In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, the protagonist suffers a seizure in Act 5, Scene 2, which is a significant moment that underscores his emotional and psychological turmoil.
Othello’s seizure occurs after he realizes the full extent of his tragic mistake: believing in the false narrative created by Iago, he has just killed his innocent wife, Desdemona. Overcome with guilt, remorse, and despair, Othello’s mental state deteriorates rapidly. The seizure symbolizes the immense psychological pressure he endures after being manipulated and ultimately realizing the catastrophic consequences of his actions.
This moment highlights Othello’s transformation from a confident and noble general to a broken man, illustrating the devastating effects of jealousy and betrayal. The physical manifestation of a seizure serves to bring attention to the internal chaos he experiences, making it a poignant moment that encapsulates the tragedy of the character’s downfall.