“Thy bed, lust-stain’d, shall with lust’s blood be spotted.”
Othello – Act 5, Scene 1
Othello imagines killing Desdemona as purging their supposedly polluted marriage bed.
“Whether he kill Cassio or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, every way makes my gain.”
Iago – Act 5, Scene 1
Iago coolly welcomes any outcome; whatever happens, he profits from the chaos.
“Put out the light, and then put out the light.”
Othello – Act 5, Scene 2
He links extinguishing the candle with killing Desdemona, turning execution into a ritual.
“My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.”
Othello – Act 5, Scene 2
Bitter irony: even after murdering Desdemona, Othello still calls Iago “honest.”
“I have done the state some service.”
Othello – Act 5, Scene 2
In his final speech, Othello clings to his military service as the one part of his identity worth remembering.
“Then must you speak of one that loved not wisely but too well.”
Othello – Act 5, Scene 2
Othello sums himself up as a man whose excessive love helped destroy him.
“I will speak as liberal as the north.”
Emilia – Act 5, Scene 2
Emilia refuses to be silenced and vows to speak out fully against Iago and Othello.
“So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true.”
Emilia – Act 5, Scene 2
Dying, Emilia hopes that telling the truth about Iago will save her soul.