Act 5, Scene 2 — Othello — Study Shakespeare

The argument Othello enters the sleeping Desdemona's chamber with a light. His 'Put out the light' soliloquy. He wakes her to tell her she must die; she protests innocence and asks for Cassio. Othello smothers her. Emilia calls from outside. Desdemona revives briefly: 'A guiltless death I die.' Emilia forces the truth out: the handkerchief was Iago's. Iago enters and kills Emilia. Montano and Lodovico arrive. Letters from Roderigo are found proving the scheme. Othello wounds Iago, who is arrested. Othello's final speech and suicide.

Desdemona in bed asleep; a light burning.

Enter Othello.

OTHELLO ≋ verse [Othello's determined cruelty, ready to murder]

It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul,

Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!

It is the cause. Yet I’ll not shed her blood,

Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow,

And smooth as monumental alabaster.

Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men.

Put out the light, and then put out the light:

If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,

I can again thy former light restore,

Should I repent me. But once put out thy light,

Thou cunning’st pattern of excelling nature,

I know not where is that Promethean heat

That can thy light relume. When I have pluck’d thy rose,

I cannot give it vital growth again,

It must needs wither. I’ll smell it on the tree.

This is the reason, this is what compels me, my soul, don't make me explain it to you, you chaste stars! This is the reason. Yet I won't spill her blood, or mark that whiter skin of hers than snow, and smooth as a stone monument in marble. Yet she must die, or else she'll betray more men. Blow out the light, and then blow out the light: if I extinguish you, you blazing servant, i can restore your former light again, if I came to regret it. But once your light is blown out, you most intricate creation of perfect nature, i don't know where that divine fire is that could reignite you. When I've plucked your rose, i cannot give it life to grow again, it must wither. I'll smell it on the tree.

This is why, this is what I have to do, my soul, don't ask me to spell it out to you, you pure stars! This is the reason. But I won't cut her or make her bleed, or scar that skin of hers that's whiter than snow, smooth like polished stone. Yet she has to die, or she'll lead more men astray. Put out the light, then put it out again: if I put out you, you burning fire, i could get your light back, if i wanted to. But once your light's out, you perfect masterpiece of nature, i don't know where to find that power that brings you back to life. Once I pick your rose, i can't make it grow back, it'll just wither. I'll smell it on the tree.

this is why i have to do it can't explain it to the stars won't draw blood but she has to die or she'll ruin other men put out the light and it stays out once it's gone i can't get it back like a picked rose—it just dies

"It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul" The 'Put out the light' speech opens with this half-articulated framing: Othello is preparing himself by recasting the murder as an act of justice — he is executing a cause, not killing a person. The three repetitions of 'cause' are his attempt to maintain that framing against his own grief.

"Put out the light, and then put out the light" The double meaning: put out the candle, then put out Desdemona's life. The syntactic repetition makes both acts sound identical — and Othello knows they are not. The candle can be relit; she cannot. This speech is the most explicit acknowledgment in the play that he knows what he is doing and cannot stop.

Why it matters Othello enters with a light and approaches the sleeping Desdemona. He is already performing the murder in his mind — speaking of not shedding her blood, not scarring her skin. The murder, for him, is a ritual necessity. That framing is all that stands between him and the knowledge of what he is doing.

🎭 Dramatic irony Othello says Desdemona 'must die, else she'll betray more men.' She has never betrayed anyone. The audience has known this since Act 1. The entire play has been the audience watching a man kill the person he loves most based on a lie.

[_Kissing her._]

OTHELLO ≋ verse [tormented by love even as he kills]

O, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade

Justice to break her sword! One more, one more.

Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee,

And love thee after. One more, and this the last.

So sweet was ne’er so fatal. I must weep,

But they are cruel tears. This sorrow’s heavenly,

It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.

Your sweet breath almost makes Justice herself abandon her sword! One more kiss, one more. Stay like this when you are dead, and I will kill you and love you after. One more, and this is the last. Nothing so sweet has ever been so fatal. I must cry, but these are cruel tears. This sorrow is divine—it strikes what it loves. She wakes.

Your breath is so sweet it almost makes Justice drop her sword! One more kiss, just one more. Be like this even when you're dead—I'll kill you and love you after. One more kiss, this is the last. Something so beautiful has never been so destructive. I have to cry, but these are harsh tears. This grief is holy—it kills what it loves. She's waking.

ur sweet breath makes justice drop her sword one more kiss stay like this when ur dead ill kill u and love u after this sorrow is divine it strikes what it loves she wakes

DESDEMONA [waking, sensing danger in his voice]

Who’s there? Othello?

Who is it? Othello?

Who's there? Is it you, Othello?

who's there? othello?

Why it matters The 'Put out the light' speech is one of the greatest soliloquies in Shakespeare — not because it is eloquent (though it is) but because it shows a man who knows the difference between right and wrong, knows which one he is doing, and is doing the wrong thing anyway. This is not madness or ignorance; it is knowledge without the power to change course.

OTHELLO [grim, masking his murderous intent]

Ay, Desdemona.

Yes, Desdemona.

Yes, it's me, Desdemona.

yes it's me

DESDEMONA [innocently inviting him to bed]

Will you come to bed, my lord?

Are you coming to bed, my lord?

Come on, are you coming to bed?

coming to bed?

OTHELLO [ominously urging her to pray]

Have you pray’d tonight, Desdemona?

Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?

Did you say your prayers tonight, Desdemona?

did you pray?

"Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?" Othello is asking because he wants her to have time to confess her sins before death — he is still framing the murder as an execution, giving the condemned a moment for last rites. This is also the last moment she has to understand what is happening.

DESDEMONA [puzzled but compliant]

Ay, my lord.

Yes, my lord.

Yes, I did.

yes

OTHELLO ≋ verse [pressing her toward confession, merciless]

If you bethink yourself of any crime

Unreconcil’d as yet to heaven and grace,

Solicit for it straight.

If you remember any sin not yet made right with heaven and grace, ask for forgiveness right now.

If you've done anything wrong that you haven't made peace with God about, now's the time to ask for forgiveness.

if you've sinned, make peace with god right now

DESDEMONA [alarmed, not understanding his meaning]

Alack, my lord, what may you mean by that?

Alas, my lord, what do you mean by that?

My lord, what are you saying?

what do you mean?

OTHELLO ≋ verse [chillingly patient, sparing only her soul]

Well, do it, and be brief, I will walk by.

I would not kill thy unprepared spirit,

No, heaven forfend! I would not kill thy soul.

Well, do it, and hurry. I'll walk nearby. i don't want to kill your unprepared spirit, no, heaven forbid! I wouldn't kill your soul.

Go on, but be quick about it. I'll be over here. i'm not trying to kill you when you're spiritually unprepared, no, i don't want that. i won't kill your soul.

do it quick i don't want to kill you unprepared heaven forbid i harm your soul

DESDEMONA [fear finally breaking through]

Talk you of killing?

Are you talking about killing me?

You're going to kill me?

u talking about killing me?

OTHELLO [flat, confirming her worst fear]

Ay, I do.

Yes, I do.

Yes, I am.

yes i do

DESDEMONA [terrified, appealing to heaven]

Then heaven have mercy on me!

Then may heaven show me mercy!

Then may God be merciful to me!

god pls have mercy

OTHELLO [coldly echoing her prayer]

Amen, with all my heart!

Yes, with all my heart!

Yes, absolutely, i mean that sincerely.

yes, from my heart

DESDEMONA [clinging to a thread of hope]

If you say so, I hope you will not kill me.

If that's what you're saying, i hope you won't kill me.

If you really mean that, then you won't kill me, right?

so you won't kill me then

🎭 Dramatic irony Desdemona's last words protect Othello: 'Nobody — I myself.' She calls him her 'kind lord.' He has just murdered her. She dies defending him, which is both the fullest expression of her love and the most devastating verdict on his crime.

OTHELLO [ominous, working himself toward violence]

Hum!

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [frightened by his strange look]

And yet I fear you, for you are fatal then

When your eyes roll so: why I should fear I know not,

Since guiltiness I know not, but yet I feel I fear.

