Conviction In Othello's Ambition

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Othello’s conviction that Desdemona is unchaste causes him to commit to the extreme choice of killing her. His need for commitment comes from the human need to be certain, and confident; “Ay, let her rot and perish, and be damned tonight, for she shall not live” (IV, i, 177-178).
Othello waivers in his decision as he is about to perform the act. Othello tries to justify her murder by reasoning, “It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul” (V, ii, 1); He believes he must kill her because of her adultery and so that she will not “betray more men” (V, ii, 6). This reasoning conveys higher thinking than just revenge and may foreshadow his return of reasoning and sensibility.
Othello fully commits with the conviction that he can return her to her