My high blown pride at length broke under me, and now has left me weary and old with service

My high blown pride at length broke under me, and now has left me weary and old with service

In William Shakespeare's play "Othello," the character of Othello speaks these words as he reflects on his own downfall. Othello, a proud and noble general in the Venetian army, is brought low by jealousy and manipulation, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.

Othello's pride is a central theme throughout the play. He is a man of great accomplishments and high status, and he takes pride in his reputation as a skilled warrior and a respected leader. However, his pride also makes him vulnerable to manipulation by those around him, particularly his ensign Iago. Iago preys on Othello's insecurities and convinces him that his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful to him. Othello's pride is wounded by this betrayal, and he becomes consumed by jealousy and rage.

As Othello's jealousy grows, his pride begins to crumble. He becomes paranoid and irrational, unable to see the truth of the situation. His once noble and dignified demeanor is replaced by anger and violence. Othello's pride blinds him to the reality of his situation, leading him to make decisions that ultimately seal his fate.

The line "My high blown pride at length broke under me, and now has left me weary and old with service" reflects Othello's realization of the consequences of his actions. His pride, once his greatest strength, has now become his downfall. He is left feeling exhausted and worn out, both physically and emotionally, from the weight of his own mistakes.

Othello's tragic story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked pride and the destructive power of jealousy. Shakespeare uses Othello's downfall to explore themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the fragility of human emotions. Othello's journey from pride to despair is a powerful reminder of the consequences of hubris and the importance of humility.