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Act 4, Scene 2 — Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.
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The argument Othello interrogates Emilia about Desdemona's fidelity; Emilia defends her vigorously. Othello summons Desdemona, calls her a whore, and leaves. Desdemona asks Iago what has happened; he plays the sympathetic friend. Roderigo arrives, angry that nothing has happened with Desdemona despite the money he's spent. Iago redirects him: kill Cassio tonight.
Enter Othello and Emilia.
OTHELLO Desdemona's confused response, not understanding the accusation

You have seen nothing, then?

Yes, I hope so, my lord.

Yeah, I hope so, why?

yes hope so

EMILIA Othello's bitter accusation disguised as inquiry

Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect.

Could you swear you've never given your body to another man?

Can you swear you never gave your body to another guy?

swear never gave body to another?

OTHELLO Desdemona's shocked realization that he's accusing her

Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together.

By heaven, yes! What are you asking me? Why are you saying such things?

What?! Are you asking me if I cheated on you?!

what? are you accusing me? why?

EMILIA ≋ verse Othello's cruel dismissal, taking Desdemona for a whore

But then I saw no harm, and then I heard

Each syllable that breath made up between them.

You're a whore. I know what you are.

You're lying. I know you slept with him.

liar whore know what you are

OTHELLO Desdemona's desperate denial and hurt

What, did they never whisper?

I am not! I swear I'm not! Why would you say such a thing?!

I didn't! I swear! Why are you saying this?!

not swear why? this is unfair

EMILIA Othello's cruel rejection, dismissing all her words

Never, my lord.

I know the truth. It's written on your face.

I can see it in your face. You did it.

can see face truth

"she gave it him and he hath given it his whore" Othello has already constructed the complete narrative: Desdemona gave the handkerchief to Cassio as a love-token, Cassio gave it to Bianca. This narrative is entirely wrong — the actual chain was: dropped accidentally → Emilia → Iago → planted on Cassio → Bianca. But Othello's version feels coherent to him.
OTHELLO Desdemona's plea for mercy and understanding

Nor send you out o’ the way?

Please, what have I done to make you think this? Tell me how to fix this. I'll do anything.

What did I do wrong? Tell me how to fix this. I'll do anything.

what did i do? how to fix? i'll do anything

EMILIA Othello's final cruelty, sending her away like a servant

Never.

Go. Leave me. You're dismissed.

Go. Get out. I can't look at you.

go leave dismissed

OTHELLO Emilia's anger and confusion, defending her mistress

To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing?

My lord, what have you done? She's a good woman! Why are you treating her this way?

Sir, what's wrong with you? She's a good person! Why are you doing this?

what have you done? she's good why treat her this way?

EMILIA Othello's response, accusing Emilia of being her madam

Never, my lord.

You—you're the one arranging her affairs. You know what she's been doing.

You're the one helping her. You know what she's doing.

you arranged it you know what she did

OTHELLO Emilia's outraged defense and counter-accusation

That’s strange.

No! I swear she's faithful! Your suspicion is the only lie here! I'd stake my life on it!

No! She's faithful! Your jealousy is the lie! I'll bet my life on it!

no faithful your jealousy = lie i'll bet my life

EMILIA ≋ verse Othello's departure, leaving them devastated

I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest,

Lay down my soul at stake: if you think other,

Remove your thought, it doth abuse your bosom.

If any wretch have put this in your head,

Let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse,

For if she be not honest, chaste, and true,

There’s no man happy. The purest of their wives

Is foul as slander.

I don't want to hear it. Get out. Both of you—out!

Don't care. Get out. Both of you!

don't hear get out both of you

OTHELLO Desdemona's breakdown, complete emotional collapse

Bid her come hither. Go.

What have I done? What sin have I committed? How can he believe such a thing? My heart is broken.

What did I do? Why does he hate me? I don't understand.

what did i do? what sin? why? heart broken

[_Exit Emilia._]
She says enough. Yet she’s a simple bawd
That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore,
A closet lock and key of villainous secrets.
And yet she’ll kneel and pray. I have seen her do ’t.
Enter Desdemona and Emilia.
DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

My lord, what is your will?

My lord, what is your will?

My lord, what is your will?

My lord, what is your will?

