One of Desdemona's most powerful speeches occurred in her final moments before Othello smothered her where she recited a song that she learned from one of her mother's maids, Barbary, "She was in love; and he proved mad And did forsake her. She had a song of willow. ... That song tonight Will not go from my mind" (IV.iii.27-30). Desdemona sings the song before she "knows- she is about to be killed by her husband. ... She attempts to plead her case of innocence one last time to her murderous husband before accepting her death. ...

• Word Count: 1594
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School