Othello stands over the sleeping Desdemona, grappling with his internal conflict before he murders her. He contemplates her beauty and the finality of death, convincing himself that her execution is a necessary act of justice.
OTHELLO: 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.
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More from Othello
Act V, Scene 2 — The Death of Desdemona
from Othello
In the final act of the tragedy, Othello confronts Desdemona in her bedchamber, accusing her of infidelity with Cassio. Despite her desperate pleas of innocence and requests for mercy, Othello's jealousy drives him to carry out his plan to murder her.
Iago's Soliloquy: The Seeds of Malice
from Othello
Iago reveals his deep-seated resentment toward Othello and outlines his initial plan to destroy him. He plots to manipulate Othello's trusting nature by planting seeds of jealousy regarding Cassio and Desdemona, driven by a mix of professional envy and personal suspicion.
ACT 1, Scene 1
from Othello
Iago and Roderigo discuss their shared hatred for Othello. Iago reveals his resentment for being passed over for promotion in favor of Michael Cassio, and outlines his deceptive plan to use Roderigo to serve his own ends. They then proceed to rouse Brabantio, Desdemona's father, to inform him of her elopement with Othello.
ACT 1, Scene 2
from Othello
Iago attempts to provoke Othello against Brabantio, but Othello remains calm and confident in his actions and reputation. They discuss Othello's recent marriage and the potential repercussions from Desdemona's powerful father.
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