Why it matters The line does multiple things at once: it accuses Desdemona, degrades Venice (which sent its finest girl to be this 'whore'), and dissociates Othello from his own marriage. He can no longer say 'my wife' — he says 'who married Othello' as if speaking about strangers.
🎭 Dramatic irony Emilia has correctly described Iago — 'some busy and insinuating rogue to get some office' — while standing next to him. She is right that someone has invented the slander. She does not know it is her husband.
OTHELLO [OTHELLO]

Pray, chuck, come hither.

Pray, chuck, come here.

Pray, chuck, come here.

Pray, chuck, come here.

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

What is your pleasure?

What is your pleasure?

What is your pleasure?

What is your pleasure?

🎭 Dramatic irony Desdemona asks Iago what she should do to regain Othello's love. Iago is the reason she has lost it. He gives her comfort and advice. This is the most intimate expression of his power in the play.
OTHELLO ≋ verse [OTHELLO]

Let me see your eyes.

Look in my face.

Let me see your eyes. Look in my face.

Let me see your eyes. Look in my face.

Let me see your eyes. Look in my face.

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

What horrible fancy’s this?

What horrible fancy’s this?

What horrible fancy’s this?

What horrible fancy’s this?

Why it matters Emilia's instinct is precisely correct, even without knowing who it is. 'Some busy and insinuating rogue to get some office' — Iago wanted the lieutenancy. She is right. Standing right in front of her husband, she has described him perfectly.
[_To Emilia._] Some of your function, mistress,
OTHELLO ≋ verse [OTHELLO]

Leave procreants alone, and shut the door.

Cough, or cry hem, if anybody come.

Your mystery, your mystery. Nay, dispatch.

Leave procreants alone, and shut the door. Cough, or cry hem, if anybody come. Your mystery, your mystery. no, dispatch.

Leave procreants alone, and shut the door. Cough, or cry hem, if anybody come. Your mystery, your mystery. no, dispatch.

Leave procreants alone, and shut the door. Cough, or cry hem, if anybody come. Your mystery, your my

"Your mystery, your mystery" Othello has mentally transformed the bedroom into a brothel and Emilia into its keeper. This cognitive reframing of his own marriage as a commercial sex transaction shows how completely Iago's poison has worked. He is no longer seeing his wife; he is seeing a purchased woman.
[_Exit Emilia._]
DESDEMONA ≋ verse [DESDEMONA]

Upon my knees, what doth your speech import?

I understand a fury in your words,

But not the words.

Upon my knees, what does your speech import? I understand a fury in your words, But not the words.

Upon my knees, what does your speech import? I understand a fury in your words, But not the words.

Upon my knees, what does your speech import? I understand a fury in your words, But not the words.

Why it matters Desdemona asking Iago how to regain Othello's love is one of the play's most painful ironies. He is the source of everything that's wrong. She turns to him as the solution.
OTHELLO [OTHELLO]

Why, what art thou?

Why, what art you?

Why, what art you?

Why, what art you?

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife.

Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife.

Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife.

Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife.

OTHELLO ≋ verse [OTHELLO]

Come, swear it, damn thyself,

Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves

Should fear to seize thee. Therefore be double-damn’d.

Swear thou art honest.

Come, swear it, damn thyself, Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves Should fear to seize you. Therefore be double-damn’d. Swear you art honest.

Come, swear it, damn thyself, Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves Should fear to seize you. Therefore be double-damn’d. Swear you art honest.

Come, swear it, damn thyself, Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves Should fear to s

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

Heaven doth truly know it.

Heaven does truly know it.

Heaven does truly know it.

Heaven does truly know it.

OTHELLO [OTHELLO]

Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell.

Heaven truly knows that you art false as hell.

Heaven truly knows that you art false as hell.

Heaven truly knows that you art false as hell.

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false?

To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false?

To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false?

To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false?

OTHELLO [OTHELLO]

O Desdemona, away! away! away!

O Desdemona, away! away! away!

O Desdemona, away! away! away!

O Desdemona, away! away! away!

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [DESDEMONA]

Alas the heavy day, why do you weep?

Am I the motive of these tears, my lord?

If haply you my father do suspect

An instrument of this your calling back,

Lay not your blame on me. If you have lost him,

Why, I have lost him too.

Alas the heavy day, why do you weep? Am I the motive of these tears, my lord? If haply you my father do suspect An instrument of this your calling back, Lay not your blame on me. If you have lost him, Why, I have lost him too.

