Desdemona's 'Sacrifice In Othello'

Primary Drama Posting: Act V, Scene ii

Othello makes a careful distinction between “a murder” and “a sacrifice” (65). What is the difference, as he sees it?
Othello starts the scene thinking Desdemona’s death will be an honorable “sacrifice”(V.ii.65), but her denial of guilt “dost stone [his] heart, ”(V.ii.63), and vilifies his murderous intent. The “sacrifice” (V.ii.65) is just and moral because Othello believes his indignant jealousy is warranted. Vengeance must be enacted to restore right to the world. If he were to accept Desdemona’s innocence, Othello would have to confront his demons; however, he is unable to stop “For to deny each article with oath / Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception / That I do groan withal.”(V.ii.54-56)

Its power connects to the theme of white imagery “dyed in mummy”(III.iv.73) contrasted with black to depict duality. The ultimate aim of magic, to turn base metal into gold, is accomplished by balancing the elemental polarities. The white handkerchief is a symbol of purity, innocence, faith, chastity, and even proof of virginity (if the strawberries are interpreted as bed sheets dyed with a virgin’s blood). Desdemona takes it as a symbol of Othello’s love, his anima or emotional feminine self under her control, “subdue my father / Entirely to her love”. Othello imbues it as a symbol of Desdemona herself, his female counterpart, where Othello’s racial conflicts and otherness link him to the black polarity. It is the linkage point of their love: “Conserved of maidens’ hearts.”(III.iv.74) as Arlene’s analysis of Othello’s sentimental attachment suggests and as it connects Desdemona’s remark ” ’twas that hand that gave away my heart”(III.iv.45). When the symbolic white pole is lost, the black takes over in the form of dark emotions that “hold her loathed”( III.iv.62) and wrecks havoc. Emilia’s dismissal “not ever jealous for the cause/But jealous for they’re jealous” (III.iv.157–59) does not negate the meta-role of the handkerchief to tie the machinations of the plot to universal