And yet i'm afraid of you, because you're lethal when your eyes roll like that: why i should fear i don't know, since i feel no guilt, but still i feel afraid.

But i'm terrified of you when your eyes look like that. i don't even know why i should be scared— i've done nothing wrong, but i'm scared anyway.

i'm so scared of you when you look like that i don't even know why i haven't done anything but i'm terrified

OTHELLO [grim command to repent]

Think on thy sins.

Think about your sins.

Think about what you've done wrong.

think about what you did wrong

DESDEMONA [protesting her only sin is love]

They are loves I bear to you.

The only wrongs are the loves i have for you.

My only sins are loving you.

my only sin is loving you

Why it matters Desdemona weeps when told Cassio is dead — naturally, because she cared for him as a friend. Othello reads this as grief for a lover. This is the play's final terrible misreading: her virtue and her loyalty are the things that damn her in his eyes.

OTHELLO [twisting her love into a verdict]

Ay, and for that thou diest.

Yes, and for that you die.

And that's exactly why you're going to die.

and that's why you die

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [pleading against his cruel logic]

That death’s unnatural that kills for loving.

Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?

Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.

These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope,

They do not point on me.

It's unnatural for death to come from being loved. And why are you biting your lip like that? Some violent rage is shaking your whole body. These are signs of something terrible; but i still hope, i still hope, they don't point to me.

No one should die just for loving someone. Why are you chewing your lip like that? You're shaking, consumed by this passion. These look like warning signs; but i'm hoping, i'm hoping, that they're not about me.

death shouldn't come from love why are you biting your lip you're shaking, all twisted up these signs terrify me but maybe not for me

OTHELLO [silencing her, barely controlled]

Peace, and be still!

Be quiet and stay still!

Stop talking and don't move!

shut up and stay still

DESDEMONA [obedient, desperate to understand]

I will so. What’s the matter?

I will. What's wrong?

Okay. But what's the matter?

ok what's going on

OTHELLO ≋ verse [accusing her with the handkerchief]

That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee,

Thou gav’st to Cassio.

That handkerchief that i loved so much and gave you, you gave to Cassio.

That handkerchief i cherished and gave you, you handed over to Cassio.

you gave my handkerchief to cassio

Why it matters Desdemona's last act is to protect Othello. She lies to Emilia to spare him. This is either the play's most profound act of love or its most devastating indictment of what that love costs her — or both simultaneously.

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [swearing her innocence desperately]

No, by my life and soul!

Send for the man and ask him.

No, i swear it by my life and my soul! Bring the man here and ask him yourself.

No, i swear on everything! My life, my soul! Get him here and ask him yourself.

no i swear get cassio here

OTHELLO ≋ verse [warning her not to lie]

Sweet soul, take heed, take heed of perjury,

Thou’rt on thy death-bed.

Sweet soul, be careful, be careful of swearing false, you're on your deathbed.

Sweetheart, listen, don't swear false, you're lying on your deathbed.

be careful don't lie you're about to die

DESDEMONA [refusing to accept her death]

Ay, but not yet to die.

Yes, but not yet.

Yes, but not right now.

not yet

OTHELLO ≋ verse [implacable, demanding her confession]

Yes, presently:

Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin.

For to deny each article with oath

Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception

That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.

Yes, right now: so confess your sin freely and honestly. Because denying each charge with an oath cannot remove or silence the strong belief that crushes me. You are going to die.

Yes, right now: so tell the truth about what you did wrong. Because you can swear you're innocent all day, but it won't change what i believe. I know what i know. You're going to die.

yes now confess everything swearing won't change what i know you're going to die

DESDEMONA [despairing prayer as hope fades]

Then, Lord have mercy on me!

Then Lord have mercy on me, i beg you!

Then God, please be merciful to me!

god mercy on me

OTHELLO [hardened, unmoved by her prayer]

I say, amen.

↩ Callback to Act 3, Scene 3 The handkerchief chain is finally fully exposed here. Dropped accidentally in 3-3, picked up by Emilia, given to Iago, planted on Cassio, seen by Othello — the entire tragic mechanism was set in motion by an accident.

🎭 Dramatic irony Emilia's revelation — that she found the handkerchief accidentally and gave it to Iago unknowingly — is the disclosure the whole play has been building toward. The 'ocular proof' that destroyed Othello's marriage was a piece of cloth found on the ground.

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [begging him to match heaven's mercy]

And have you mercy too! I never did

Offend you in my life, never lov’d Cassio

But with such general warranty of heaven

As I might love. I never gave him token.

And have mercy on you too! i never wronged you in my life, i never loved Cassio except as a friend, with the kind of affection that i might give to anyone. i never gave him any token.

And God have mercy on you too! i never hurt you, ever. i never loved Cassio except like a friend—the way you'd like anyone. i never gave him anything.

have mercy on you too i never wronged you never loved cassio never gave him anything

OTHELLO ≋ verse [anguished, insisting on what he saw]

By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in ’s hand.

O perjur’d woman, thou dost stone my heart,

And mak’st me call what I intend to do

A murder, which I thought a sacrifice.

I saw the handkerchief.

By heaven, i saw my handkerchief in his hand. Lying woman, you've hardened my heart, and made me call what i mean to do a murder, when i thought it was a sacrifice. I saw the handkerchief.

By God, i saw my handkerchief in his hand. You're lying to me, and it's breaking my heart, and making me see this as murder when i thought it was justice. I saw the handkerchief.

i saw it in his hand you're a liar you've made me a murderer not a judge i saw it with my own eyes

↩ Callback to Act 4, Scene 3 Emilia dies singing the Willow Song — the same ballad Desdemona sang in 4-3. Two women, connected by the handkerchief, both killed by the same man's scheme, both dying in music.

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [grasping for any explanation]

He found it then.

I never gave it him. Send for him hither.

Let him confess a truth.

He found it then. i never gave it to him. Send for him here. Let him tell the truth.

Then he found it. i never gave it to him. Get him here. Let him tell you the truth.

he must've found it i never gave it get him here and he'll tell you

OTHELLO [delivering the false confession as proof]

He hath confess’d.

He has confess’d.

DESDEMONA [stunned, not comprehending him]

What, my lord?

Why it matters Emilia's 'I may never go home again' is her full awareness that she is choosing truth over safety. She knows what Iago is capable of. She speaks anyway.

OTHELLO [brutal, naming the imagined act]

That he hath us’d thee.

That he's been with you.

That he's slept with you.

that he was with you

DESDEMONA [disbelieving what she hears]

How? Unlawfully?

OTHELLO [curt, final, unmoved]

Ay.

Why it matters Emilia's refusal is the moral climax of the play. She knows what it costs. She has said 'I may never go home again.' She refuses anyway. In a play built on lies, manipulation, and silence, Emilia's 'I will not' is the act that undoes everything — too late to save Desdemona, but not too late to name the truth.

DESDEMONA [certain Cassio would deny it]

He will not say so.

He won't say that.

He'll never say that.

he won't say it

Why it matters This is the revelation that unmakes everything. The handkerchief — 'trifles light as air,' Iago called it — was a found object, accidentally dropped, given to Iago by his own wife who had no idea what it would be used for. The entire edifice of Othello's certainty was built on this.

OTHELLO ≋ verse [revealing Cassio has been silenced]

No, his mouth is stopp’d.

Honest Iago hath ta’en order for ’t.

No, his mouth is sealed. Honest Iago has made sure of it.

No, his mouth is shut for good. Honest Iago took care of that.

his mouth is shut iago made sure of that

DESDEMONA [horrified, guessing the terrible truth]

O, my fear interprets! What, is he dead?

Oh, what i feared! What, is he dead?

Oh no, that's what i was afraid of! He's dead?

oh god he's dead

Why it matters Emilia's death in the Willow Song completes the scene's circular structure. The ballad Desdemona sang about a woman who died for love is now the ballad Emilia sings while dying for truth.