Alas the heavy day, why do you weep? Am I the motive of these tears, my lord? If haply you my father do suspect An instrument of this your calling back, Lay not your blame on me. If you have lost him, Why, I have lost him too.

Alas the heavy day, why do you weep? Am I the motive of these tears, my lord? If haply you my father

OTHELLO ≋ verse [OTHELLO]

Had it pleas’d heaven

To try me with affliction, had they rain’d

All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head,

Steep’d me in poverty to the very lips,

Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes,

I should have found in some place of my soul

A drop of patience. But, alas, to make me

A fixed figure for the time of scorn

To point his slow unmoving finger at.

Yet could I bear that too, well, very well:

But there, where I have garner’d up my heart,

Where either I must live or bear no life,

The fountain from the which my current runs,

Or else dries up, to be discarded thence,

Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads

To knot and gender in!—turn thy complexion there,

Patience, thou young and rose-lipp’d cherubin,

Ay, there, look grim as hell!

Had it pleas’d heaven To try me with affliction, had they rain’d All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, Steep’d me in poverty to the very lips, Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, I should have found in some place of my soul A drop of patience. But, alas, to make me A fixed figure for the time of scorn To point his slow unmoving finger at. Yet could I bear that too, well, very well: But there, where I have garner’d up my heart, Where either I must live or bear no life, The fountain from the which my current runs, Or else dries up, to be discarded from there, Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads To knot and gender in!—turn your complexion there, Patience, you young and rose-lipp’d cherubin, Ay, there, look grim as hell!

Had it pleas’d heaven To try me with affliction, had they rain’d All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, Steep’d me in poverty to the very lips, Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, I should have found in some place of my soul A drop of patience. But, alas, to make me A fixed figure for the time of scorn To point his slow unmoving finger at. Yet could I bear that too, well, very well: But there, where I have garner’d up my heart, Where either I must live or bear no life, The fountain from the which my current runs, Or else dries up, to be discarded from there, Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads To knot and gender in!—turn your complexion there, Patience, you young and rose-lipp’d cherubin, Ay, there, look grim as hell!

Had it pleas’d heaven To try me with affliction, had they rain’d All kinds of sores and shames on my

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

I hope my noble lord esteems me honest.

I hope my noble lord esteems me honest.

I hope my noble lord esteems me honest.

I hope my noble lord esteems me honest.

OTHELLO ≋ verse [OTHELLO]

O, ay, as summer flies are in the shambles,

That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed,

Who art so lovely fair, and smell’st so sweet,

That the sense aches at thee,

Would thou hadst ne’er been born!

O, ay, as summer flies are in the shambles, That quicken even with blowing. O you weed, Who art so lovely fair, and smell’st so sweet, That the sense aches at you, Would you hadst ne’er been born!

O, ay, as summer flies are in the shambles, That quicken even with blowing. O you weed, Who art so lovely fair, and smell’st so sweet, That the sense aches at you, Would you hadst ne’er been born!

O, ay, as summer flies are in the shambles, That quicken even with blowing. O you weed, Who art so l

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?

Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?

Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?

Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?

OTHELLO ≋ verse [OTHELLO]

Was this fair paper, this most goodly book,

Made to write “whore” upon? What committed?

Committed! O thou public commoner!

I should make very forges of my cheeks,

That would to cinders burn up modesty,

Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed!

Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks;

The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets,

Is hush’d within the hollow mine of earth,

And will not hear it. What committed!

Impudent strumpet!

Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, Made to write “whore” upon? What committed? Committed! O you public commoner! I should make very forges of my cheeks, That would to cinders burn up modesty, Did I but speak your deeds. What committed! Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks; The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets, Is hush’d within the hollow mine of earth, And will not hear it. What committed! Impudent strumpet!

Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, Made to write “whore” upon? What committed? Committed! O you public commoner! I should make very forges of my cheeks, That would to cinders burn up modesty, Did I but speak your deeds. What committed! Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks; The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets, Is hush’d within the hollow mine of earth, And will not hear it. What committed! Impudent strumpet!

Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, Made to write “whore” upon? What committed? Committed! O

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

By heaven, you do me wrong.

By heaven, you do me wrong.

By heaven, you do me wrong.

By heaven, you do me wrong.

