Desdemona’s Monologue from Othello, Act 4, Scene 2: "Alas, Iago, what shall I do to win my lord again?"

Synopsis

Desdemona, distraught over Othello’s unjust accusations and coldness, seeks advice from Iago. She reflects on her unwavering love for Othello despite his cruelty, expressing confusion about what she has done to lose his trust. This monologue showcases her innocence, loyalty, and heartbreak, as well as her inability to comprehend the depth of the betrayal orchestrated by Iago.

What’s just happened before this moment that’s relevant to the scene?

Othello, consumed by jealousy fueled by Iago’s lies, accuses Desdemona of infidelity. Despite her protests of innocence, Othello’s anger escalates. Desdemona turns to Iago, whom she still trusts, for guidance, unaware that he is the architect of her misery. Her monologue captures her desperation and confusion as she pleads for advice.

Original Text

"Alas, Iago,
What shall I do to win my lord again?
Good friend, go to him. For by this light of heaven,
I know not how I lost him.
Here I kneel.
If e’er my will did trespass ‘gainst his love,
Either in discourse of thought or actual deed,
Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense
Delighted them in any other form,
Or that I do not yet, and ever did,
And ever will—though he do shake me off
To beggarly divorcement—love him dearly,
Comfort forswear me!
Unkindness may do much,
And his unkindness may defeat my life,
But never taint my love.
I cannot say “whore”—
It does abhor me now I speak the word.
To do the act that might the addition earn,
Not the world’s mass of vanity could make me."

Translation of Text into Contemporary Language

"Oh, Iago,
What can I do to win Othello back?
Please, my friend, speak to him for me. I swear by heaven,
I don’t know what I’ve done to lose his love.
Here I am, on my knees.
If I ever willingly betrayed his love—
Even in my thoughts, my words, or my actions—
If my eyes, my ears, or any part of me
Ever took pleasure in anyone else,
Or if I don’t love him now as much as I always have,
And always will—even if he casts me aside
To a life of poverty and rejection—
Then let me lose all comfort in life!
Cruelty can do a lot of damage,
And his cruelty might even kill me,
But it could never destroy my love for him.
I can’t even say the word “whore”—
It disgusts me to speak it now.
As for doing the act that would earn me that name,
Not even all the shallow treasures in the world
Could tempt me to do it."

Meaning of Difficult or Unusual Words

Trespass ‘gainst his love: Betray his love.
Discourse of thought: Mental deliberation or consideration.
Beggarly divorcement: Being rejected or cast aside like a beggar.
Comfort forswear me: Let me lose all comfort if I’m lying.
Mass of vanity: The world’s material wealth and superficial pleasures.
Addition: The label or reputation of being unfaithful.

Journey Keypoints

Hook: Desdemona’s desperate plea to Iago sets the emotional tone.
Turning Point: She reflects on her innocence and the purity of her love for Othello, contrasting it with his unjust treatment.
Climax: Her rejection of the idea of infidelity, even in thought, highlights her integrity and sorrow.
Resolution: Desdemona concludes with her inability to understand or accept betrayal, expressing her unwavering devotion despite her despair.

Famous or Notable Actors Who Have Played the Role

Maggie Smith (National Theatre, 1964)
Penelope Wilton (Royal Shakespeare Company, 1979)
Imogen Stubbs (Film, 1995)
Joanna Vanderham (National Theatre, 2013)

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