OTHELLO ≋ verse [savage satisfaction in his revenge]

Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge

Had stomach for them all.

If all his hairs were lives, my great revenge would have killed them all.

If all his hair were people, my revenge would've taken every one of them.

if his hairs were lives id kill them all for revenge

DESDEMONA [grieving for Cassio and herself]

Alas, he is betray’d, and I undone!

Oh, he's been destroyed, and i'm ruined!

Oh, he's been murdered, and i'm completely destroyed!

he's dead and so am i

OTHELLO [enraged by her tears for Cassio]

Out, strumpet! Weep’st thou for him to my face?

Out, whore! Are you crying for him in front of me?

Get away, you prostitute! You're actually crying over him while i'm here?

you're crying for him to my face you whore

Why it matters The final speech is Othello's attempt to write his own epitaph while still alive. He knows he is going to kill himself; he is composing the record. The speech has been criticized as evasion — he is framing his crime as the result of love rather than jealousy — but it is also the only self-knowledge he has left, and it is more honest than it first appears.

DESDEMONA [begging for exile instead of death]

O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!

Oh, exile me, my lord, but don't kill me!

Oh, banish me, my lord, just don't kill me!

exile me don't kill me

Why it matters The final tableau — Othello dead on Desdemona's body — is the play's last image. He could not live without her; he could not live with what he did to her. The suicide is the only resolution possible, which is also why it is no resolution at all.

OTHELLO [violent, forcing her down]

Down, strumpet!

Down, whore!

down whore

DESDEMONA [bargaining desperately for more time]

Kill me tomorrow, let me live tonight!

Wait until tomorrow to kill me, just let me live through tonight!

Let me live one more night, kill me in the morning!

not tonight kill me tomorrow instead

OTHELLO [threatening as she struggles]

Nay, if you strive,—

No, if you keep struggling—

No, don't make this harder—

don't resist

DESDEMONA [pleading for mere minutes]

But half an hour!

Give me just thirty minutes!

Just give me half an hour!

please half an hour

OTHELLO [relentless, refusing any delay]

Being done, there is no pause.

Once it's done, there's no stopping.

Once i start, there's no going back.

once it's done it's done

DESDEMONA [begging for time to pray]

But while I say one prayer!

Let me say one prayer first!

Please, let me have time to pray!

let me pray

OTHELLO [grimly resolved, the deed begun]

It is too late.

It's too late.

It's too late for that.

too late

[_Smothers her._]

EMILIA [calling urgently from outside]

[_Within._] My lord, my lord! what, ho! my lord, my lord!

My lord, my lord! Hello! My lord, my lord!

Sir! Sir! Hello! Are you there, sir!

sir sir sir where r u

OTHELLO ≋ verse [coldly finishing what he started]

What noise is this? Not dead? Not yet quite dead?

I that am cruel am yet merciful,

I would not have thee linger in thy pain.

So, so.

What's that noise? Not dead? Not completely dead yet? i who am cruel am still merciful, i wouldn't want you to linger in pain. There, there.

What's that sound? She's not dead? Not quite gone? i'm being cruel but also merciful, i don't want you to suffer and die slowly. There, shh.

what was that she's still alive be merciful and quick there there

EMILIA [calling again, more urgent]

[_Within._] What, ho! my lord, my lord!

Hello! My lord, my lord!

Hello! Sir, sir!

hey where are u

OTHELLO [startled, caught off guard]

Who’s there?

EMILIA [pleading urgently through the door]

[_Within._] O, good my lord, I would speak a word with you!

Oh, good sir, I would very much like to speak with you!

Sir, please, I really need to speak with you!

sir i need to talk to u

OTHELLO ≋ verse [frantic, talking himself in circles]

Yes. ’Tis Emilia, by and by. She’s dead.

’Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio’s death;

The noise was high.—Ha! no more moving?

Still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were’t good?

I think she stirs again; no. What’s best to do?

If she come in, she’ll sure speak to my wife.

My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife.

O, insupportable! O heavy hour!

Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse

Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted globe

Should yawn at alteration.

Yes. That's Emilia, in a moment. She's dead. She's probably coming to talk about Cassio's death; the noise was loud.—No more movement? Still as death. Should i let her in? Is that wise? i think she's moving again; no, she's not. What should i do? If she comes in, she'll definitely speak to my wife. My wife! my wife! what wife? i have no wife. Oh, unbearable! Oh heavy hour! I think this should be a massive eclipse of sun and moon, and the frightened earth should gape at such a change.

Yes. That's Emilia, she'll be here soon. She's dead. She came to tell me about Cassio being killed; that's why it was so loud.—Is she still alive? Motionless like a corpse. Should i let her in? Should i? i think she moved; no, she didn't. What do i do? If she comes in, she'll definitely want to see my wife. My wife! my wife! what wife? i don't have a wife anymore. It's unbearable! This terrible moment! Nature itself should go dark, the sun and moon should vanish, and the earth should split open at what i've done.

that's emilia she's dead should i let emilia in no movement at all my wife my wife i have no wife this is unbearable the world should go dark

EMILIA ≋ verse [begging to be let in]

[_Within._] I do beseech you

That I may speak with you, O, good my lord!

I'm begging you to let me speak with you, oh good sir!

Please, I need to talk to you, sir!

please let me talk kind sir

OTHELLO ≋ verse [composing himself, stalling for time]

I had forgot thee: O, come in, Emilia.

Soft, by and by; let me the curtains draw.

Where art thou?

i forgot about you: come in, Emilia. Wait, first let me close the curtains. Where are you?

i forgot you were there: come in, Emilia. Hold on, let me draw the curtains first. Where are you?

i forgot you come in let me close the curtains where are you

[_Unlocks the door._]

Enter Emilia.

OTHELLO [feigning composure for Emilia]

What’s the matter with thee now?

What's troubling you now?

What's wrong with you now?

what's wrong with u? what's the matter?

EMILIA [breathless with the night's violence]

O, my good lord, yonder’s foul murders done!

Oh my lord, there's been terrible murder done!

Oh my lord, there's been a horrible murder!

my lord there's been murder

OTHELLO [guarded, deflecting her suspicion]

What, now?

EMILIA [insistent, confirming the timing]

But now, my lord.

Just now, my lord.

Just a moment ago, my lord.

just now

OTHELLO ≋ verse [deflecting with strange excuses]

It is the very error of the moon,

She comes more nearer earth than she was wont

And makes men mad.

It's simply the moon's strange influence, she comes closer to earth than she usually does and drives men crazy.

It's just the moon acting weird, it's gotten closer to the earth than normal and it makes men lose their minds.

the moon's too close it's driving men mad

EMILIA ≋ verse [reporting what she's just learned]

Cassio, my lord, hath kill’d a young Venetian

Call’d Roderigo.

Cassio, my lord, has killed a young Venetian called Roderigo.

Cassio has murdered a young man from Venice named Roderigo.

cassio killed roderigo a venetian

OTHELLO ≋ verse [alarmed, his plan unraveling]

Roderigo kill’d?

And Cassio kill’d?

Roderigo killed? And Cassio killed as well?

Roderigo's dead? Cassio's dead too?

roderigo dead cassio dead too

EMILIA [correcting him plainly]

No, Cassio is not kill’d.

No, Cassio is not killed.

No, Cassio is still alive.

cassio's alive

OTHELLO ≋ verse [dismayed his revenge is incomplete]

Not Cassio kill’d! Then murder’s out of tune,

And sweet revenge grows harsh.

Cassio not killed! Then revenge has gone wrong, and sweet revenge becomes bitter.

Cassio's not dead! Then everything's ruined, and my sweet revenge tastes like poison.

cassio's alive my revenge is destroyed

DESDEMONA [dying, crying out for justice]

O, falsely, falsely murder’d!

Oh, i'm murdered falsely!

Oh, i'm innocent and i've been killed!

i'm killed for nothing

EMILIA [startled by the voice from the bed]

Alas, what cry is that?

What was that cry?

What was that sound?

what was that

OTHELLO [caught off guard, stalling]

That? What?