OTHELLO [OTHELLO]

Are not you a strumpet?

Are not you a strumpet?

Are not you a strumpet?

Are not you a strumpet?

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [DESDEMONA]

No, as I am a Christian:

If to preserve this vessel for my lord

From any other foul unlawful touch

Be not to be a strumpet, I am none.

No, as I am a Christian: If to preserve this vessel for my lord From any other foul unlawful touch Be not to be a strumpet, I am none.

No, as I am a Christian: If to preserve this vessel for my lord From any other foul unlawful touch Be not to be a strumpet, I am none.

No, as I am a Christian: If to preserve this vessel for my lord From any other foul unlawful touch B

OTHELLO [OTHELLO]

What, not a whore?

What, not a whore?

What, not a whore?

What, not a whore?

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

No, as I shall be sav’d.

No, as I shall be sav’d.

No, as I shall be sav’d.

No, as I shall be sav’d.

OTHELLO [OTHELLO]

Is’t possible?

Is’t possible?

Is’t possible?

Is’t possible?

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

O, heaven forgive us!

O, heaven forgive us!

O, heaven forgive us!

O, heaven forgive us!

OTHELLO ≋ verse [OTHELLO]

I cry you mercy then.

I took you for that cunning whore of Venice

That married with Othello.—You, mistress,

I cry you mercy then. I took you for that cunning whore of Venice That married with Othello.—You, mistress,

I cry you mercy then. I took you for that cunning whore of Venice That married with Othello.—You, mistress,

I cry you mercy then. I took you for that cunning whore of Venice That married with Othello.—You, mi

"I took you for that cunning whore of Venice that married with Othello" One of the play's most devastating lines. Othello has separated himself from his own marriage — he speaks of 'Othello' in the third person, as if he is no longer inside his own life. The marriage itself has become the crime.
Enter Emilia.
That have the office opposite to Saint Peter,
And keeps the gate of hell. You, you, ay, you!
We have done our course; there’s money for your pains.
I pray you turn the key, and keep our counsel.
[_Exit._]
EMILIA ≋ verse [EMILIA]

Alas, what does this gentleman conceive?

How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady?

Alas, what does this gentleman conceive? How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady?

Alas, what does this gentleman conceive? How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady?

Alas, what does this gentleman conceive? How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady?

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

Faith, half asleep.

Faith, half asleep.

Faith, half asleep.

Faith, half asleep.

EMILIA [EMILIA]

Good madam, what’s the matter with my lord?

Good madam, what’s the matter with my lord?

Good madam, what’s the matter with my lord?

Good madam, what’s the matter with my lord?

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

With who?

With who?

With who?

With who?

EMILIA [EMILIA]

Why, with my lord, madam.

Why, with my lord, madam.

Why, with my lord, madam.

Why, with my lord, madam.

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

Who is thy lord?

Who is your lord?

Who is your lord?

Who is your lord?

EMILIA [EMILIA]

He that is yours, sweet lady.

He that is yours, sweet lady.

He that is yours, sweet lady.

He that is yours, sweet lady.

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [DESDEMONA]

I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia,

I cannot weep, nor answer have I none

But what should go by water. Prithee, tonight

Lay on my bed my wedding sheets, remember,

And call thy husband hither.

I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia, I cannot weep, nor answer have I none But what should go by water. please, tonight Lay on my bed my wedding sheets, remember, And call your husband here.

I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia, I cannot weep, nor answer have I none But what should go by water. please, tonight Lay on my bed my wedding sheets, remember, And call your husband here.

I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia, I cannot weep, nor answer have I none But what should go by

EMILIA [EMILIA]

Here’s a change indeed!

Here’s a change indeed!

Here’s a change indeed!

Here’s a change indeed!

[_Exit._]
DESDEMONA ≋ verse [DESDEMONA]

’Tis meet I should be us’d so, very meet.

How have I been behav’d, that he might stick

The small’st opinion on my least misuse?

’Tis meet I should be us’d so, very meet. How have I been behav’d, that he might stick The small’st opinion on my least misuse?

’Tis meet I should be us’d so, very meet. How have I been behav’d, that he might stick The small’st opinion on my least misuse?

’Tis meet I should be us’d so, very meet. How have I been behav’d, that he might stick The small’st

Enter Iago and Emilia.
IAGO [IAGO]

What is your pleasure, madam? How is’t with you?

