Othello, the Moore of Venice — Act 4, Scene 3: Another room In the castle.

Othello leaves with Lodovico, but first tells Desdemona to go to bed and dismiss Emilia. After he goes, Desdemona remains troubled and obedient, while Emilia helps her undress and prepares the bed. Desdemona remembers Barbara, her mother’s maid, who was abandoned by the man she loved, and she begins singing the “willow” song, which suits her own sadness. The two women then talk about whether wives ever betray their husbands. Desdemona insists she could never do such a thing, while Emilia argues that some women do, often because their husbands mistreat them. Desdemona ends the scene still innocent, sorrowful, and deeply shaken by Othello’s behavior.