EMILIA ≋ verse [frantic, recognizing Desdemona's voice]

Out, and alas! That was my lady’s voice.

Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again,

Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!

Oh no! That was my lady's voice. Help! help! help! Oh lady, speak again, sweet Desdemona! Oh sweet mistress, speak!

Oh my god! That's my lady's voice. Help! help! someone help! Lady, answer me, sweet Desdemona! Oh sweetest mistress, please speak!

that's her voice help help help desdemona speak sweet mistress answer me

DESDEMONA [dying, forgiving with her last breath]

A guiltless death I die.

i die innocent.

i'm dying and i've done nothing wrong.

i'm innocent

EMILIA [desperate to know who did this]

O, who hath done this deed?

Oh, who did this?

Oh, who did this to you?

who did this

DESDEMONA ≋ verse [shielding Othello with her last words]

Nobody; I myself. Farewell.

Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell!

Nobody did it; i did it to myself. Goodbye. Tell my dear lord that i said goodbye.

Nobody; i did it myself. Goodbye. Tell my lord i love him still.

nobody but me love him goodbye

"Nobody — I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord." Desdemona's last words. She protects Othello even in her last breath — she tells Emilia she killed herself. 'Commend me to my kind lord': she calls him kind. These are her last words about the man who just murdered her.

[_She dies._]

OTHELLO [coldly denying it before Emilia]

Why, how should she be murder’d?

How could she possibly be murdered?

How could she have been murdered?

how was she murdered

EMILIA [bewildered, echoing the mystery]

Alas, who knows?

OTHELLO [seizing her dying words as cover]

You heard her say herself, it was not I.

You heard her say herself, it wasn't me.

You just heard her say it yourself—it wasn't me.

she said it wasn't you

EMILIA [torn, bound to honesty]

She said so. I must needs report the truth.

She said so. i have to report what's true.

She did say that. i have to tell the truth.

she said it i have to say so

OTHELLO ≋ verse [confessing suddenly, without shame]

She’s like a liar, gone to burning hell.

’Twas I that kill’d her.

She's like a liar now, gone to burning hell. It was i who killed her.

She's lying now, headed to hell. It was me. i killed her.

she lied it was me i killed her

EMILIA ≋ verse [horrified, turning on him]

O, the more angel she,

And you the blacker devil!

Oh, the more she was an angel, and the blacker devil you are!

Oh, the more angelic she was, the more of a black demon you are!

she was an angel you're a devil

OTHELLO [justifying the murder to himself]

She turn’d to folly, and she was a whore.

She fell into sin, and she was unfaithful.

She was led astray, and she was a cheat.

she was a cheat

EMILIA [furious, refusing the slander]

Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.

You're lying about her, and you're a devil.

You're lying about her, and you're evil.

you're a liar and a devil

OTHELLO [insisting on her guilt]

She was false as water.

She was as false as water—unreliable and hollow.

She was completely false, as unreliable as water.

she was a total liar

EMILIA ≋ verse [fiercely defending Desdemona's innocence]

Thou art rash as fire, to say

That she was false: O, she was heavenly true!

You're as reckless as fire to say that she was false: oh, she was truly loyal!

You're as rash as fire to claim she was unfaithful: oh, she was completely true!

you're reckless she was completely faithful

OTHELLO ≋ verse [citing Iago as his proof]

Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else.

O, I were damn’d beneath all depth in hell,

But that I did proceed upon just grounds

To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.

Cassio had sex with her; ask your husband if you don't believe me. Oh, i'd be damned to the very depths of hell, except that i acted on good reason to do this. Your husband knew all of it.

Cassio slept with her; ask your husband. Oh, i'd go straight to hell for this, if i hadn't acted on what i believed was true. Your husband was in on it.

cassio was with her ask your husband i'd be damned but i had reason your husband knew

EMILIA [stunned by the name]

My husband?

"My husband?" Emilia asks 'My husband?' twice. The repetition mirrors Othello's earlier echoing of Iago's hints — but where Othello's echoes were in the process of being poisoned, Emilia's repetitions are in the process of arriving at an unbearable truth.

OTHELLO [flatly repeating, unaware of danger]

Thy husband.

your husband.

EMILIA [struggling to believe it]

That she was false to wedlock?

That she was unfaithful to her marriage?

That she cheated on her husband?

she cheated on you

OTHELLO ≋ verse [mournful even in his certainty]

Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true,

If heaven would make me such another world

Of one entire and perfect chrysolite,

I’d not have sold her for it.

Yes, with Cassio. No, if she had been true, if heaven would give me another world of one whole and perfect gemstone, i wouldn't have traded her for it.

Yes, with Cassio. No, if she had been faithful, if God gave me another entire world made of one perfect jewel, i wouldn't give it up for her.

yes with cassio if she'd been true i wouldn't trade her for the world

EMILIA [repeating in mounting dread]

My husband?

OTHELLO ≋ verse [still praising Iago's honesty]

Ay, ’twas he that told me first.

An honest man he is, and hates the slime

That sticks on filthy deeds.

Yes, he's the one who told me first. He's an honest man, and he hates the filth that sticks to dirty deeds.

Yes, he's the one who told me. He's a good man, and he despises the mess that comes with evil acts.

your husband told me he's honest he hates evil

EMILIA [voice breaking, realization dawning]

My husband?

OTHELLO [irritated by her repetition]

What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy husband.

Why do you keep asking, woman? i'm telling you: your husband.

Why do you keep asking the same thing? Your husband. That's what i'm saying.

your husband i said your husband

EMILIA ≋ verse [grief turning to fury at Iago]

O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love!

My husband say that she was false?

Oh mistress, evil has turned love into mockery! My husband said she was unfaithful?

Oh my lady, evil has made a joke out of love! My husband said she cheated?

my husband said she cheated this is a cruel joke

OTHELLO ≋ verse [impatient, doubling down on Iago]

He, woman;

I say thy husband: dost understand the word?

My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.

He did, woman; i'm telling you: your husband. Do you understand the word? My friend, your husband, honest, honest Iago.

He did, woman; your husband—do you understand me? My friend, your husband, the honest man Iago.

your husband iago do you understand the honest iago

EMILIA ≋ verse [cursing Iago, refusing the lie]

If he say so, may his pernicious soul

Rot half a grain a day! he lies to the heart.

She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.

If he says so, may his evil soul rot gradually! He's lying through his heart. She loved that vile marriage too much.

If he says that, may his wicked soul decompose! He's a liar. She was too devoted to that filthy deal.

he's lying may his soul rot she loved too much

OTHELLO [first flicker of real doubt]

Ha!

EMILIA ≋ verse [defiant, daring him to strike]

Do thy worst:

This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven

Than thou wast worthy her.

Do your worst: what you've done deserves no more heaven than you deserved her.

Do your worst: what you did is no worse than you deserve, and you don't deserve anything close to her.

do your worst you don't deserve heaven you don't deserve her

OTHELLO [threatening her into silence]

Peace, you were best.

Be quiet, you'd better.

You should stay quiet.

shut up

EMILIA ≋ verse [raising the alarm at any cost]

Thou hast not half that power to do me harm

As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt!

As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed

(I care not for thy sword) I’ll make thee known,

Though I lost twenty lives. Help! help, ho! help!

The Moor hath kill’d my mistress! Murder, murder!

You don't have half the power to hurt me as i have to feel it. Oh fool! Oh idiot! as ignorant as dirt! You've done something (i don't care about your sword) i'll expose you, even if i lose twenty lives. Help! help, help! Help! The Moor has killed my mistress! Murder, murder!

You can't hurt me as much as this hurts. Oh you fool! Oh you idiot! as dumb as the earth! What you've done (your sword doesn't scare me) i'll make the world know, even if it costs me everything. Help! help! help! Help! The Moor has murdered my mistress! Murder!

you can't hurt me like this you fool you idiot i'll expose you no matter what help help help the moor killed her murder murder

Enter Montano, Gratiano and Iago.

MONTANO [alarmed, rushing in at her cries]

What is the matter? How now, general?