What is your pleasure, madam? How is’t with you?

What is your pleasure, madam? How is’t with you?

What is your pleasure, madam? How is’t with you?

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [DESDEMONA]

I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes

Do it with gentle means and easy tasks.

He might have chid me so, for, in good faith,

I am a child to chiding.

I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes Do it with gentle means and easy tasks. He might have chid me so, for, in good faith, I am a child to chiding.

I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes Do it with gentle means and easy tasks. He might have chid me so, for, in good faith, I am a child to chiding.

I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes Do it with gentle means and easy tasks. He might have

IAGO [IAGO]

What’s the matter, lady?

What’s the matter, lady?

What’s the matter, lady?

What’s the matter, lady?

EMILIA ≋ verse [EMILIA]

Alas, Iago, my lord hath so bewhor’d her,

Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her,

As true hearts cannot bear.

Alas, Iago, my lord has so bewhor’d her, Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her, As true hearts cannot bear.

Alas, Iago, my lord has so bewhor’d her, Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her, As true hearts cannot bear.

Alas, Iago, my lord has so bewhor’d her, Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her, As true heart

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

Am I that name, Iago?

Am I that name, Iago?

Am I that name, Iago?

Am I that name, Iago?

IAGO [IAGO]

What name, fair lady?

What name, fair lady?

What name, fair lady?

What name, fair lady?

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

Such as she says my lord did say I was.

Such as she says my lord did say I was.

Such as she says my lord did say I was.

Such as she says my lord did say I was.

EMILIA ≋ verse [EMILIA]

He call’d her whore: a beggar in his drink

Could not have laid such terms upon his callet.

He call’d her whore: a beggar in his drink Could not have laid such terms upon his callet.

He call’d her whore: a beggar in his drink Could not have laid such terms upon his callet.

He call’d her whore: a beggar in his drink Could not have laid such terms upon his callet.

IAGO [IAGO]

Why did he so?

Why did he so?

Why did he so?

Why did he so?

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

I do not know. I am sure I am none such.

I do not know. I am sure I am none such.

I do not know. I am sure I am none such.

I do not know. I am sure I am none such.

IAGO [IAGO]

Do not weep, do not weep: alas the day!

Do not weep, do not weep: alas the day!

Do not weep, do not weep: alas the day!

Do not weep, do not weep: alas the day!

EMILIA ≋ verse [EMILIA]

Hath she forsook so many noble matches,

Her father, and her country, and her friends,

To be call’d whore? would it not make one weep?

has she forsook so many noble matches, Her father, and her country, and her friends, To be call’d whore? would it not make one weep?

has she forsook so many noble matches, Her father, and her country, and her friends, To be call’d whore? would it not make one weep?

has she forsook so many noble matches, Her father, and her country, and her friends, To be call’d wh

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

It is my wretched fortune.

It is my wretched fortune.

It is my wretched fortune.

It is my wretched fortune.

IAGO ≋ verse [IAGO]

Beshrew him for’t!

How comes this trick upon him?

Beshrew him for’t! How comes this trick upon him?

Beshrew him for’t! How comes this trick upon him?

Beshrew him for’t! How comes this trick upon him?

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

Nay, heaven doth know.

no, heaven does know.

no, heaven does know.

no, heaven does know.

EMILIA ≋ verse [EMILIA]

I will be hang’d, if some eternal villain,

Some busy and insinuating rogue,

Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office,

Have not devis’d this slander. I’ll be hang’d else.

I will be hang’d, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devis’d this slander. I’ll be hang’d else.

I will be hang’d, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devis’d this slander. I’ll be hang’d else.

I will be hang’d, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening s

"some busy and insinuating rogue to get some office" Emilia has almost exactly described Iago — a scheming rogue working for advancement. She does not know she is describing her own husband. The audience does.
IAGO [IAGO]

Fie, there is no such man. It is impossible.

Fie, there is no such man. It is impossible.

Fie, there is no such man. It is impossible.

Fie, there is no such man. It is impossible.

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

If any such there be, heaven pardon him!

If any such there be, heaven pardon him!

If any such there be, heaven pardon him!

If any such there be, heaven pardon him!

EMILIA ≋ verse [EMILIA]

A halter pardon him, and hell gnaw his bones!

