How does Shakespeare present aspects of love in this passage?
Examine the view that, in this passage and elsewhere in the play, ‘the relationship between
Desdemona and Emilia presents female friendship as loyal and constant, unlike the romantic
relationships of the play.’
Plan:
P1- Both show loyal and constant relationship- is loyal and constant unlike romantic relationships,
which both women are disillusioned with “O, these men, these men!”. Shown through Emilia’s
reassurance that Desdemona would not be at fault if she were to “make her husband a cuckold” as
“it is their husband’s fault if wives do fall”. Ref. how they will both fall at the hands of their husbands
(die) but their friendship lasted until death (unlike their marriages). Scene shorter than previous
ones and shows time is running out for their friendship. Despite Emilia being a representation of
everything that should be shunned in a woman, Desdemona listens to her speech and doesn’t
change her perception in this proto-feminist scene. // ref. Desdemona drawing strength from Emilia
as her ‘saviour’ and Emilia echoing desdemonas speech and adopting her voice upon her death,
shows how robust their friendship is as well as the loyalty and consistency. Requited love. Also
withstands class, Desdemona looks past it. Extensive dialogue from Emilia and excessive use of
caesura shows that she has become overwhelmed with protecting Desdemona, but also that she
doesn’t want this alone time with her to end and so drags is out to ensure they get the longest time
possible together. Desdemona uses short, blunt speech, showing she is willing and eager to listen to
what Emilia has to say. Deep and personal conversation, would have grave consequences if
overheard- shows the trust and belief in the loyalty of one another.
P2- Emilia loyal and constant relationship, one sided -Unrequited love, Emilia much more loving
towards Desdemona than she is to Emilia. The two are clearly very different in character but accept
that about each other and get along well. Emilia is a positive influence and their shared experiences
as women keeps the female friendship loyal and constant. Reminds Desdemona of her worth by
reclaiming/echoing the misogynistic language used previously by the men in the play “pour our
treasures into foreign laps” and “The purchase made…The profit’s yet to come ‘tween me and you”.
Focus on monetary worth, Emilia makes it satirical and diminishes the weight held by men’s
opinions. Stands up for Des. after her death, stands up to men “ignorant as dirt!”, very brave and
courageous, shows loyalty. Speaks of Desdemona with high praise, “angel”, “heavenly true”. Risk her
life for her. Her speech is long and nonphatic- shows intelligence and how she is trying to influence
Desdemona for her own good. Extensive dialogue and excessive use of caesura shows that she has
become overwhelmed with protecting Desdemona, but also that she doesn’t want this alone time
with her to end and so drags is out to ensure they get the longest time possible together.
P3- Romantic love, Emilia’s loyal and constant love continues until death- explains extreme devotion.
Looks at the statement from a different perspective, shows romantic love can create loyalty but
perhaps not in a relationship, or possibly its men/the patriarchy that leads to romantic relationships
being disloyal and inconstant rather than the form of love himself. The aforementioned is not the
only time Emilia echos Othello, takes on the emotional and physical protective husband role that
Othello should have fulfilled for Desdemona; possibly trying to fulfil romantic role. Knows its not her
place and that “speaking as I think, alas I die”, but risks her life to protect Desdemonas legacy and
show Othello she had loyalty and consistency all along when he didn’t. Her proto-feminist speech is
to inspire and look out for her friend, however parts can be inferred as suggestive. “cuckold to make
him a monarch? I should venture purgatory for’t”, “it is a great price for a small vice”, “yet we have
, some revenge” and “have not we affections…as men have?”. Misogyny weakens hetero
relationships/love but strengthens same sex relationships.
P4- Emilia not loyal or constant relationship, one sided- Although Emilia seems much more fond of
Desdemona that the other way around and clearly shows more devotion to the friendship,
Desdemona is arguably the only one that shows true loyalty and consistency- handkerchief, Emilia is
disloyal and undermines their friendship. Its not constant now Emilia has betrayed her. Although,
could be seen as purely a victim of abuse and was product woman of a patriarchal society. Emilia is
loyal to Iago and not Desdemona, and Desdemona is loyal to Othello, showing that romantic
relationships in the play can be loyal; although one sided and presented as female obedience, and
not constant in Emilia’s case. Emilia isn’t loyal to Desdemona if she slept with Othello. “I know not,
Madam” and “What he will do with it, Heaven knows, not I.”
