Comparing Desdemona And Emilia In Shakespeare's Othello

In Othello, Shakespeare introduces two female characters, Desdemona and Emilia to the audience. First, Desdemona is an inspiring character for women. Second, Emilia is most practical example of how women act. Lastly, Desdemona and Emilia are similar to each other. Desdemona is a good example of an inspiring character, while Emilia is a good example of a practical character in many ways. First, Desdemona is an inspiring character for women. Desdemona is completely in love with Othello and obeys him without any flaws. Desdemona only wishes to keep Othello happy and believes that telling him the truth will keep him from being upset with her. Desdemona never wants to love anyone except Othello although he believes Iago that she has had an affair with Cassio. Desdemona tries to prove her faithfulness to Othello: “No, as I am a Christian. If to preserve this vessel for my lord/ From any other foul unlawful touch/ Be not to be a strumpet, I am none” (4.2.82-86). Second, Emilia is most practical example of how women act. Emilia is faithful to her Iago, but does not think cheating is wrong for a good price. Emilia loves Iago, but only supports him when she needs to. Despite her being married to Iago she believes that men are to responsible for women’s actions as men set …show more content…
Desdemona and Emilia are both accused of having an affair, towards the beginning of the play Iago believes that Emilia has had an affair with Othello, later on Iago say, “Look to your wife. Observe her well with Cassio” in hopes he could trick Othello into believing that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio (3.3.198). Iago has a plan to make it seem that Desdemona is cheating on Othello, which Desdemona and Emilia are unaware of and participate unknowingly. Desdemona is faithful to Othello, and despite Emilia confessing she would have an affair she stays faithful to Iago. Tragically in the end Desdemona and Emilia were killed by their