Why should he call her whore? who keeps her company?

What place? what time? what form? what likelihood?

The Moor’s abused by some most villainous knave,

Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow.

O heaven, that such companions thou’dst unfold,

And put in every honest hand a whip

To lash the rascals naked through the world

Even from the east to the west!

A halter pardon him, and hell gnaw his bones! Why should he call her whore? who keeps her company? What place? what time? what form? what likelihood? The Moor’s abused by some most villainous knave, Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. O heaven, that such companions you’dst unfold, And put in every honest hand a whip To lash the rascals naked through the world Even from the east to the west!

A halter pardon him, and hell gnaw his bones! Why should he call her whore? who keeps her company? What place? what time? what form? what likelihood? The Moor’s abused by some most villainous knave, Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. O heaven, that such companions you’dst unfold, And put in every honest hand a whip To lash the rascals naked through the world Even from the east to the west!

A halter pardon him, and hell gnaw his bones! Why should he call her whore? who keeps her company? W

IAGO [IAGO]

Speak within door.

Speak within door.

Speak within door.

Speak within door.

EMILIA ≋ verse [EMILIA]

O, fie upon them! Some such squire he was

That turn’d your wit the seamy side without,

And made you to suspect me with the Moor.

O, fie upon them! Some such squire he was That turn’d your wit the seamy side without, And made you to suspect me with the Moor.

O, fie upon them! Some such squire he was That turn’d your wit the seamy side without, And made you to suspect me with the Moor.

O, fie upon them! Some such squire he was That turn’d your wit the seamy side without, And made you

IAGO [IAGO]

You are a fool. Go to.

You are a fool. Go to.

You are a fool. Go to.

You are a fool. Go to.

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [DESDEMONA]

Alas, Iago,

What shall I do to win my lord again?

Good friend, go to him. For by this light of heaven,

I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel.

If e’er my will did trespass ’gainst his love,

Either in discourse of thought or actual deed,

Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense,

Delighted them in any other form,

Or that I do not yet, and ever did,

And ever will, (though he do shake me off

To beggarly divorcement) love him dearly,

Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much;

And his unkindness may defeat my life,

But never taint my love. I cannot say “whore,”

It does abhor me now I speak the word;

To do the act that might the addition earn

Not the world’s mass of vanity could make me.

Alas, Iago, What shall I do to win my lord again? Good friend, go to him. For by this light of heaven, I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel. If e’er my will did trespass ’gainst his love, Either in discourse of thought or actual deed, Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, Delighted them in any other form, Or that I do not yet, and ever did, And ever will, (though he do shake me off To beggarly divorcement) love him dearly, Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much; And his unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love. I cannot say “whore,” It does abhor me now I speak the word; To do the act that might the addition earn Not the world’s mass of vanity could make me.

Alas, Iago, What shall I do to win my lord again? Good friend, go to him. For by this light of heaven, I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel. If e’er my will did trespass ’gainst his love, Either in discourse of thought or actual deed, Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, Delighted them in any other form, Or that I do not yet, and ever did, And ever will, (though he do shake me off To beggarly divorcement) love him dearly, Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much; And his unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love. I cannot say “whore,” It does abhor me now I speak the word; To do the act that might the addition earn Not the world’s mass of vanity could make me.

Alas, Iago, What shall I do to win my lord again? Good friend, go to him. For by this light of heave

IAGO ≋ verse [IAGO]

I pray you, be content. ’Tis but his humour.

The business of the state does him offence,

And he does chide with you.

I pray you, be content. ’Tis but his humour. The business of the state does him offence, And he does chide with you.

I pray you, be content. ’Tis but his humour. The business of the state does him offence, And he does chide with you.

I pray you, be content. ’Tis but his humour. The business of the state does him offence, And he does

DESDEMONA [DESDEMONA]

If ’twere no other,—

If ’twere no other,—

If ’twere no other,—

If ’twere no other,—

IAGO [IAGO]

’Tis but so, I warrant.

’Tis but so, I warrant.

’Tis but so, I warrant.

’Tis but so, I warrant.

[_Trumpets within._]
Hark, how these instruments summon to supper.
The messengers of Venice stay the meat.
Go in, and weep not. All things shall be well.
[_Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia._]
Enter Roderigo.
How now, Roderigo?
RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

I do not find that thou dealest justly with me.