What's happening? How are you, general?

What's going on? Are you alright, general?

what's happening general

EMILIA ≋ verse [bitterly accusing Iago to his face]

O, are you come, Iago? You have done well,

That men must lay their murders on your neck.

Oh, are you here, Iago? You've done well, making sure men put their murders on your shoulders.

Oh look, Iago's here. You've done a great job, making sure everyone blames you for the murders.

iago you've done it murders on your neck

GRATIANO [bewildered by the scene]

What is the matter?

What's the matter?

What's happening?

what happened

EMILIA ≋ verse [demanding Iago deny the lie]

Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man.

He says thou told’st him that his wife was false.

I know thou didst not, thou’rt not such a villain.

Speak, for my heart is full.

Prove this villain wrong, if you're a man. He says you told him that his wife was unfaithful. i know you didn't, you're not that kind of villain. Speak, because my heart is bursting.

Tell me he's lying, if you have any honor. He says you told him his wife cheated on him. i know you'd never say that, you're not that kind of evil. Speak up, because i can't take this.

he's lying you never said she cheated speak i can't take this

IAGO ≋ verse [cold, sticking to his story]

I told him what I thought, and told no more

Than what he found himself was apt and true.

i told him what i thought, and said nothing more than what he figured out himself was likely and true.

i told him what i believed, and nothing more than what he already figured out was probably right.

i said what i thought nothing more than he knew

EMILIA [pressing him for a direct answer]

But did you ever tell him she was false?

But did you ever actually say that she was unfaithful?

But did you ever tell him straight out that she cheated?

did you tell him she cheated

IAGO [unflinching, admitting it flatly]

I did.

EMILIA ≋ verse [erupting in outrage at him]

You told a lie, an odious, damned lie;

Upon my soul, a lie; a wicked lie.

She false with Cassio? Did you say with Cassio?

You told a lie, a hateful, damned lie; upon my soul, a lie; a wicked lie. She unfaithful with Cassio? Did you say with Cassio?

You told a lie, a disgusting, rotten lie; on my soul, it's a lie; a vicious lie. She cheated with Cassio? Did you say that?

you lied a wicked lie she with cassio did you say that

IAGO [trying to silence her]

With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.

Yes, with Cassio, mistress. Now hold your tongue.

Yes, with Cassio, ma'am—just keep quiet now.

yeah with cassio shut up

EMILIA ≋ verse [refusing to be silenced any longer]

I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak.

My mistress here lies murder’d in her bed.

I won't keep silent. I'm obligated to speak out. My mistress is lying dead, murdered in her bed.

I'm not staying quiet. I have to tell the truth. My lady is dead, killed right here in her own bed.

i have to speak my mistress was murdered

ALL [collective horror at the news]

O heavens forfend!

O heaven prevent this!

Oh, heaven forbid this!

heaven forbid

EMILIA [laying the blame at his feet]

And your reports have set the murder on.

And what you've been saying caused this murder to happen.

And your accusations are what made this murder happen.

your lies caused all this

OTHELLO [confirming his guilt to the room]

Nay, stare not, masters, it is true indeed.

Don't look shocked, gentlemen, it is really true.

Don't act so surprised, guys. It's actually true.

yeah it happened stop staring

GRATIANO [reeling in disbelief]

’Tis a strange truth.

It is a difficult truth to accept.

That's a weird thing to be true, though.

hard to believe

MONTANO [appalled at the crime]

O monstrous act!

EMILIA ≋ verse [unraveling, grief turning to fury]

Villany, villany, villany!

I think upon’t, I think I smell’t; O villany!

I thought so then. I’ll kill myself for grief.

O villany, villany!

Betrayal, betrayal, betrayal! I suspected it before, I could sense it; betrayal! I knew it back then. I'll kill myself from the pain. Betrayal, betrayal!

This is evil, evil, evil! I figured something was wrong, I could tell; evil! I knew it the whole time. I'm going to kill myself from grief. Evil, evil!

betrayal betrayal betrayal i knew it i felt it im killing myself this is wrong

IAGO [trying to command her silent]

What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home.

What, are you losing your mind? I'm ordering you to go home.

What, are you crazy? I'm telling you to get out of here.

go home now im serious

EMILIA ≋ verse [defying her husband's order]

Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak.

’Tis proper I obey him, but not now.

Perchance, Iago, I will ne’er go home.

Good sirs, please let me speak my piece. I know I should obey him, but not right now. Maybe, Iago, I will never go home again.

Come on, gentlemen, let me say what I need to say. Normally I'd do what he says, but not this time. Maybe I'm never going back home, Iago.

let me speak i usually obey but not now maybe im not going home

OTHELLO [howling in wordless anguish]

O! O! O!

[_Hanging over his wife._]

EMILIA ≋ verse [grief turning to fury at him]

Nay, lay thee down and roar;

For thou hast kill’d the sweetest innocent

That e’er did lift up eye.

Go ahead, lay down and cry out loud. Because you've killed the most innocent person Who ever lived.

Go lie down and scream. Because you've killed the purest, most innocent person Who ever existed.

lay down and cry you killed the most innocent person

OTHELLO ≋ verse [defensive, still believing his cause just]

[_Rising._] O, she was foul!

I scarce did know you, uncle, there lies your niece,

Whose breath indeed these hands have newly stopp’d.

I know this act shows horrible and grim.

Oh, she was vile! I barely knew you, uncle. There lies your niece, whose breath these hands have just stopped. I know this act shows horrible and grim.

She was corrupt! Uncle, there's your niece—I just killed her. I know how horrible and terrifying this looks.

she was vile i killed ur niece this looks horrible

GRATIANO ≋ verse [grief-stricken, imagining her father's reaction]

Poor Desdemona! I am glad thy father’s dead.

Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief

Shore his old thread in twain: did he live now,

This sight would make him do a desperate turn,

Yea, curse his better angel from his side,

And fall to reprobance.

Poor Desdemona! I'm relieved her father is already dead. Her marriage destroyed him, pure sorrow Cut his life short: if he were alive now, This sight would drive him to desperation, Yes, curse his good angel away from him, And fall into damnation.

Poor Desdemona! It's good her father is already gone. Marrying Othello would have killed him from grief anyway, Severed his life in half: if he were still alive, Seeing this would push him to do something crazy, Yes, renounce all his goodness, And damn himself.

poor desdemona good her father already died this would have destroyed him

OTHELLO ≋ verse [still clinging to his justification]

’Tis pitiful. But yet Iago knows

That she with Cassio hath the act of shame

A thousand times committed; Cassio confess’d it,

And she did gratify his amorous works

With that recognizance and pledge of love

Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand.

It was a handkerchief, an antique token

My father gave my mother.

It's tragic. But Iago knows That she had sexual relations with Cassio Thousands of times. Cassio confessed it. And she rewarded his advances With that token and gift of love That I first gave her. I saw it in his hand. It was a handkerchief, an old keepsake That my father gave to my mother.

It's heartbreaking. But Iago knows That she slept with Cassio So many times. Cassio admitted it. And she showed her appreciation for his lovemaking With that special keepsake That I gave her first. I saw it with my own eyes. It was a handkerchief, an antique treasure That my father left to my mother.

its sad iago knows she was with cassio constantly cassio confessed she gave him my handkerchief the one my father gave my mother

EMILIA [crying out at his delusion]

O heaven! O heavenly powers!

Oh, heaven! Oh, divine powers!

Oh no! Oh, for the love of God!

god no

IAGO [menacing her into silence again]

Come, hold your peace.

Come now, be quiet.

Just stay quiet for a second.

be quiet

EMILIA ≋ verse [resolved to speak at any cost]

’Twill out, ’twill out. I peace?

No, I will speak as liberal as the north.

Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,

All, all, cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak.

It will come out, it will come out. Me stay quiet? No, I will speak as freely as the north wind blows. Let heaven and men and devils, let every single one, All, all, blame me for it, yet I'll still speak.

