... calm, static scene, almost a pause in the action, shows Desdemona's innocence, sorrow, and continued love for Othello. It serves as the quiet before the final storm. The soft melancholy of the Willow Song and the explanation about the maid who taught her to sing it are a reflection of Othello's madness and a foreshadowing of Desdemona's sure death. The scene also gives a sharp contrast between the naive Desdemona and the worldly Emilia. Desdemona cannot believe that ... Cassio is not killed, only wounded. Emilia then hears a faint sound from the bed and finds her mistress dying. The fra...

• Word Count: 6585
• Approx Pages: 26
• Grade Level: High School