Mentally breaking free from the paralyzing grasp of a controlling significant other is next to impossible. Commonly, people are either blinded by love or paralyzed in fear, which allows the perpetrator to continue to dominate aspects of their partner 's life. However, Emilia, the wife of Iago and the maid of Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello, is an exception. Given time, Emilia is eventually able to escape from the ever-perplexing motives of Iago as well as emerge independent and strong. The reason for her sudden change in character is attributed to her personal ethics. Emilia values honesty and tradition immensely, however, the traditional role of a wife sometimes does outweigh her truthfulness. Shakespeare effectively advances the
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An unexpected debate occurs between Emilia and Desdemona, discussing the justifications for infidelity. While Desdemona stresses the more conservative point of view, Desdemona, surprisingly, insists the righteousness for women to cheat on their husbands. As a matter of fact, she admits that she would cheat on Iago given the right circumstances and assets to blame the husbands if their wives do deceive them. Furthermore, she speaks up for equality among men and women, “Let husbands know Their wives have sense like them. They see, and smell, And have their palates both sweet and sour, As husbands have” (4.3.104-108). Everything considered, it is apparent Emilia’s character is changing, she insinuates a dislike towards her husband which weakens the effectiveness of his manipulation on her. Congruently, her loyalty to Iago will decrease since she is starting to distrust his judgement. On the contrary, Emilia obviously trusts Desdemona considering she unhesitatingly expressed her tendentious opinion. As a result, this marks a turning point in Emilia’s choice of faithfulness and implies a complete revolution in her …show more content…
Emilia has just learned that Desdemona was killed by her husband, Othello, who believes it was the honorable thing to do. As Emilia starts to piece together Iago’s role in the horrific event she realizes how evil he is and confesses that, “’Tis proper I obey him, but not now. Perchance, Iago, I will ne’er go home” (5.2.233-234). Disgusted by Iago’s lies and deception, Emilia refuses to comply with his orders to keep quiet which she would have never done before. However, Emilia focuses more on the innocence of Desdemona and how wrongful her death was than on the awfulness of Iago. The significance of this is that Emilia’s allegiance resonates with the tragedy of Desdemona rather than the betrayal of Iago. Additionally, Emilia gets caught up in the commotion between Iago and Othello, resulting in Iago stabbing her. As she is dying she confirms who she is most loyal to, “O, lay me by my mistress’ side” (5.2.284). Her dying wish is to perish next to her true and faithful friend. By achieving to reveal the truth behind Iago’s intentions, Emilia fully evolves from an obedient wife to an independent woman who stands up justice.
Emila’s portrayal in Shakespeare 's Othello, transforms from easily influence and soft-spoken to confidence and courageous. Her unanticipated change in character successfully highlights the weakening efforts of manipulation and her shifting
An unexpected debate occurs between Emilia and Desdemona, discussing the justifications for infidelity. While Desdemona stresses the more conservative point of view, Desdemona, surprisingly, insists the righteousness for women to cheat on their husbands. As a matter of fact, she admits that she would cheat on Iago given the right circumstances and assets to blame the husbands if their wives do deceive them. Furthermore, she speaks up for equality among men and women, “Let husbands know Their wives have sense like them. They see, and smell, And have their palates both sweet and sour, As husbands have” (4.3.104-108). Everything considered, it is apparent Emilia’s character is changing, she insinuates a dislike towards her husband which weakens the effectiveness of his manipulation on her. Congruently, her loyalty to Iago will decrease since she is starting to distrust his judgement. On the contrary, Emilia obviously trusts Desdemona considering she unhesitatingly expressed her tendentious opinion. As a result, this marks a turning point in Emilia’s choice of faithfulness and implies a complete revolution in her …show more content…
Emilia has just learned that Desdemona was killed by her husband, Othello, who believes it was the honorable thing to do. As Emilia starts to piece together Iago’s role in the horrific event she realizes how evil he is and confesses that, “’Tis proper I obey him, but not now. Perchance, Iago, I will ne’er go home” (5.2.233-234). Disgusted by Iago’s lies and deception, Emilia refuses to comply with his orders to keep quiet which she would have never done before. However, Emilia focuses more on the innocence of Desdemona and how wrongful her death was than on the awfulness of Iago. The significance of this is that Emilia’s allegiance resonates with the tragedy of Desdemona rather than the betrayal of Iago. Additionally, Emilia gets caught up in the commotion between Iago and Othello, resulting in Iago stabbing her. As she is dying she confirms who she is most loyal to, “O, lay me by my mistress’ side” (5.2.284). Her dying wish is to perish next to her true and faithful friend. By achieving to reveal the truth behind Iago’s intentions, Emilia fully evolves from an obedient wife to an independent woman who stands up justice.
Emila’s portrayal in Shakespeare 's Othello, transforms from easily influence and soft-spoken to confidence and courageous. Her unanticipated change in character successfully highlights the weakening efforts of manipulation and her shifting