Weeping Willow

Weeping Willow

1. Symbolism

2. When Desdemona was preparing for bed, the night she was murdered, she sang a song about willow trees

3. Desdemona’s mother’s servant used to sing this song, whilst in love with a crazy man. This reflects upon Desdemona’s own situation.

4. Desdemona worries that the man she married has lost his sanity, and will eventually leave her one day.

5. Willows are a traditional symbol of women deserted by their lovers

   • Shakespearean example would be Ophelia in Hamlet., who was deserted by her love, Hamlet, and dies after falling out of a will tree, drowning in a brook.