perplexed” in the line “Perplexed to the extreme; of him whose hand” (V.ii. 406). At this point Othello is unable to clearly understand what he did and why he did it, but what he does know is that he was the one who did it, a soldier. Othello also compares himself to a particular type of person through the use of similes. One of the main comparisons he makes is to a “cowardly Indian” as he says “Like the cowardly Indian, he cast away a pearl” (V.ii. 407). His comparison to a “vile Indian” is vital because it means that Othello was aware that his acts were savage, which was the meaning of the term “vile Indian” in that era. The fact that he was a savage who threw away a pearl was symbolic to Desdemona, as he killed it not realizing how much it was worth. Shakespeare also chooses to use imagery.