A Closer Look Into Othello

This lack of self-knowledge is manifest in at least two particulars: (1) his overly optimistic and unrealistic assessment of his feelings at any one moment and (2) his ability to see deeply into the abyss of despair without, however, having any apparent tools or means to break his fall should he stumble (or leap) into it.

His overly optimistic assessment of his feelings can be seen both in his proclamation that landing on Cyprus gives him "too much of joy (2.1.197)," and his quick recovery from the abyss of emotional desolation when Iago warns him to beware of jealousy and his wife's cuckoldry (3.3.177ff). In the former he has described life in too wonderful terms, almost like the Evangelical Christian who wanted God to "stay his hand" from him lest the sense of God's presence and goodness be so powerful that he be overwhelmed and obliterated.