The truth will come out, it will come out. Me, shut up? No way, I'm going to speak as openly as possible. Let heaven and humans and demons, let everyone, Absolutely everyone, condemn me for it, but I'm still talking.

its coming out i wont be quiet let them all condemn me im still speaking

IAGO [low, warning her one last time]

Be wise, and get you home.

Be sensible and go home.

Be smart and leave.

go home

EMILIA [flatly refusing her husband]

I will not.

"I will not." Two words. Emilia refuses to go home — refusing her husband's direct command, refusing safety, refusing silence. These two words are the turning point of the entire final movement of the play.

[_Iago offers to stab his wife._]

GRATIANO ≋ verse [shocked at Iago's threat]

Fie!

Your sword upon a woman?

Shame on you! Are you using your sword against a woman?

That's despicable! You're pulling your sword on a woman?

wtf your sword on a woman

EMILIA ≋ verse [finally revealing the handkerchief's truth]

O thou dull Moor, that handkerchief thou speak’st of

I found by fortune and did give my husband;

For often with a solemn earnestness,

More than indeed belong’d to such a trifle,

He begg’d of me to steal it.

You dull Moor, that handkerchief you speak of, I found it by chance and gave it to my husband. Because many times with great intensity, More than such a small item deserved, He begged me to steal it.

You stubborn Moor, that handkerchief you're talking about— I found it by accident and gave it to my husband. Because he kept asking me very seriously, More seriously than a simple piece of cloth warranted, He begged me to steal it for him.

that handkerchief i found it i gave it to my husband he begged me to steal it

"He begg’d of me to steal it." The complete reversal: Emilia did not steal the handkerchief — she found it after it was accidentally dropped, and she gave it to Iago because he asked. She never knew what he wanted it for. The chain of causation, which has driven the entire play since 3-3, is finally exposed.

IAGO [snarling, lashing out at her]

Villanous whore!

EMILIA ≋ verse [insisting on the truth, unshaken]

She give it Cassio! no, alas, I found it,

And I did give’t my husband.

She gave it to Cassio? No, sadly, I found it, And I gave it to my husband.

She passed it to Cassio? No way, I discovered it by chance, Then I handed it to my husband.

i found it i gave it to my husband

IAGO [desperate denial as truth closes in]

Filth, thou liest!

Filth, you lie!

You're filthy, and you're lying!

filth you lied

EMILIA ≋ verse [unshaken, swearing to her honesty]

By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.

O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool

Do with so good a wife?

OTHELLO

Are there not stones in heaven

But what serve for thunder? Precious villain!

By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen. O murderous fool! What business does such an idiot have with such a good wife? Are there not stones in heaven besides those that serve for thunder? Precious villain!

I swear I'm telling the truth, gentlemen. You murderous fool! What's an idiot like you doing with such a wonderful wife? Doesn't heaven have any other stones besides thunder stones? What a precious villain you are!

swear i'm not lying murderous fool what u doing with her damned villain

[_Iago stabs Emilia and then runs out._]

GRATIANO [horrified as she collapses]

The woman falls. Sure, he hath kill’d his wife.

The woman is falling. He must have killed his wife.

She's collapsing. He definitely killed his wife.

she's falling he killed her

"He stabs EMILIA" Iago kills his wife — the woman who gave him the handkerchief, who has served him loyally, who is the last person who could expose him. He does it in a crowded room and runs. This is the act that definitively strips the last possibility of sympathy from him: he murders his wife in public for telling the truth.

EMILIA [dying, asking to lie beside Desdemona]

Ay, ay. O, lay me by my mistress’ side.

Yes. Oh, lay me beside my mistress.

Yes, yes. Oh, lay me down next to my lady.

lay me by her

GRATIANO [grim, noting Iago has escaped]

He’s gone, but his wife’s kill’d.

He's escaped, but he's killed his wife.

He got away, but he murdered his wife.

he left but killed her

MONTANO ≋ verse [taking charge, organizing the pursuit]

’Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon,

Which I have here recover’d from the Moor.

Come, guard the door without, let him not pass,

But kill him rather. I’ll after that same villain,

For ’tis a damned slave.

He's a notorious criminal. Take this weapon, Which I've recovered from the Moor. Come, guard the door outside. Don't let him leave, But kill him rather. I'll chase after that same villain, Because he's a damned slave.

He's a known criminal. Take this weapon, Which I've taken back from Othello. Come on, guard the door outside. Don't let him escape, Just kill him. I'm going after that same monster, Because he's a cursed wretch.

hes a notorious villain take this weapon guard the door kill him im chasing him

[_Exit Montano and Gratiano._]

OTHELLO ≋ verse [disarmed, his honor broken beyond repair]

I am not valiant neither,

But every puny whipster gets my sword.

But why should honour outlive honesty?

Let it go all.

I'm not brave either, But every little soldier takes away my sword. But why should honor outlive integrity? Let it all go.

I'm not courageous anymore, But every small soldier can take my weapon. But why should honor last longer than honesty? Let me lose everything.

im not brave every soldier beats me why keep going on

EMILIA ≋ verse [dying, resolved to speak the truth]

What did thy song bode, lady?

Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan,

And die in music.

What did your song mean, lady? Listen, can you hear me? I will act like the swan, And die while singing.

What was your song about, lady? Can you hear me? I'll be like the swan, And die singing.

what did your song mean im dying singing

EMILIA ≋ verse [singing as she dies, bearing witness]

[_Sings._] _Willow, willow, willow._

Moor, she was chaste. She lov’d thee, cruel Moor,

So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true;

So speaking as I think, I die, I die.

Willow, willow, willow. She was faithful, cruel Moor. She loved you, cruel Moor. So let my soul go to bliss as I speak this truth. Speaking what I truly think, I die, I die.

Willow, willow, willow. She was pure, you cruel Moor. She loved you, cruel Moor. May my soul find peace as I tell the truth. With my last breath, I die, I die.

willow willow willow she was chaste she loved u cruel moor im dying

[_She dies._]

OTHELLO ≋ verse [grimly arming himself for the end]

I have another weapon in this chamber,

It is a sword of Spain, the ice-brook’s temper.

O, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.

I have another weapon in this room, It's a sword from Spain, hardened in the cold stream. Oh, here it is. Uncle, I must come out.

I have another sword in this room, It's a Spanish sword, tempered in cold water. Oh, I found it. Uncle, I have to come out.

i have a sword its spanish iq come out

GRATIANO ≋ verse [warning from outside, trying to stop him]

[_Within._] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear;

Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.

If you try it, it will cost you dearly. You have no weapon, and you must necessarily suffer.

If you try that, you'll pay for it dearly. You don't have a weapon, so you have to give up.

if u try thatll cost u u dont have a weapon

OTHELLO ≋ verse [defiant, daring them to stop him]

Look in upon me then, and speak with me,

Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.

Look at me then and speak with me, Or, defenseless as I am, I will attack you.

Look at me and talk to me, Or, completely unarmed as I am, I'll rush at you.

look at me or im coming for you naked

Enter Gratiano.

GRATIANO [alarmed, demanding to know what's happened]

What is the matter?

What is happening?

What's going on?

whats happening

OTHELLO ≋ verse [mournful, reflecting on his fall]

Behold, I have a weapon.

A better never did itself sustain

Upon a soldier’s thigh: I have seen the day

That with this little arm and this good sword

I have made my way through more impediments

Than twenty times your stop. But, O vain boast!

Who can control his fate? ’Tis not so now.

Be not afraid, though you do see me weapon’d.

Here is my journey’s end, here is my butt,

And very sea-mark of my utmost sail.

Do you go back dismay’d? ’Tis a lost fear.

Man but a rush against Othello’s breast,

And he retires. Where should Othello go?

Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr’d wench,

Pale as thy smock, when we shall meet at compt,

This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven,

And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl!

Even like thy chastity.

O cursed, cursed slave! Whip me, ye devils,

From the possession of this heavenly sight!

Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulphur,

Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!

O Desdemon! Dead, Desdemon! dead! Oh, oh!

