Great pieces of literature, like The Great Gatsby or Romeo and Juliet, are often adapted into film for many to enjoy. However, film adaptations of famous literature often provide different insight into the characters and plots of the original text. One such film adaptation is the 1995 version of William Shakespeare’s Othello, directed by Oliver Parker. Though the play consists of five main characters, this essay will focus mainly on how Emilia is portrayed in both the text and the film.
In Othello, Emilia plays two main roles: Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s friend and maid. Emilia is a very loyal character to both Iago and Desdemona by supporting them throughout most of the play. For example, when Othello says “She [Desdemona] was false …show more content…
In the film adaptation, Emilia enters the room with the news that she has come into possession of Desdemona’s handkerchief. It is evident that she is pleased with herself as she dangles the handkerchief in front of Iago’s face. It is also very clear that Emilia does not receive much affection from Iago because she bribes him into giving her something in return for the handkerchief when she asks “What will you give me now for that same handkerchief?” (57); in return, she got a kiss. However, soon after the kiss, Emilia asks Iago “What will you do with’t, that you have been so earnest to have me filch it?” (57), and he begins to get very violent. Iago flips Emilia over and holds her down as he chides her and essentially rapes her. Since Emilia did not try to fight to get away from Iago, it shows how afraid she is of her husband, and it shows how much power Iago has over her. This fear of her husband makes it easier to understand why Emilia would not mention taking the handkerchief when Othello asked; she took the handkerchief for Iago, but she cannot mention that to Othello because she fears what Iago would do to her if she told and unknowingly ruined his …show more content…
After coming to this realization, the way in which the reader views Emilia in the final scene of the play can be drastically changed. Emilia is a very strong character when it comes to her speech. After Othello tells Emilia to ask Iago about the affair between Cassio and Desdemona, Emilia seems to emanate power with her choice of words. She finally sees an opportunity to gain control over Iago, stating that “If he [Iago] say so, may his pernicious soul rot half a grain a day! He lies to th’ heart” (5.2.156-157 and 1:45-1:50). At this moment, in both the text and the film, it is clear that Emilia continues to gain more confidence. Even as Othello draws a sword to her she continues speaking without flinching; she states “Thou hast not half the power to do me harm as I have to be hurt” (5.2.163 and 1:45-1:50) before leaving the room to report Othello’s vicious act of murder. It is also clear at this moment that her loyalty lies with Desdemona, as she is willing to die on account that her innocence be preserved. Now that Emilia has found her strength, the moment she confronts Iago becomes that much more impactful, especially in the film. In the film, Iago comes across much more violent, and Emilia’s ability to stand her ground against her
In Othello, Emilia plays two main roles: Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s friend and maid. Emilia is a very loyal character to both Iago and Desdemona by supporting them throughout most of the play. For example, when Othello says “She [Desdemona] was false …show more content…
In the film adaptation, Emilia enters the room with the news that she has come into possession of Desdemona’s handkerchief. It is evident that she is pleased with herself as she dangles the handkerchief in front of Iago’s face. It is also very clear that Emilia does not receive much affection from Iago because she bribes him into giving her something in return for the handkerchief when she asks “What will you give me now for that same handkerchief?” (57); in return, she got a kiss. However, soon after the kiss, Emilia asks Iago “What will you do with’t, that you have been so earnest to have me filch it?” (57), and he begins to get very violent. Iago flips Emilia over and holds her down as he chides her and essentially rapes her. Since Emilia did not try to fight to get away from Iago, it shows how afraid she is of her husband, and it shows how much power Iago has over her. This fear of her husband makes it easier to understand why Emilia would not mention taking the handkerchief when Othello asked; she took the handkerchief for Iago, but she cannot mention that to Othello because she fears what Iago would do to her if she told and unknowingly ruined his …show more content…
After coming to this realization, the way in which the reader views Emilia in the final scene of the play can be drastically changed. Emilia is a very strong character when it comes to her speech. After Othello tells Emilia to ask Iago about the affair between Cassio and Desdemona, Emilia seems to emanate power with her choice of words. She finally sees an opportunity to gain control over Iago, stating that “If he [Iago] say so, may his pernicious soul rot half a grain a day! He lies to th’ heart” (5.2.156-157 and 1:45-1:50). At this moment, in both the text and the film, it is clear that Emilia continues to gain more confidence. Even as Othello draws a sword to her she continues speaking without flinching; she states “Thou hast not half the power to do me harm as I have to be hurt” (5.2.163 and 1:45-1:50) before leaving the room to report Othello’s vicious act of murder. It is also clear at this moment that her loyalty lies with Desdemona, as she is willing to die on account that her innocence be preserved. Now that Emilia has found her strength, the moment she confronts Iago becomes that much more impactful, especially in the film. In the film, Iago comes across much more violent, and Emilia’s ability to stand her ground against her