I do not find that you dealest justly with me.

I do not find that you dealest justly with me.

I do not find that you dealest justly with me.

IAGO [IAGO]

What in the contrary?

What in the contrary?

What in the contrary?

What in the contrary?

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

Every day thou daffest me with some device, Iago, and rather, as it

seems to me now, keepest from me all conveniency than suppliest me with

the least advantage of hope. I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor am

I yet persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly

suffered.

Every day you daffest me with some device, Iago, and rather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me all conveniency than suppliest me with the least advantage of hope. I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered.

Every day you daffest me with some device, Iago, and rather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me all conveniency than suppliest me with the least advantage of hope. I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered.

Every day you daffest me with some device, Iago, and rather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me

IAGO [IAGO]

Will you hear me, Roderigo?

Will you hear me, Roderigo?

Will you hear me, Roderigo?

Will you hear me, Roderigo?

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

Faith, I have heard too much, for your words and performances are no

kin together.

Faith, I have heard too much, for your words and performances are no kin together.

Faith, I have heard too much, for your words and performances are no kin together.

Faith, I have heard too much, for your words and performances are no kin together.

IAGO [IAGO]

You charge me most unjustly.

You charge me most unjustly.

You charge me most unjustly.

You charge me most unjustly.

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my means. The jewels

you have had from me to deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted

a votarist: you have told me she hath received them, and returned me

expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I

find none.

With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a votarist: you have told me she has received them, and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I find none.

With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a votarist: you have told me she has received them, and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I find none.

With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my means. The jewels you have had from me to deli

IAGO [IAGO]

Well, go to, very well.

Well, go to, very well.

Well, go to, very well.

Well, go to, very well.

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

Very well, go to, I cannot go to, man, nor ’tis not very well. Nay, I

say ’tis very scurvy, and begin to find myself fopped in it.

Very well, go to, I cannot go to, man, nor ’tis not very well. no, I say ’tis very scurvy, and begin to find myself fopped in it.

Very well, go to, I cannot go to, man, nor ’tis not very well. no, I say ’tis very scurvy, and begin to find myself fopped in it.

Very well, go to, I cannot go to, man, nor ’tis not very well. no, I say ’tis very scurvy, and begin

IAGO [IAGO]

Very well.

Very well.

Very well.

Very well.

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

I tell you ’tis not very well. I will make myself known to Desdemona.

If she will return me my jewels, I will give over my suit and repent my

unlawful solicitation. If not, assure yourself I will seek satisfaction

of you.

I tell you ’tis not very well. I will make myself known to Desdemona. If she will return me my jewels, I will give over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation. If not, assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you.

I tell you ’tis not very well. I will make myself known to Desdemona. If she will return me my jewels, I will give over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation. If not, assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you.

I tell you ’tis not very well. I will make myself known to Desdemona. If she will return me my jewel

IAGO [IAGO]

You have said now.

You have said now.

You have said now.

You have said now.

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.

Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.

Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.

Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.

IAGO [IAGO]

Why, now I see there’s mettle in thee, and even from this instant do

build on thee a better opinion than ever before. Give me thy hand,

Roderigo. Thou hast taken against me a most just exception, but yet I

protest, I have dealt most directly in thy affair.

Why, now I see there’s mettle in you, and even from this instant do build on you a better opinion than ever before. Give me your hand, Roderigo. you have taken against me a most just exception, but yet I protest, I have dealt most directly in your affair.

Why, now I see there’s mettle in you, and even from this instant do build on you a better opinion than ever before. Give me your hand, Roderigo. you have taken against me a most just exception, but yet I protest, I have dealt most directly in your affair.

Why, now I see there’s mettle in you, and even from this instant do build on you a better opinion th

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

It hath not appeared.

It has not appeared.

It has not appeared.

It has not appeared.

IAGO [IAGO]

I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and your suspicion is not without

wit and judgement. But, Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed,

which I have greater reason to believe now than ever,—I mean purpose,

courage, and valour,—this night show it. If thou the next night

following enjoy not Desdemona, take me from this world with treachery

and devise engines for my life.

I grant indeed it has not appeared, and your suspicion is not without wit and judgement. But, Roderigo, if you have that in you indeed, which I have greater reason to believe now than ever,—I mean purpose, courage, and valour,—this night show it. If you the next night following enjoy not Desdemona, take me from this world with treachery and devise engines for my life.

