Emilia
Emilia, Iago's wife, accompanies him to Cyprus and serves as a lady-in-waiting to Desdemona. She unknowingly aids Iago's scheme by handing over Desdemona's handkerchief, which he had requested her to steal. After Othello kills Desdemona, Emilia discloses Desdemona's innocence and is fatally wounded by Iago for revealing the truth.
Upon arriving in Cyprus, the dynamic between Emilia and Iago becomes apparent. Cassio greets Emilia with a kiss, prompting Iago to remark, "Sir, would she give you so much of her lips / As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, / You would have enough" (II.i. 100-102).
Emilia is a determined woman who refuses to tolerate her husband's mistreatment. She seeks to please Iago by retrieving Desdemona's dropped handkerchief, inadvertently contributing to Desdemona's demise. However, upon realizing Iago's true intentions, she exposes him and refuses to be silenced, even when he demands her to "hold your peace" (V.ii.220). Emilia is the only character Iago cannot fully control.
The play provides additional evidence of Emilia's strong-willed and independent character. After Othello publicly strikes and humiliates Desdemona, Emilia tells Iago that someone must have slandered Desdemona to incite Othello's jealousy, a baseless accusation similar to Iago's own claim that Emilia has been unfaithful with Othello (IV.ii.145-147). Emilia later tells Desdemona that some women do cheat on their husbands and are justified in doing so if their husbands have been unfaithful. She believes that men and women share the same passions and desires. Towards the end of the play, Emilia persistently seeks justice for Desdemona's killers, even defying Othello's attempts to intimidate her physically. She declares, "I'll make thee known / Though I lost twenty lives" (V.ii.166-167). Ultimately, Iago can only silence Emilia by stabbing her to death.
Expert Q&A
How does Emilia justify a woman's unfaithfulness in Othello?
Emilia justifies a woman's unfaithfulness by suggesting it is often the husband's fault, as they neglect and mistreat their wives. She argues that if husbands fail in their duties, exhibit jealousy, or are abusive, women might seek revenge through infidelity. Emilia also suggests that women have the same senses and desires as men, implying that they are entitled to act upon them if mistreated.
How did Emilia stand up to Iago in Othello?
Emilia stands up to Iago in the final act by revealing his deceitful actions. After Desdemona's death, she pieces together Iago's villainy and decides to expose him, despite the danger to herself. She breaks her marital vow of silence for the greater good, disclosing that she gave Iago the handkerchief central to his plot. Her revelation prompts Othello to confront Iago, but Emilia is ultimately killed by her husband for her courageous honesty.
In Othello, what does Emilia and Desdemona's conversation reveal about their characters?
Emilia and Desdemona's conversation in "Othello" highlights their contrasting perspectives. Emilia is worldly, cynical, and realistic, understanding human flaws and acknowledging gender equality in vices. Desdemona, however, is naive, idealistic, and overly trusting, unaware of the darker sides of human nature. Their dialogue reveals Emilia's acceptance of infidelity as a response to men's faults, while Desdemona remains shocked by such notions, underscoring her innocence and vulnerability.
In Othello, who does Emilia show loyalty to?
Although Emilia initially helps her husband, Iago, she is ultimately loyal to Desdemona in Othello and defends her as well as she can.
In Othello, when does Emilia choose silence and when does she speak up?
Emilia chooses silence when Desdemona and Othello discuss the missing handkerchief in Act 3, scene 4, as she knows she stole it but is unaware of Iago's plan. She dismisses it as a "trifle." However, in Act 5, she speaks up, revealing her role in the theft and exposing Iago's villainy, despite his warnings to remain silent. Her disobedience leads to her death, but it ultimately unravels Iago's scheme.
Why was Emilia killed in Othello?
Iago kills Emilia in Othello to hide the truth about his manipulation of Othello and his role in Desdemona's death.
How does Emilia react and Othello respond to Desdemona's supposed unfaithfulness in Act 4?
In Act 4, when Othello questions Emilia about Desdemona's supposed unfaithfulness, Emilia staunchly defends Desdemona's virtue, stating that if Desdemona is not honest, then no woman is. Othello dismisses Emilia as naive, implying she is involved in deceit, and accuses her of being like a secretive, duplicitous woman. Despite Emilia's defense, Othello remains convinced of Desdemona's infidelity, reflecting his deep-seated mistrust and jealousy.
How much should we sympathize with Emilia in Act 4 of Othello and for what reasons?
In Act 4 of "Othello," Emilia can be seen as a sympathetic character due to her unwitting role as a pawn in Iago's schemes. Her marriage to Iago, a manipulative and evil man, evokes pity as she remains unaware of his true nature. However, some sympathy is lost because she allows herself to be used, raising questions about her naivety and potential complicity. Her actions and motivations can appear both naive and conniving.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.