| “My mother had a maid called Barbary… she had a song of willow… it expressed her fortune and she died singing it. That song tonight will note go from my mind” | Foreshadows her terrible fate; Barbary sung it as she diedGives Des a way to openly express her sorrow – highlights cruelty of Othello’s actionsDramatic irony – audience know she is nearing deathWillows at the edge of water – traditional symbol of women deserted by their love, e.g. Hamlet – Ophelia drowns after falling out of a willow treeCommon in Shakespeare to have a song to represent change in pace |
| “He she loved proved mad” | Mother’s maid – referencing other women who have suffered in a similar way’Love proved mad’ – parallels Othello |
Othello: Willow Song
September 10, 2019