Devilish Desdemona Hath Made Gross Revolt

Scenario:
1. This monologue will be spoken by a maiden from Cyprus as an additional scene following the
conclusion of Act 3 Scene 3. The maiden has just overheard Othello claim that he will plot
Desdemonas death as a consequence for her apparent disloyalty. She will talk through whether she
believes Othellos intensions are just or not.
2. The purpose of the additional scene is to give the audience an insight into the common peoples
perception of Desdemona. It is at this time that many rumors are spreading about her suspicious
disloyalty to her husband and disrespect towards her father, Brabantio. On these suspicions, the
maiden will base her argument.
The setting is on the outside of the castle wall, where a common maiden overhears Othello and Iagos
conversation about Desdemona. Alone for now, the maiden cups her ear and leans close to the castle wall.
She appears to be talking to audience.
Tis valiant Othello and brave Iago conversing in the castle gardens. Hush. I want to hear what they speak of.
Cassios kisses on her lips (3.3.341)the handkerchief spotted with strawberries (3.3.435) is missingsaw
Cassio wipe his beard with (3.3.348) it swift means of death for the fair devil (3.3479). Should this
mean death for Desdemona? O she is a fair devil ift rumors be true. O, this is my chance. Othello, love me!
Where are my ladies? They must know of this.
The maiden rushes over to her group of friends in the town square, excited about the news she has just
heard. She quickly tells them about her latest discovery, and develops her own perception about the
circumstances by talking it over.
My ladies, come hither! I greet you with news. Tis fortuitous news. I may finally beest Othellos wife. And he
shall love me, not this wretch. She doesnt deserve the Moors bounteous love. I say, I wast on my way
hither when I overheard Othello claim to scheme Desdemonas death. Thus, the rumours of her disloyalty
must be just. Pray thee, it is despicable to say if not even think, but I hate Desdemona. I knew it could not
be long that she should/continue her love to the Moor (1.3.341-2). She hath been discourteous toward her
father, she hath stolen kisses with Cassio, and now, it seems the fair devil has ensnared herself. She hast
passed Othellos first-ever gift to her to the lieutenant: the handkerchief spotted with strawberries
(3.3.435). So, now we see the wine she drinks is made of/grapes (2.1.249-50)!
Indeed, twas just yesterday that I was speaking with mine loveliest friend, Bianca. She has acquaintances
within the castle, you see. Anyhow, she was saying that there hast been much discussion of Desdemonas

fast departure from Venice. Apparently, she hath made gross revolt (1.1.133) and was fast married
(1.2.11) without her fathers consent. Now, perhaps that would be looked over should she come from a
commonplace family, but Bianca believes Desdemonas father is Brabantio. And he is as much as a Governor
in Venice. Shame on Desdemona to disrespect her father so. Tis just: the woman is beneath me. I would like
to see the Moor to sort after me, or anyone else (pause and continue with hatred) but the lewd minx: for
she ist hell. Othello, If thou hast eyes to see:/ She has deceived her father, and may thee (1.3.292-3).
Rude I am in my speech/And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace (1.3.81-2), yet the apparent
divine Desdemona (2.1.73) is none-the-less a simple bawd (4.2.20). We have all heard the suspicions
surrounding Desdemonas disloyalty, nay? Upon her arrival in Cyprus, didst thou not see/her paddle with the
palm of [Cassios] hand? (2.1.251-2). She did so even before Othellos return from war against the Turks.
Was she not at all concerned for her Lords wellbeing? Blessed figs-end (2.1.251)! It seems that this poor
trash from Venice (2.1.300) must have her eye fed and when the blood is made dull with[out] the act of
sport (2.1.225/6) she is compelled/to some sort of second choice (2.1.232-3). Zounds, what lady should
act sonot I. I say, Desdemona and Cassio met/ so near with their lips their breaths embraced together
(2.1.256), thus, I do think now that the subtle whore has earnt her death wish, or shall I say curse. Put
money in thy purse (1.3.121)!
(Addressing the audience as if they have asked a question)
Pardon? Give [you] a living reason she is disloyal (3.3.410)? I tell you, heaven truly knows that
[Desdemona] is as false as hell (4.2.89), but if thou ask, I will obey. Have you not sometimes seen a
handkerchief/, Spotted with strawberries, in [the fair devils] hand (3.3.348)? Well, that handkerchief was
Othellos first gift to Desdemona. It has been passed down through the generations of his family. Bianca
speaks as if theres magic in the web of it (3.4.69). Apparently togivet away [is] such perdition/ as
nothing else could match (3.4.67-8). And does thou not see Cassio, there, wipe his beard with it? The knave
wipes his beard with the precious handkerchief she hast given it to him as a token of love, nay? As I am an
honest maiden, reputation is of upmost importance. To be disloyal is one thing, but to be careless about it is
another. Desdemona has lost the immortal part of [her]/ self, and what remains is bestial (2.3.552-3). No
doubt Othello has come to such a troubled state. I agree with the Moor, Desdemona deserves a life-ending
fate.
Were I the Moor, my heart [would be] turned to stone (5.1.180) if it be true mine wife was guilty of
infidelity. Tis true though. Desdemona is none other a lustful minx. Ay, let her rot and perish, and be
dammed/ tonight, for she shall not live (4.1.178-9). And Othello shall be mine; I bid her death sooner with
each second that passes. The noble Moor has found the errors of his choice and tomorrow he shall discover

that I am so much more fair and delicate than his hellish wife: that I am so much worthier of his violent love.
So ladies, I agree, tis just to send Desdemona above.

Bibliography
W, Shakespeare (1968). Othello. Penguin Books, London.