Look at me, I have a weapon. A better one was never worn On a soldier's hip. I have seen the day When with this small arm and this good sword I have cut my way through more obstacles Than twenty times what stops you now. But, oh vain boasting! Who can control his fate? It's not like that anymore. Don't be afraid, even though you see me armed. Here is where my journey ends, here is my goal, And the farthest marker of my sailing. Do you turn back afraid? It's a needless fear. A mere reed against Othello's chest And he retreats. Where should Othello go? Now, how do you look now? Oh star-crossed girl, As pale as your nightgown, when we will meet at judgment, This look of yours will cast my soul from heaven, And demons will seize it. Cold, cold, my girl! Just like your purity. Oh cursed, cursed slave! Whip me, demons, From the possession of this heavenly sight! Throw me about in winds, burn me in sulfur, Drown me in deep gulfs of burning liquid fire! Oh Desdemona! Dead, Desdemona! Dead! Oh, oh!

Look, I have a weapon. A better sword was never carried On a soldier's leg. I remember times When with this small arm and this good blade I have fought my way through more obstacles Than twenty times what you throw at me. But, oh, what empty talk! Who can control what happens to them? It's not that way anymore. Don't be scared, even though you see I'm armed. This is where my journey stops, this is my end, And the farthest point I'll ever reach. Are you backing away in fear? There's no reason to. Just throw a reed at Othello's chest And he'll fall back. Where can Othello go? Now, look at you. Oh you poor unlucky girl, As pale as your nightgown, when we meet at the final judgment, Your look will throw my soul out of heaven, And demons will grab it. So cold, so cold, my girl! Exactly like your innocence. Oh cursed, cursed monster! Whip me, demons, Get me away from this beautiful sight! Toss me around in winds, burn me with sulfur, Drown me in deep pits of hot fire! Oh Desdemona! Dead, Desdemona! Dead! Oh, oh!

i have a weapon better than any ive had i used to be strong but not anymore don't be scared here is my end where can i go look at you so pale your look will damn me cold cold my girl like your purity cursed monster whip me desdemona dead

Enter Lodovico, Montano, Cassio carried in a chair, and Officers with

OTHELLO [terse, cold command]

Iago prisoner.

Iago is our prisoner.

Iago's now our prisoner.

iago prisoner

LODOVICO [stern, demanding to see Othello]

Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?

Where is this careless and most unfortunate man?

Where is this reckless and really unlucky man?

where is he

OTHELLO [broken, disowning his former self]

That’s he that was Othello. Here I am.

That's who was Othello. I am here.

That's the guy who was Othello. Here I am.

im othello

LODOVICO [furious, demanding Iago be brought forth]

Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.

Where is that viper? Bring the villain out.

Where is that snake? Bring the bad guy here.

where's the viper bring him out

OTHELLO ≋ verse [bitter, half-believing Iago a devil]

I look down towards his feet; but that’s a fable.

If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.

I'm looking down at his feet to see if they're cloven; but that's just a legend. If you really are a devil, I cannot kill you.

I'm checking his feet to see if they're split like a demon's; but that's just mythology. If you're actually a devil, I can't kill you.

checking your feet if you're a devil i can't kill you

[_Wounds Iago._]

LODOVICO [commanding, taking control of the scene]

Wrench his sword from him.

Take his sword away from him.

Get his sword.

take his sword

IAGO [cold, unrepentant]

I bleed, sir, but not kill’d.

I'm bleeding, sir, but not killed.

I'm wounded, sir, but still alive.

im bleeding but alive

OTHELLO ≋ verse [longing for death]

I am not sorry neither. I’d have thee live,

For in my sense ’tis happiness to die.

I'm not sorry either. I would want you to live, Because in my mind dying is happiness.

I'm not bothered. I'd want you alive, Because in my view, dying is a good thing.

not sorry dying is happiness to me

LODOVICO ≋ verse [grieving what Othello has become]

O thou Othello, that wert once so good,

Fall’n in the practice of a damned slave,

What shall be said to thee?

Oh Othello, you who were once so good, Fallen through the trickery of a damned slave, What can be said about you?

Oh Othello, you used to be such a good man, Ruined by the schemes of a cursed wretch, What could anyone say about you?

othello you were good now youre ruined by this slave

OTHELLO ≋ verse [defiant, clinging to honour]

Why, anything;

An honourable murderer, if you will.

For naught did I in hate, but all in honour.

Well, anything you want. An honorable murderer, if you prefer. Because I acted from honor, not hatred.

Sure, whatever you want. An honorable killer, if you like. Because I didn't act from hatred, but from honor.

call me what you want honor not hate

LODOVICO ≋ verse [probing, seeking the full truth]

This wretch hath part confess’d his villany.

Did you and he consent in Cassio’s death?

This wretch has partially confessed his evil acts. Did you and he work together in Cassio's death?

This scumbag has pretty much admitted what he did. Did you and him team up to kill Cassio?

did you and him plan cassios death

OTHELLO [flat, resigned admission]

Ay.

CASSIO [wounded, pleading his innocence]

Dear general, I never gave you cause.

My dear general, I never gave you any cause.

General, I never did anything to deserve this.

i never wronged you

OTHELLO ≋ verse [ashamed, seeking answers from Iago]

I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.

Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil

Why he hath thus ensnar’d my soul and body?

I do believe it, and I ask your forgiveness. Will you, I beg you, demand that half-devil Why he has trapped my soul and body?

I believe you, and I'm asking your forgiveness. Could you, please, ask that demon Why he destroyed my soul and body?

i believe you ask him why he ruined me

IAGO ≋ verse [defiant silence, refusing to explain]

Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.

From this time forth I never will speak word.

Don't ask me anything. What you know, you know. From now on I will never speak again.

Don't ask me. You already know what you know. I'm done talking from this point forward.

no questions im done talking

LODOVICO [appalled, incredulous]

What, not to pray?

What, you won't even pray?

So you won't even beg for forgiveness?

wont pray

GRATIANO [grim, threatening torture]

Torments will ope your lips.

Torture will force your lips open.

Torture will make you talk.

torture will break you

OTHELLO [weary, indifferent to his fate]

Well, thou dost best.

You're doing the right thing.

That's the smart move.

good call

LODOVICO ≋ verse [measured, laying out the evidence]

Sir, you shall understand what hath befall’n,

Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter

Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo,

And here another. The one of them imports

The death of Cassio, to be undertook

By Roderigo.

Sir, you need to understand what has happened, Which I think you don't know. Here is a letter Found in the pocket of the dead Roderigo, And here's another one. One of them says That Cassio was to be killed By Roderigo.

Sir, you should know what really went down, Because I don't think you understand it. Here's a letter Found in dead Roderigo's pocket, And here's another. One of them orders That Cassio should be murdered By Roderigo.

letters from roderigo saying cassio should be killed by roderigo

OTHELLO [stricken with horror]

O villain!

CASSIO [disgusted, appalled]

Most heathenish and most gross!

That's the most barbaric and absolutely terrible thing!

That's the most brutal and disgusting thing!

so barbaric

LODOVICO ≋ verse [methodically presenting more evidence]

Now here’s another discontented paper,

Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems,

Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain,

But that, belike, Iago in the interim

Came in and satisfied him.

Now here's another angry letter, Found in his pocket too. And from this one, it seems, Roderigo meant to send this damned monster, But Iago got there first And took care of him instead.

Now here's another angry letter, Also found in his pocket. From this one, it looks like Roderigo was planning to send this curse, But Iago showed up first And settled it himself.

another letter roderigo wanted to send it but iago did it first

OTHELLO ≋ verse [anguished, piecing together the deception]

O the pernicious caitiff!

How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief

That was my wife’s?

Oh the dangerous criminal! How did you get that handkerchief, Cassio, The one that was my wife's?

Oh this wicked snake! How did you get that handkerchief, Cassio, The one my wife had?

how'd you get my wifes handkerchief

CASSIO ≋ verse [explaining plainly, still stunned]

I found it in my chamber.

And he himself confess’d but even now,

That there he dropp’d it for a special purpose

Which wrought to his desire.