I grant indeed it has not appeared, and your suspicion is not without wit and judgement. But, Roderigo, if you have that in you indeed, which I have greater reason to believe now than ever,—I mean purpose, courage, and valour,—this night show it. If you the next night following enjoy not Desdemona, take me from this world with treachery and devise engines for my life.

I grant indeed it has not appeared, and your suspicion is not without wit and judgement. But, Roderi

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

Well, what is it? Is it within reason and compass?

Well, what is it? Is it within reason and compass?

Well, what is it? Is it within reason and compass?

Well, what is it? Is it within reason and compass?

IAGO [IAGO]

Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in

Othello’s place.

Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in Othello’s place.

Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in Othello’s place.

Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in Othello’s place.

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona return again to Venice.

Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona return again to Venice.

Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona return again to Venice.

Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona return again to Venice.

IAGO [IAGO]

O, no; he goes into Mauritania, and takes away with him the fair

Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by some accident: wherein

none can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio.

O, no; he goes into Mauritania, and takes away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by some accident: wherein none can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio.

O, no; he goes into Mauritania, and takes away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by some accident: wherein none can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio.

O, no; he goes into Mauritania, and takes away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be ling

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

How do you mean “removing” of him?

How do you mean “removing” of him?

How do you mean “removing” of him?

How do you mean “removing” of him?

IAGO [IAGO]

Why, by making him uncapable of Othello’s place: knocking out his

brains.

Why, by making him uncapable of Othello’s place: knocking out his brains.

Why, by making him uncapable of Othello’s place: knocking out his brains.

Why, by making him uncapable of Othello’s place: knocking out his brains.

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

And that you would have me to do?

And that you would have me to do?

And that you would have me to do?

And that you would have me to do?

IAGO [IAGO]

Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups tonight with

a harlotry, and thither will I go to him. He knows not yet of his

honourable fortune. If you will watch his going thence, which I will

fashion to fall out between twelve and one, you may take him at your

pleasure: I will be near to second your attempt, and he shall fall

between us. Come, stand not amazed at it, but go along with me. I will

show you such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself

bound to put it on him. It is now high supper-time, and the night grows

to waste. About it.

Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups tonight with a harlotry, and there will I go to him. He knows not yet of his honourable fortune. If you will watch his going from there, which I will fashion to fall out between twelve and one, you may take him at your pleasure: I will be near to second your attempt, and he shall fall between us. Come, stand not amazed at it, but go along with me. I will show you such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself bound to put it on him. It is now high supper-time, and the night grows to waste. About it.

Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups tonight with a harlotry, and there will I go to him. He knows not yet of his honourable fortune. If you will watch his going from there, which I will fashion to fall out between twelve and one, you may take him at your pleasure: I will be near to second your attempt, and he shall fall between us. Come, stand not amazed at it, but go along with me. I will show you such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself bound to put it on him. It is now high supper-time, and the night grows to waste. About it.

Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups tonight with a harlotry, and there will I

RODERIGO [RODERIGO]

I will hear further reason for this.

I will hear further reason for this.

I will hear further reason for this.

I will hear further reason for this.

IAGO [IAGO]

And you shall be satisfied.

And you shall be satisfied.

And you shall be satisfied.

And you shall be satisfied.

[_Exeunt._]

The Reckoning

The scene of the brothel — Othello converts his own bedroom into an interrogation room, with Emilia playing the 'madam' and Desdemona playing the whore he has purchased. It is one of the most painful scenes in the play because it puts Desdemona's complete innocence in direct contact with Othello's complete certainty of her guilt, and gives her no tools to fight it. She denies. She weeps. She cannot understand. He has already decided. Meanwhile, the scene's final movement — Iago redirecting Roderigo toward Cassio's murder — shows the machinery still running in parallel. Iago never stops managing multiple plots.

If this happened today…

You come home to find your partner has been questioned about you by your best friend — who asked every intrusive question you can imagine, got emphatic answers in your favor, and still came away convinced you were lying. Your partner tries to have a conversation with you about what's wrong. You call them a whore. They don't know why. You leave. Then your best friend goes to the hallway to talk your mutual acquaintance into killing someone.

Continue to 4.3 →