Othello Act 5 Analysis

Othello Act 5, Plot Summary
Outside of a brothel, Iago and Roderigo wait. Roderigo is preparing to ambush Cassio. After a few moments, Iago leaves the scene, even though Roderigo asks him to stay close in case something goes wrong with the ambush. Cassio then enters and Roderigo stabs at him, failing to pierce Cassio’s armor. Thus, Cassio defends himself and stabs Roderigo. Iago quickly returns to the scene and in the commotion stabs Cassio in the leg and exits. Cassio, unaware of who stabbed him, falls to the ground. Othello enters and hears Cassio’s cries. Therefore, he draws the conclusion that Iago has killed Cassio. Enraged by what he believes to be Iago’s successful vengeance, Othello runs to his bedroom to kill Desdemona. Graziano and Lodovico enter the scene and can see nothing; however they hear the cries of Cassio and Roderigo. They are nervous to help because they think the situation could be a trap. Iago then enters the scene holding a light. Iago pretends to know nothing of the stabbing. He finds Cassio, who begs
Othello then throws himself upon the bed of his dead wife and begins to weep. Graziano comments on the relief that Brabanzio, who is dead, is not here to see the fatal and of his daughter. Othello, who is still convinced of the relationship between Cassio and Desdemona, questions how Cassio came about the handkerchief. Emilia attempts to explain; but, Iago threatens her with a sword. Graziano stops Iago, allowing Emilia to explain how she found the handkerchief and gave it to Iago. Outraged, Othello heads for Iago with a weapon, but is disarmed by Montano. In the commotion of Othello, Iago stabs his wife and she falls down dying. Then, Iago flees and Montano and Graziano chase after him. Othello is then left alone onstage with the two dead women. As he searches for a sword to kill himself, Emilia tells him that Desdemona was not unfaithful and that she loved only