Desdemona. Alas! he is betray’d and I undone.Othello. Out, strumpet! weep’st thou for him to my face?3395Desdemona. O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!Othello. Down, strumpet!Desdemona. Kill me to-morrow: let me live to-night!Othello. Nay, if you strive—Desdemona. But half an hour!3400Othello. Being done, there is no pause.Desdemona. But while I say one prayer!Othello. It is too late.[He stifles her]
I think this concept of time running out is beautifully done. I didn't really notice it till we discussed it in class, but now I can't read the scene without it. I think its amazing and symbolic in the way we deal with death. We try to bargain and escape (much as Desdemona does) but when the time come its already to late even if it's abrupt. I feel like since we read plays we do miss out on the importance of timing overall to the story being told anyway.