In Othello Emilia is a side character who is often used as a pawn in Iago’s plans, which causes her to do terrible things to Desdemona. When we analyze her character however, we realize that she is not an evil character. We know this because throughout the play she is unaware of Iago’s plan, and she also tries to convince people of her lady’s innocence even if there isn’t any evidence proving that she is loyal. Lastly, when she learns of what she did she told Othello exactly what had happened and betrayed her husband so the truth about Desdemona could be revealed. This shows Emilia loves and is fiercely loyal to Desdemona, and should not be held responsible for her death as it was Iago’s manipulation that caused her to betray her lady.
In …show more content…
This proves that she is a true and loyal friend to Desdemona and has no intention on being part of her murder. In the play Emilia constantly reassures Othello, who often questions his wife 's loyalty. For example, she says “I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, lay down my soul at a stake. If you think other remove your thought it doth abuse your bosom.” (4.2.13-15). This is Emilia speaking up for Desdemona to Othello after he had asked her to give him evidence of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. She fiercely defends her friend even though she does not need to, and chooses to talk back to Othello. When considering their positions in society this would have been seen as very rude and impolite for her to talk to him that way. In Shakespearean times women were not supposed to get defensive or loud about anything, they were supposed to be quiet and obedient. So for Emilia to say these things to any male, much less a male of Othello’s social standing would have been considered unacceptable. She also says that heaven should not pardon him and that hell should gnaw at his bones (4.2.136), after he called Desdemona a whore. Both times Emilia spoke up in the name of Desdemona even though she could have been hurt, however Emilia never hesitates to defend her lady which
In …show more content…
This proves that she is a true and loyal friend to Desdemona and has no intention on being part of her murder. In the play Emilia constantly reassures Othello, who often questions his wife 's loyalty. For example, she says “I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, lay down my soul at a stake. If you think other remove your thought it doth abuse your bosom.” (4.2.13-15). This is Emilia speaking up for Desdemona to Othello after he had asked her to give him evidence of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. She fiercely defends her friend even though she does not need to, and chooses to talk back to Othello. When considering their positions in society this would have been seen as very rude and impolite for her to talk to him that way. In Shakespearean times women were not supposed to get defensive or loud about anything, they were supposed to be quiet and obedient. So for Emilia to say these things to any male, much less a male of Othello’s social standing would have been considered unacceptable. She also says that heaven should not pardon him and that hell should gnaw at his bones (4.2.136), after he called Desdemona a whore. Both times Emilia spoke up in the name of Desdemona even though she could have been hurt, however Emilia never hesitates to defend her lady which