The Tragic Allure of Othello's Last Words: "I Kissed Thee Ere I Killed Thee"

Shakespeare’s works are undeniably filled with rich and timeless expressions, but among his most striking lines are Othello's haunting last words to Desdemona in the tragedy "Othello": "I kissed thee ere I killed thee." This phrase, uttered in Act V, Scene II, is a profound encapsulation of the complex emotional core of the play. The line is not only a poignant moment within the drama but also an emblematic phrase that represents the themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and destruction that are so vividly painted throughout this tragic tale.

Let’s explore the depths of these few, potent words and why they have such a lasting impact.

First and foremost, the line underscores the inherent duality of love and destruction that is the heartbeat of “Othello.” The act of a kiss, the simplest, purest, and most intimate expression of love, is juxtaposed starkly with the act of killing, the most violent and ultimate form of destruction.

Get quality help now

Writer Lyla

Verified writer

Proficient in: Free Essays

5 (876)

“ Have been using her for a while and please believe when I tell you, she never fail. Thanks Writer Lyla you are indeed awesome ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Here, in one breath, Othello is acknowledging the deep love he held for Desdemona, even as he admits to the dark act of taking her life. It’s a vivid illustration of the contradiction and conflict that runs rampant in Othello’s mind – the tender love he feels for Desdemona, and the corrosive jealousy that Iago has planted within him.

"I kissed thee ere I killed thee" also serves as a tragic reminder of the distorted sense of justice and duty that Othello feels in this moment.

Othello's decision to kill Desdemona is not a result of a loss of love, but rather a deeply misguided attempt to restore honor — a twisted act of love, in his mind, saving Desdemona’s soul from the imagined stain of infidelity. He kisses her before he kills her, not as a farewell, but as a symbolic act of purifying love – a chilling and heartbreaking irony, considering that Desdemona is innocent.

Furthermore, this line encapsulates the profound sense of loss and self-realization that comes crashing down on Othello. It is only after this irrevocable act that Othello comes to understand the vile treachery of Iago and the innocence of his beloved Desdemona. With this phrase, he is not just recounting the act of murder but is articulating the weight of his tragic error. It is a moment of gut-wrenching clarity, where the protagonist recognizes the horrific ramifications of his actions, grounded in a love that was once pure and untainted.

The raw humanity of these words also contributes to their enduring power. In “I kissed thee ere I killed thee,” there is an admission of deep, personal failure. Othello, the decorated and respected military general, is brought to his most vulnerable and human moment. The line is a confession, a sorrowful recognition of how far he has fallen from the noble and composed figure he once was. In this moment, Othello's character becomes a stark warning of the destructive potential of jealousy and the dark paths that love can be twisted into.

Beyond its contextual meaning within the play, this line also speaks to the broader human experience. It touches on universal themes of the contradictory nature of human emotions, the dark side of love, and the devastating consequences of allowing jealousy and mistrust to cloud judgment. It is a stark reminder that even the purest of human emotions can be corrupted and that the line between love and hate can sometimes be perilously thin.

In conclusion, “I kissed thee ere I killed thee” is far more than a dramatic declaration; it is the essence of “Othello” distilled into a single, powerful line. In this utterance, we feel the pulse of the play's tragic heart, the twisted love and devastating fall of a noble man, undone by jealousy and manipulation. It is a moment that captures the sorrow and the depth of a character who loved “not wisely, but too well.” With its enduring resonance, this line is not only a high point of Shakespearean drama but a poignant reflection on the human condition itself, etching its echo into the minds and hearts of those who encounter it.