I found it in my room. And he himself admitted just now, That he dropped it there on purpose, Which worked toward his goal.

I found it in my bedroom. And he just now admitted to me, That he dropped it there intentionally, To make his plan work.

found it in my room he admitted he dropped it there

OTHELLO [self-loathing, collapsing inward]

O fool! fool! fool!

Oh I'm an idiot! Idiot! Idiot!

What a fool! Fool! Fool!

im such a fool

CASSIO ≋ verse [piecing together Iago's whole scheme]

There is besides in Roderigo’s letter,

How he upbraids Iago, that he made him

Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came

That I was cast. And even but now he spake,

After long seeming dead, Iago hurt him,

Iago set him on.

In addition, in Roderigo's letter, He complains about Iago, saying he got him To provoke me while I was on watch, which resulted In my being dismissed. And just now he said, After seeming dead for a while, Iago wounded him, Iago put him up to it.

Also, in Roderigo's letter, He's mad at Iago, saying Iago got him To start a fight with me while I was on duty, which got Me fired. And he just said, After being quiet for a bit, Iago stabbed him, Iago made him do it.

in the letter roderigo says iago made him fight me i got fired iago stabbed him too

LODOVICO ≋ verse [authoritative, pronouncing judgment]

You must forsake this room, and go with us.

Your power and your command is taken off,

And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,

If there be any cunning cruelty

That can torment him much and hold him long,

It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest,

Till that the nature of your fault be known

To the Venetian state. Come, bring away.

You must leave this room and come with us. Your power and command are taken from you, And Cassio rules Cyprus now. As for this slave, If there is any clever cruelty That can torture him greatly and keep him alive long, That will be his punishment. You will stay as a prisoner, Until Venice understands What you have done. Come, let's go.

You need to leave this room and come with us. Your power and authority are gone, And Cassio is in charge of Cyprus now. As for this wretch, If there's any creative torture That can hurt him badly and keep him suffering long, That's what he'll get. You'll be locked up, Until Venice knows about What you did. Come on, let's go.

youre done cassio rules now this slave stays prisoner youre locked up

OTHELLO ≋ verse [composed, delivering his final testimony]

Soft you; a word or two before you go.

I have done the state some service, and they know’t.

No more of that. I pray you, in your letters,

When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,

Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate,

Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak

Of one that loved not wisely, but too well;

Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought,

Perplex’d in the extreme; of one whose hand,

Like the base Judean, threw a pearl away

Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdu’d eyes,

Albeit unused to the melting mood,

Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees

Their medicinal gum. Set you down this.

And say besides, that in Aleppo once,

Where a malignant and a turban’d Turk

Beat a Venetian and traduc’d the state,

I took by the throat the circumcised dog,

And smote him, thus.

Listen to me: I have served the state with honor, and they know it. But never mind that. I beg you, when you write these terrible deeds, describe me as I truly am. Don't soften my actions or write out of spite. You must tell them of a man who loved not wisely but too deeply, who was not easily jealous but once moved to it, was utterly consumed by it—a man whose hand, like a fool's, threw away a pearl more precious than all his wealth. A man whose eyes, unaccustomed to tears, now weep as freely as the Arabian trees that weep their healing resin. Write this down: that in Aleppo once, I saw a malignant, turbaned Turk attack a Venetian and insult our state. I seized that godless dog by the throat and struck him thus.

Listen, here's what you need to say: I've done good service for the state, and they know it. Don't say anything more about that. But when you tell people what happened, just tell them who I really am. Don't excuse me, don't write it out of hatred. Tell them I'm a man who loved not carefully but too much. Not easily jealous, but once jealousy took hold, it absolutely consumed me. A man who threw away something precious—a pearl worth more than anything he owned—like an idiot. A man who rarely weeps, but now tears fall from his eyes like the Arabian trees weeping their healing liquid. Write that down. Tell them that once in Aleppo, I saw a vicious, turbaned Turk insult Venice and attack a Venetian. I grabbed that godless dog by the throat and killed him like this.

i served the state when you tell them: i loved too much easily jealous threw away something precious saw a turk in aleppo insulted venice i killed him

"one that loved not wisely, but too well" Othello's most quoted self-description. It is simultaneously self-exculpating and accurate: he did love too well — his love was absolute and exclusive, which is why when it was turned to suspicion it became absolute and murderous. The line has been endlessly debated: is this self-knowledge or self-serving rhetoric? Probably both.

"I have done the state some service, and they know't" Othello begins his final speech by reminding the audience of his decades of military service. This is not arrogance — it is a man trying to ensure that the whole story of his life is told, not just its catastrophic ending.

[_Stabs himself._]

LODOVICO [horrified at the suicide]

O bloody period!

Oh, what a bloody ending!

Oh god, what a gory way to finish!

omg he stabbed himself what an ending

GRATIANO [stunned, grim]

All that’s spoke is marr’d.

Everything that was said is now ruined.

All that speech just destroyed everything.

all ruined

OTHELLO ≋ verse [dying, a final act of love]

I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee. No way but this,

Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.

I kissed you before I killed you. There's no other way, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.

I kissed you before I murdered you. There's only one way, Killing myself, to die while kissing you.

i kissed you before i killed you im dying on a kiss

"to die upon a kiss" Othello's final action is to fall onto Desdemona's body and die kissing her. The scene ends where the murder scene began — with the two of them in the bed, together, the candle still lit. The 'put out the light' that began the scene was not extinguished after all.

[_Falling upon Desdemona._]

CASSIO ≋ verse [shaken, realizing Roderigo's fate]

This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon,

For he was great of heart.

I was afraid of this, but I thought he had no weapon, Because he was a man of great courage.

I was worried about this, but I figured he wasn't armed, Because he was such a brave man.

thought he was unarmed he was brave

LODOVICO ≋ verse [condemning Iago, grave and final]

[_To Iago._] O Spartan dog,

More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea,

Look on the tragic loading of this bed.

This is thy work. The object poisons sight,

Let it be hid. Gratiano, keep the house,

And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,

For they succeed on you. To you, lord governor,

Remains the censure of this hellish villain.

The time, the place, the torture, O, enforce it!

Myself will straight aboard, and to the state

This heavy act with heavy heart relate.

Oh, you cruel creature of Sparta, more fierce than anguish, hunger, or the sea itself—look at the tragic sight of this bed. This is your work. The sight poisons the eyes. Let it be hidden. Gratiano, keep the house and take over the Moor's fortune, which now passes to you. To you, lord governor, falls the judgment of this devilish villain. Choose the time, the place, the torture—enforce it! I myself will board ship immediately and report this terrible act with a heavy heart to the state.

You merciless creature—more vicious than suffering, hunger, or the sea itself—look at what you've done to this bed. This is your handiwork. The sight is sickening. Let it be covered. Gratiano, you'll manage the house and take the Moor's wealth. Lord governor, you must decide the punishment for this hellish villain. Pick the time, place, and torture—carry it out! I'm leaving for Venice right now to tell them about this terrible deed.

u cruel dog more vicious than pain hunger sea look what u did this is ur work hide it gratiano keep the house take the moors wealth gov judge this villain il tell venice

[_Exeunt._]

The Reckoning

The play's last scene is the longest, and it is structured as a series of irreversible actions: the murder, the brief revival, the revelation, the second murder, the unmasking, the suicide. Each event closes a door that cannot be reopened. What makes the scene so devastating is the specific way Shakespeare handles time: Desdemona revives after the smothering — long enough to say she dies guiltless, to protect Othello's name in her last breath — and then dies. The revelation comes too late. The truth arrives after the point at which it could have done any good. And Othello's final speech — 'one that loved not wisely but too well' — is one of the great articulations of self-knowledge arriving at the last possible moment, when knowing makes nothing better.

If this happened today…

Someone is going to do something catastrophically wrong to the person they love most, and they are going to do it slowly, with enormous deliberateness, and with full awareness of what they are doing, because they have been convinced by someone who lied to them that it must be done. And then the truth is going to emerge, immediately after, from the person who could have prevented everything if only they had asked one more question six hours earlier.